Vector graphics

Vector graphics are images which are completely based on mathematical definitions. The vector graphic is built of various small points which combine to make lines. There are a few points known as Bezier curves which connect the control points. Designers generally prefer to use this program because it gives the best graphics.

Features of vector graphics

The vector graphic files are usually small because they contain only the data that makes Bezier curves and points. The files are stored in EPS-file format. An advantage of using vector drawings is that they can be scaled without any loss in quality. This makes them ideal for logos because altering the size occurs frequently.

Vector graphics also possess the following properties:

• The drawings can only be scaled up to 20% regardless of size.
• If a vector graphic drawing is reduced too much the small lines will disappear.
• The small errors and faults can become visible if the drawing is enlarged too much.

Applications and programs

The most recognized applications which handle vector based graphics are:

• Adobe illustrator
• Macromedia freehand
• Corel draw

Vector graphics compared to bitmap graphics

Vector graphic based logos are preferred over bitmap for the following reasons:

• Vector graphics are more flexible than bitmap which means the images can be resized easily.
• Vector images look better on monitors because of the high resolution.
• When the vector graphics are printed, give better printouts than bitmap files because they can be stretched without any loss in the resolution
• If the resolution is higher in quality, the vector graphics will appear much better; the bitmap graphics appear to be the same whether the resolution is high or low.
• Bitmap graphics are composed of pixels whereas vector graphics are composed of paths.
• In bitmap graphics each pixel can be of a different color.
• Vector graphics appear smooth on any resolution, while bitmap graphics give a rough result if not provided with better resolution.
• Bitmap graphics are used for photography and vector graphics are preferred for illustration.