Vector Graphics

Vector Graphics Commonly used for:

(a) Graphics that will be scaled (or resized) (b) Illustrations and clip art (c) Scalable graphics on websites (d) Fonts and specialized text effects

Disadvantages

(a) Lower color quality than bitmap images for photographic images. (b) Limited in the type of effects that can be applied. (c) Can be time consuming to create.

Vector Graphic Advantages

(a) Scalable (b)Easily editable (c) Small file sizes

Vector Graphic Characteristics

(a) Shapes can be edited by moving points called anchor points. (b) Can be 2D or 3D (c) Edited in draw programs

EPS - Encapsulated Postscript

(1) Meta graphic (2) Developed by Adobe, but supported by most programs. (3) Most common interchange format for the print industry due to its portability.

WMF - Windows Metafile

(1) Microsoft created format for raster and vector. (2) Common format for Windows Clipart.

AI - Adobe Illustrator

(1) Native file format for Adobe Illustrator. (2) The industry standard used by developers of vector graphics. (3) Used to create, save, and archive original artwork.

SVG - Scalable Vector Graphics

(1) Open standard developed by the W3C. (2) All purpose vector format. (3) Works well with web page design.

Common Vector File Formats

AI , EPS, SVG, WMF,

AI

Adobe Illistrator

EPS

Encapsulated Postscript

SVG

Scalable Vector Graphics

WMF

Windows Metafile

Point Type

a line of text that begins at the point that you click, which expands as you type. The type will not automatically wrap to the next line, you must use enter.

Image Trace

a tool in a vector program will take a raster image or scanned drawing and automatically convert it to paths, based on selected settings.

Scalable

able to change size easily without loss of quality.

Type on Path

allows you to attach text to an open or closed path.

Anchor point

basic component of paths, which appear at the start and end of every path or where it changes direction.

l) Vector Effects

commands that can be applied to an object, group, or layer to change its characteristics, such as distort and transform, warp, and stylize.

Text Wrap

controls how area text flows over or around objects and images.

Small file sizes

easily transferred over the Internet

Gradients

filling an object with a smooth transition from one color to another.

Meta graphic

graphic formats that can contain both vector and raster data

Vector Graphics

graphics that are based on mathematical formulas and are comprised of paths connected by anchor points that define lines, shapes, and curves.

pen tool

it uses anchor points and paths to allow you to create straight lines, Bezier lines (curved), and shapes in a countless amount of combinations. Considered one of the most powerful tools in graphic design.

Path

made up of one or more line segments, connected by two or more anchor points or nodes.

Line segment

part of a line that has an anchor point on each end.

Easily editable

since each vector is made up of separate and distinct objects, each can be edited independently at any time.

Stroke

the visible outline of a shape or path, such as the color, weight, or style, which is not the same as a path as a path can have no stroke as an option

Drawing

using shapes or other tools such as the pen or pencil to simulate the experience of drawing on paper.

Raster vs Vector

Raster better for photographs, the web, books, and magazines./ Vector better for logos, illustrations, and large format designs, such a billboards.