Tag: Vector

Vector Graphics Explained

Do you need to produce illustrations on your computer for your business or organisation? Understanding how to use object-oriented graphics will enhance your company’s literature and the vector drawing software is not difficult to use.

Vector graphics make such a difference to any form of illustration produced on a computer. This article explains what they are and the differences between vector and raster graphics. Learn how to use object-oriented graphics to enhance your organisation’s posters, flyers and letterheads.

What are vector graphics?

They are created on a computer and are a popular illustration format.

In the following article, we’ll explain exactly what they are, what benefits they have over raster graphics and when they are best used.

A vector is a line

But it doesn’t have to be a straight line. Object-oriented graphics are mathematical equations that consist of co-ordinates, positions and curve information. They’re similar to a dot-to-dot drawing, albeit slightly more sophisticated.

Think about an aeroplane taking off from the ground and rising to an altitude in the sky. There are a series of factors that determine the curve between the point at which the plane leaves the ground and the point at which it reaches cruising altitude, such as speed, angle at takeoff etc.

And it’s a similar case with object-oriented graphics. To draw a curved line, for example, the vector graphics programme requires the co-ordinates of the line’s two end points. Once these have been plotted, you can create a curve between them. The mathematics will have been calculated in the background.

If a shape needs to be enlarged, numbers are added to the equation behind the scenes to present the same shape at the same quality, but much bigger. Colours and styles are then added.

But object-oriented graphics don’t restrict you to simple 2D images; incredibly detailed, almost photo-like results can be achieved.

Increase size without decreasing quality

No matter what size you enlarge or shrink object-oriented graphics, the quality will remain exactly the same; it will be 100% sharp and clear.

Compare this to raster graphics where the images are composed entirely of squares of colour known as pixels. Resizing these graphics forces the software to estimate which pixels will fill a larger image, causing pixelation which gives a blurry and fuzzy effect.

The ability to increase a vector’s size without sacrificing quality is also closely linked to file size. Even if your vector graphic is the size of a billboard, the file size will still be relatively small, especially when compared to that of a raster image.

This is because a vector file only records the information related to the graphic’s objects, i.e. co-ordinates, positions etc., whereas raster graphics need to record every single pixel in an image, leading to a much larger file size.

One disadvantage to vector graphics in the past was that you couldn’t achieve anywhere near the photographic, lifelike quality you could in a raster image. However, developments in software mean that this is now more feasible, although the process can be time-consuming.

Perfect for print and screen

Vector graphics are used in websites, animations and business branding materials such as logos, letterheads and flyers. A logo, for example, needs to be flexible and versatile in its design so it can be applied in varying sizes and across a range of media which could be anything from an A4 sheet of paper to the side of a car.

The fact that you can easily enlarge and shrink vector graphics to any size makes this possible. And it’s not just in printed materials where vector excels.

The format has become popular on websites too because of a combination of small file size, high quality, and compatibility with all major browsers and most smartphones.

Raster graphics, on the other hand, can boast high quality, but at a cost of a larger file size. The downside here is that a larger file forces page load times to increase, which might mean a potential visitor has to wait for a page to appear.

Vector graphics software makes it easy

As you can see, vector artwork is ideal for a number of situations and, with software readily available and far from expensive, there really is every reason to try your hand at it.

Tools are easy to use too, with changes quickly made, and the results are sharp and sophisticated so it’s perfect for materials that represent your business.

Full Color Banners – Use of Vector and Raster Images With Striking Success

Have you ever had a graphics artist ask you about raster and vector images? Like most people not involved in graphics you were probably a little confused by the question. The fact is, that the proper use of vector and raster (or bitmap) images is very significant to the final outcome of large dimension printing like full color banners. If you have seen a printed image that was pixilated, out of proportion or lacked precise definition, then they most likely used a bitmap imagery and enlarged that image until it lost its crisp definition. Speaking of crisp definitions, lets define vector and raster.

  • Vector images are composed of paths, which are defined by a start and end points, along with other points, curves, and angles. A path may take the form of a line, a square, a triangle, or a curved shape. These paths may be combined to create simple drawings or complex diagrams. Due to vector images not being composed of a specific number of dots, but formula representing the curves and paths, they can be scaled to a larger size and not lose any image quality. Vector images are stored in a good deal smaller files than raster images. Vector images are generally unsuitable for photo-realistic, extremely complex images, but are best suited for graphs, diagrams, logos or images composed of basic shapes, such as cartoon-style characters. Common types of vector graphics editors include Adobe Illustrator, and Macromedia Freehand. Their file designators are ai and eps.
  • Bitmap images are exactly what their name implies, a collection of bits that form an image. The image consists of a matrix of individual dots or pixels that all have their own color. Bitmap images are not the best candidates for resizing, rotating, or stretching. Their best representation is in the size and orientation they were originally developed. They may be cropped, colorized, converted to black and white, or combined with other images using an image editing program such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop Elements or Corel Photo-paint. When modifying bitmap graphics you are modifying at the pixel level; in other words, the color of any one pixel may be modified. The size of the file is based on the image’s resolution. Bitmap images are used for photorealistic images and, therefore, may include involved color variations.

After enlarging a vector image, the edges remain smooth and distinct. As a result, vector images are great for large graphics like full color banners. Vector graphics, like a logo, can be compressed small enough to appear on a 3.5″ X 2″ business card, but can also be enlarged up to size for a 6′ H X 30′ W full color banner with no loss of resolution or definition. If you use a digital photograph on a large banner, it must be taken at extremely high resolution. This results in using a very large file providing sufficient pixels to not lose definition when the photograph is enlarged.

You can still use photos, with good results. on full color banners. The file sizes become so large they are difficult to work with and the equipment that must be used is very expensive. Conversions of raster to vector is getting more popular. The result may not look like a real photo, but in most instances has a striking and dynamic impact. For example, conversion of a bitmap image of a political candidate to a vector image to place on a large banner has a unique effect. The reader still recognizes the characteristics of the politician, but the resulting image has a “dynamic” almost surreal feel to it.

The bottom line is that both raster and vector may used with success on large full color banners. Make sure the person doing it knows what they are doing and that you ask to see samples of their work.

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