Abstract: Instruction methods for moving data between memory and a vector register file while performing data formatting. The methods are processed by a processor having a vector register file and a memory unit. The methods are useful in the graphics art because they allow more efficient movement and processing of raster formatted graphics data. The vector register file has a number of vector registers (e.g., 32) that each contain multi-bits of storage (e.g., 128 bits). In one class of instructions, eight byte locations within memory are simultaneously loaded into eight separate 16 bit locations within a register of the register file. The data can be integer or fraction and signed or unsigned. The data can also be stored from the register file back to memory. In a second class of instructions, alternate locations of a memory qaudword are selected and simultaneously loaded in the register file.