Vector files use mathematical points, shapes and coordinates to create scalable graphics. They are used for print projects and come in formats such as EPS, AI, CDR and WMF. Vector graphics are created using geometric shapes and can be resized without distortion, making them ideal for logos and illustrations. They differ from bitmap images which are made up of pixels and do not scale well. Vector files are also smaller in size and can incorporate bitmap images for photorealism.
A vector file is a type of electronic file used for computer graphics. Some key features are that a vector file describes graphics in terms of mathematical points, coordinates and shapes. Graphics within a vector file will be easily scalable images. Also, the vector image file type is often used when creating images for print projects.
Vector files come in a variety of file formats. For example, a file format type can be an Encapsulated PostScript (EPS) type and use EPS as a file suffix. The file suffix could also be a proprietary file type created by a software package specifically designed for creating vector graphics. Some of these other vector file formats are AI, CDR, and WMF.
Graphics within a vector file are created primarily using geometric shapes such as circles, ellipses, Bezier curves, squares, rectangles, polygons, and lines. The most sophisticated designs are created by joining and intersecting shapes. Each shape is treated as a single object within the larger image. Vector graphics work most effectively when the design is created from shapes filled with single colors or gradients.
An advantage of vector graphics is that images are scalable and graphics can be scaled up or down without distorting the image. This feature makes the vector file type important in the logo design field, because a graphic designer can easily resize the image to fit a variety of layouts while maintaining a sharp, crisp look. Vector images are also used for illustrations, animations, cartoons, and scalable fonts.
Graphics within a vector file are different from a bitmap or raster graphics image file. Bitmap graphics are made up of pixels, or picture elements, in a grid format that defines the image. These images excel at displaying color gradations and therefore are useful for photographs, but they don’t scale well. If they are resized the image will lose information and if they are resized the image will appear pixelated.
Another advantage of vector files is that they are relatively small compared to bitmap images. It’s also easy for illustration software to convert art in vector files into bitmap images. Converting a bitmap image to a vector image is difficult for software and often requires the designer to work with the image to get good results.
More sophisticated vector imaging software applications can use bitmap images as objects along with traditional vector geometric attributes. In some cases, the images can be rival bitmap images for photorealism. This feature greatly increases the usefulness of these applications.
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