Vector Grapics

What are vector graphics?

Vector graphics are created in graphics packages and consist of shapes called objects.

It is possible to edit each object separately, for example, change the shape, colour, size and position.

Even if an object in a vector graphic is quite large, it doesn't need a lot of computer memory. Therefore the file size of a vector graphic is often very small.

Vector graphics are scalable - ie. when you resize them, they do not lose quality.

Because vector-based images are not made up of a specific number of dots, they can be scaled to a larger size and not lose any image quality. If you blow up a Bitmap graphic, it will look blocky, or "pixelated." When you blow up a vector graphic, the edges of each object within the graphic stay smooth and clean. This makes vector graphics ideal for logos, which can be small enough to appear on a business card, but can also be scaled to fill a billboard. Common types of vector graphics include Adobe Illustrator, Macromedia Freehand, and EPS files. Many Flash animations also use vector graphics, since they scale better and typically take up less space than bitmap images.

What is a vector in animation?

Vector animation is a term used to refer to animation in which the art or motion is controlled by vectors rather than pixels. Vector animation often allows cleaner, smoother animation because images are displayed and resized using mathematical values instead of stored pixel values.