Vector Graphics Explained

Do you need to produce illustrations on your computer for your company or organization? Understanding how to use object oriented graphics will improve your company literature and vector drawing software is not difficult to use.

Vector graphics make a big 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 organization’s posters, brochures, and letterhead.

What are vector graphics?

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

In the next article, we’ll explain exactly what they are, what benefits they have over raster graphics, and when it’s best to use them.

A vector is a line.

But it doesn’t have to be a straight line. Object-oriented graphics are mathematical equations consisting of coordinate, position, and curve information. They are similar to a dot-to-dot drawing, although a bit more sophisticated.

Think of an airplane that takes off from the ground and rises to a height in the sky. There are a number of factors that determine the curve between the point where the aircraft leaves the ground and the point where it reaches cruising altitude, such as speed, takeoff angle, etc.

And it’s a similar case with object-oriented graphics. To draw a curved line, for example, the vector graphics program requires the coordinates of the two endpoints of the line. Once they have been traced, you can create a curve between them. The math 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 with the same quality, but much larger. Then colors and styles are added.

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

Increase the size without decreasing the quality

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

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

The ability to increase the size of a vector without sacrificing quality is also closely related 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 a raster image.

This is because a vector file only records the information related to the objects in the graphic, i.e. coordinates, positions, etc., while raster graphics need to record each pixel of an image, which results in a file size much older.

One disadvantage of vector graphics in the past was that you couldn’t achieve anywhere near the photo-realistic quality that could be achieved in a raster image. However, advances 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 branding materials such as logos, letterheads, and flyers. A logo, for example, needs to be flexible and versatile in its design so that it can be applied in different sizes and on a variety of mediums that can be anything from an A4 sheet of paper to the side of a car.

The fact that you can easily scale vector graphics to any size makes it possible. And it’s not just printed materials where the vector excels.
The format has also become popular on websites due to 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 the cost of larger file size. The downside here is that a larger file forces page load times to increase, which could 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 the software readily available and far from expensive, there really is every reason to give it a try.

The tools are also easy to use, changes are quick, and the results are sharp and sophisticated, making it perfect for materials that represent your business.