What is Vector For Beginners in Graphics?

Odunayo Adedire

 

WHAT IS VECTOR

 

Vector graphics are computer graphics images that are defined in terms of points on a Cartesian plane, which are connected by lines and curves to form polygons and other shapes.

 

WHAT ARE VECTOR IN DESIGN

Vectors are digital shapes made of lines and curves that create an image based on a mathematical equation. Also called paths, these lines and curves allow designers to scale images as simple as a shape or as complex as a full-blown illustration.

 

WHAT ARE VECTOR GRAPHICS USED FOR

 

Vector graphics are made up by points (or coordinates) on a screen that are connected through lines and curves called paths. Vector graphics are widely used for creating logos, line art, 3D-like renderings, and animations, amongst other examples.

 

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO VECTOR AN IMAGE?

 

Vector images are path-based mathematical equations which allow unlimited resizing without degradation of image quality, or to put it simply, the image remains smooth without pixelation or jagged edges.

 

HOW DO U KNOW IF AN IMAGE IS VECTOR?

 

The easiest way to tell if an image is vectorized is to enlarge the image or a section of it. Start at 100% scale and then enlarge it to check. If it’s a vector based image you will not see any pixels or deterioration of defined edges (lines) of the graphic.

 

WHAT IS RASTER AND WHAT IS VECTOR GRAPHICS?

 

The main difference between vector and raster graphics is that raster graphics are composed of pixels, while vector graphics are composed of paths. A raster graphic, such as GIF or JPEG, is an array of pixels of various colors, which together form an image.

 

 

BAD SIDES OF VECTOR

 

Some drawbacks of vector files include the facts that Vector files cannot easily be used to store extremely complex images, such as some photographs, where color information is paramount and may vary on a pixel-by-pixel basis.

 

Also, High-resolution raster displays are needed to display vector graphics as effectively.

 

WHAT IS THE BENEFITS OF VECTOR ART

 

Vector files are small because they contain a lot of less data than raster image files. Vector graphics are more flexible than raster graphics because they can be easily scaled up and down without any loss to the quality of the image.

 

 

HOW DO I CONVERT AN IMAGE TO VECTOR

 

Step 1: Pick an Image to Convert to Vector

Step 2: Select an Image Trace Preset

Step 3: Vectorize the Image With Image Trace

Step 4: Fine-Tune Your Traced Image

Step 5: Ungroup Colors

Step 6: Edit Your Vector Image

Step 7: Save Your Image.

 

 

DISADVANTAGES OF USING VECTOR

The drawback is that they might take longer to draw, etc since there’s more of parsing and drawing going on than just using a bitmap. This should although be neglectable if you keep your vectors simple. Also read about using vector drawables with the support library.

 

BENEFIT OF VECTOR GRAPHICS

• They have “infinite” resolution
• They are scalable
• They are lightweight (small file size)
• They are intuitively created
• They are easily manipulated
• They are easily reusable
• They are multipurpose
• They can produce very realistic results
• They can be animated
• They can be edited with code
• They can be interactive