Vector Graphics

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Vector Graphics

• 2.01 Investigate graphic image design.

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Vector Graphics

• Vector graphics are created from mathematical
  formulas used to define lines, shapes and curves.
  
• Edited in draw programs
• Shapes can be edited by moving points called
  nodes (drawing points)

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Examples

• More examples
• http//qvectors.com/

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Uses of Vector Graphics

• Graphics that will be scaled (or resized)
• Architectural drawings and CAD programs
• Flow charts
• Logos that will be scaled (resized)
• Cartoons and clip art
• Graphics on websites
• Because they have very small file sizes.
• This allows them to load quickly.
• Fonts and specialized text effects

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Advantages of Vectors

• Resolution Independent
• Regardless of how much the image is enlarged or
  reduced, the image definition and quality remain
  the same.
• Small File Sizes
• Easily transferred over the Internet.

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Disadvantages of Vectors

• Lower color quality than raster images.
• They do not support as many colors.
• Not good for photographic images.
• Click to see an example.

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Popular Vector Graphic Software

• Xara Xtreme
• Adobe Illustrator
• CorelDraw
• Inkscape open source software similar to Adobe
  Illustrator.

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Common Vector File Formats

• AI Adobe Illustrator
• Industry standard used by developers of vector
  graphics.
• Used to create, save, and archive original
  artwork.
• EPS Encapsulated Postscript
• Meta Graphic
• Graphics developers generally save a copy of the
  AI file in EPS format because it can be opened by
  computers running different operating systems.
• Preferred format for vendors/clients who use the
  graphics in publications due to its portability.

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Meta Graphics

• Can contain vector and raster data.
• Shapes in vector graphics can be filled with
  textures and patterns that are raster graphics.
• Useful when layering text on top of raster
  graphics.
• Examples
• WMF Windows Metafile
• EPS Encapsulated Postscript

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More Vector Formats

• SVG Scalable Vector Graphics
• Standard format created by W3C
• Versatile, all-purpose vector format
• PLT Hewlett Packard Graphics Language Plot File
• CDR Corel Draw
• DXF AutoCAD
• WMF Windows Metafile