What is Vector Image? This is What it Mean and The Characteristics

You are probably more familiar with .jpg images, like those you would get from your digital camera. If you try to zoom in very close, you will notice that the image becomes blurry and the colors appear as small squares or dots. But this kind of thing will never happen to vector images. So what is a vector image, and what are the characteristics?

Vector Image Definition and Characteristics

1. Vector and Raster Image

In the world of graphic design, Vector images are usually differentiated from raster images. The main difference between the two is the element that comprises both photos. A raster image is a pixel-based image. This causes raster images to be resolution-dependent and turn blurry when they are scaled up.

On the other hand, a vector graphic is a graphic that results from a combination of points and lines using mathematical formulas, thus forming a polygon that depicts a particular image object. The location of a vector image is referred to as control points or nodes, where the position of each point is defined by its x and y coordinates. In vector art, each line or point can be added with various attributes, such as shape, line style, curve type, thickness, color, and fill color.

This characteristic of vector image makes it perfect for many occasions. It is suitable for illustrations that will be printed on a big banner, for example. It is also ideal for your business needs, since it can be adjusted for many platforms.

2. Vector File Formats

The format of vector graphics is called vector files. There are many kinds of vector files, and sometimes it depends on the software that you use, such as:

• CDR (format from Corel Draw)
• AI (format from Adobe Illustration)
• SVG
• EPS
• PDF

3. Characteristics of Vector Images

By using the characteristics below,  you can identify a vector graphic easily. The attributes of vector graphics are:

1. Vector images are formed from a combination of individual objects consisting of points, lines, and colors.
2. Image size does not affect the quality of the displayed image, because it does not depend on image resolution.
3. Has a relatively small size for the image file
4. It is scalable, so it won’t break when the image is enlarged
5. The resulting image display is less real and natural, so it cannot be used to produce realistic photo images.
6. When displayed on the monitor screen, it requires a longer process.

4. Pros of Vector Images

Vector images can have some advantages over other image formats, such as:

• The storage space used by drawing objects is more efficient.
• Can be printed at high resolution using a printer.
• Images can be resized to any size without fear of deterioration.
• Vector images are easier to edit.

5. Disadvantages of Vector Graphics

Although vector graphics appear to have many advantages, this file format is not necessarily perfect. This type of format can also have disadvantages. One example is that if the image is converted to a bitmap, it cannot generate the primary vector anymore and loses all of its vector characteristics.

Types of Vector-Based Software

• CorelDRAW
• Zoner Draw
• Canvas 8
• Adobe Illustrator
• Xara X1
• Creature House Expression

Read also: Best Image Editing Software to Use for Newbies

When to Use Vector Art?

In the world of graphic design, vector graphics play a significant role in most printed or published materials, such as logos. Logos should always be in a vector format so that smooth lines and shapes produce the best quality for printed materials. You can use your vector logo blown up on a giant billboard or made smaller for small accessories by using vector format.

Those are the key things to know about vector graphics. Vector graphics are often compared to raster graphics. As a type of graphic, vector graphics offer advantages in terms of resolution. There are many software programs available for processing vector image files, and each software also supports different vector formats.

If you need high-quality photos for your business, try professional product image editing services, Dropicts. We are ready to help you fix your photos. For more information, please visit our website.

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