Surely everyone heard about raster and vector images. However, how do they differ from each other? In fact, a vector image is formed from a large number of individual scalable objects. Unlike raster ones, they are determined using special mathematical equations. This means that vector images retain excellent quality under all conditions. Objects themselves can consist of curves and straight lines and shapes. Their main properties are color, fill and outline. No matter how the user changes these properties, the object is not distorted or deformed.
The main advantage of vector images is the ability to resize them as you like. The lines will remain sharp and distinct both on the screen of any size, and when printing. For example, all fonts are vector objects. In addition, unlike bitmap images, they are not limited to a rectangular shape.
The only significant drawback is that they cannot be used to create photorealistic images. As a rule, they use pure gradients and colors. That is, such a transition of tones, which is characteristic of photographs, cannot be achieved. However, it is likely that in the near future this will change. Compared to previous years, the technology for creating vector images has improved significantly.
Modern artists and designers can experiment with the transparency of objects, shadows, soft transitions and even bitmap textures, achieving more naturalness. More recently, we have associated vector images exclusively with cartoon pictures. Now they are increasingly consistent with the concepts of realism.
Vector image can be converted to raster without any problems. The reverse process is also possible, but it is an order of magnitude more difficult to execute. Therefore, if you need to rasterize a picture, do not be too lazy to save the vector source separately. If you later need a copy of the bitmap based on the same initial, but larger size, you can easily get it. Also, one should not forget that if a vector image is opened in a program for processing files of a different kind, it will automatically change its type and lose its unique properties. To avoid this, be careful when choosing software.
There are special formats for vector images. The main ones are CDR (CorelDRAW), CGM, WMF, AI (Adobe Illustrator), CMX (Corel Exchange) and DXF CAD.
Most often, a vector image format can only be opened in a specific program. These editors, unlike raster editors, often conflict with each other, so getting an undistorted image will be problematic.
The vector image is really necessary if it comes to creating plans, drawings, logos, website design. Artists and designers all over the planet are actively using it for a variety of purposes. Despite its external simplicity, the vector image is extremely functional, and often situations arise when the use of a raster is simply impossible.