VECTOR GRAPHICSBrief discussion about vector graphics

Vector Graphicsa method of generating images that uses mathematical descriptions to determine the position, length, and direction in which lines are to be drawn.

Vector Graphicsan alternative to raster graphics

THE ANATOMY OF ILLUSTRATION

An ILLUSTRATION is composed of different vector OBJECTSIllustration:Objects:

Each OBJECT have one or more PATHSPaths:

PATHS are composed of LINE SEGMENTS that usually have ANCHOR POINTS at each endLine Segments and Anchor Points:

Anchor Points are the fundamental components of any vector image define the position and curve properties of a line segment

Bezier Curve

Anchor Points may or may not have CONTROL HANDLES Each Point has one or two Control Handles

ObjectsStroke can be applied to the PATH of an object Fill can be applied to the area enclosed by the PATH

Stroke may have properties such as weight, color, Solid vs. Dashed, Line Caps or CornersFill may have properties such as Color, Uniform or Gradient, Pattern or Texture

Common Vector FormatsSWF (Shockwave Flash)SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics)AI (Adobe Illustrator) CDR (CorelDRAW) CMX (Corel Exchange) CGM Computer Graphics Metafile DXF AutoCAD WMF Windows Metafile

Stroke Examples:Fill Examples:

SolidDashedNonePattern*

Linear GradientRadial Gradient Pattern Texture*

Path and SubpathsOpen or Closed OpenClosed

RASTER VS. VECTORComparison on the two types of images

Raster ImageVector Image

WHEN TO USE VECTOR GRAPHICS?

Resolution IndependentYou can increase and decrease the size of vector images to any degree and your lines will remain crisp and sharp.

RasterizinggnizirotceVVector images can be easily converted into raster images but not vice versa.

No background Vector objects can be placed over other objects, and the object below will show through. Vector Raster

DISADVANTAGES OF VECTOR GRAPHICS

Cartoonish PropertyThey're unsuitable for producing photo-realistic imagery.

TRNOnce converted to Bitmap format, it loses all its features.

ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR

HISTORY OF ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR

Initial ReleaseVersion 2-5Version 6-10Versions CS (11) & CS2 (12)Versions CS3 (13)

PARTS OF ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR

PartsArtboardScratch areaToolboxPallets

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