Vector Graphics

2.01C - Investigate graphic image design.

Node

Handle

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)

Vector Graphics

Examples

Original Image

Resized Image Shapes that

make up the image.

Uses of Vector Graphics Graphics that will be scaled (or resized)

Architectural drawings and CAD programs Flow charts Logos that will be scaled (resized)

Logo Examples: http://www.visual-integrity.com/fly-sdk-01.htm

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

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.

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.

Popular Vector Graphic Software

Xara Xtreme Adobe Illustrator CorelDraw DXF – AutoCAD Inkscape – open source software similar to

Adobe Illustrator.

http://inkscape.org/

AI – Adobe Illustrator Industry standard used by developers of vector

graphics.

Used to create, save, and archive original artwork.

EPS – Encapsulated Postscript Meta Graphic—(next page)

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.

Common Vector File Formats

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

More Vector Formats

SVG – Scalable Vector Graphics

Standard format created by W3C (The Worldwide Web Consortium)

Versatile, all-purpose vector format CDR – Corel Draw

DXF – AutoCAD

WMF – Windows Metafile

1.01 Investigate graphic types and file formats. 11