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What are Vector Graphics (eps, ai, svg)?
All graphics fall into two main catagories, Vector or Raster.
Vector graphics use geometrical formulas to represent images and objects, such as rectangles, circles, or complex curves. Because vector graphics are defined as shapes, and not pixels, the files are highly compressed and do not lose resolution even when the magnification is increased or decreased.
Advantages of vector graphics include scaleability, small file sizes and easy color separations, all weaknesses of raster images. Likewise, the disadvantage is that it’s difficult to create a photo realistic image with a vector graphic, if that is what you want to do.
So knowing how you want to use a graphic before it is created is an important step in deciding what software to use. Some common programs that create vector based graphics include Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw, and Freehand.
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| Close up of a vector image. Notice the image remains crisp. |
Close up of a raster image.
Each pixel is visible. |
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