What aspects determine the quality of a raster image?

The quality of a raster image is primarily influenced by the total number of pixels and the information contained in each pixel. A higher total number of pixels, often referred to as resolution, allows for greater detail in the image. When more pixels are packed into the same area, the image can capture finer details and exhibit smoother transitions between colors and tones. Additionally, the pixel information – which includes color values, brightness, and other attributes for each pixel – also plays a critical role in determining the overall quality. This means that not only the quantity of pixels but also the richness of data each pixel holds contributes to the clarity, sharpness, and fidelity of the image.

Other factors, such as file size and file format, can influence aspects like loading times and compatibility, but they do not directly determine the intrinsic quality of the image's visual representation. Similarly, compression rates and the type of storage medium may affect performance and accessibility, but they do not inherently change the quality of the raster imagery itself. Color depth and resolution are also fundamental contributors to quality; however, in this context, the choice that encompasses both the number of pixels and the detailed information each pixel carries captures the essence of raster image quality most accurately.