Vector Graphics
Vector graphics – this is the image created (or rather to say – described), with the help of mathematical formulas. Unlike raster graphics, which is nothing more than an array of colored pixels and stores the information for each of them, vector graphics – is a set of graphical primitives, described by mathematical formulas. For example, to build a line on the screen just need to know the coordinates of the beginning and end of line and color that you want to draw it, and for the construction of a polygon – the coordinates of the vertices, the fill color and, if necessary, the stroke color.
Thanks to this method of presentation graphics, vector image can not only scale as downward and upward, but as you can rearrange and change their primitive form to create a completely different image of the same object.
Advantages of vector graphics:
Small file size with a relatively simple image detail.
Unlimited scalability without loss of quality.
Ability to move, rotate, stretch, grouping and t.d.tak same without loss of quality.
Ability to position objects along the axis perpendicular to the screen (on the axis z – «above”, “below”, “above all”, “below all”).
Ability to perform Boolean transformations on objects – addition, subtraction, intersection, complement.
Control of thickness at any zoom.
Disadvantages of vector graphics:
The large size of the file in a complex image detail. (There are cases that, because of complex parts mnozhstva small size of the vector image is much larger than its bitmap copy)
Difficulty in transferring photo-realistic images (this follows from the lack of 1st)
Compatibility issues of programs working with vector graphics, and not all programs open (or correctly display) even the “common” formats (such as eps), created in other editors.
Vector graphics format
EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) – format created by Adobe based on language PostScript. Eps, corresponding to different versions of the program Adobe Illustrator, describes the different language versions of PostScript, explains later incompatibility with other programs. For the eighth version of this PostScript3. It is in the format eps-8 all stock photography agencies take vector illustration. When saving as eps-8 from the later versions of all the effects that were not available in Illustrator8 are raster objects. Despite the fact that the standard EPS can contain raster, an illustration stock photography agencies will not accept. So if you create images for subsequent sale to Bank – be careful when using effects. The most “popular” beginner mistakes Stoker – using transparency. More recently started taking photobank ShutterStock.com eps version 10. In this version, the transparency is maintained.
Eps – the most universal format for vector graphics, as supported by most vector editors (mainly the earlier versions, just like eps8).
AI (Adobe Illustrator) – format created by default the program Adobe Illustrator. Later versions are not compatible with the previous, but, nevertheless, it is possible to save a file to an earlier version. Current version – Adobe Illustrator CS5.
CDR – «native” format of the program Corel Draw. The format is not compatible with other vector graphics and also with their earlier versions.
SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) – a format that is based on the markup language XML. The format was created, including vector graphics for publishing on the Internet, yavlyaetya open standard, supports animation. Svg dignity is also the fact that this is essentially a text file and in the presence of certain skills can create and edit vector image with a text editor. In addition, there is also the ability to control the attributes of an image using style sheets CSS. Photobanks of vector graphics in SVG format only sells Fotolia (photoluminescence). Free vector graphics editor Inkscape default saves the file in this format.
SWF – flash-format for viewing animations. This content requires the installation of Flash Player
FLA – flash-program format is Adobe Flash, designed to create animated graphics. Using Action Script language can create managed scenarios. Usually ready to roll out of fla export to swf format