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Vector Graphics Editors. An Overview

Vector graphics editors allow a user to create and edit vector images directly on a computer screen and save them in a variety of vector formats, for example, CDR, AI, EPS, WMF or SVG.

The main tools of vector editors

    * Bezier curves – let you create straight lines, broken lines and smooth curves passing through the nodal point, with a definite tangent at these points;
    * Fill – allows you to paint a limited area of a certain color or gradient;
    * The text is created using the appropriate tool, and then often converted to curves to ensure the independence of images from the fonts available (or missing) on the computer used for viewing;
    * A set of geometric primitives;
    * Pencil – allows you to create a line “by hand”. The establishment of such lines, there is a large number of nodes on which you can later get rid of using the “simplification of the curve.”

Comparing vector and bitmap editors

Vector editors are often contrasted with bitmap editors. In fact, their capabilities are often complementary:

* Vector editors are generally more suitable for creating a page layout, typography, logos, sharp-edged artistic illustrations (eg cartoons, clip art, complex geometric patterns), technical illustrations, diagramming and drawing flowcharts.
* Bitmap editors are more suitable for processing and retouching photographs, creating photo-realistic illustrations, collages, and create drawings by hand using a tablet.

The latest versions of bitmap editors like GIMP or Photoshop, and provide the user with vector tools (eg, changing curves) and vector editors (CorelDRAW, Adobe Illustrator, Xara Xtreme, Adobe Fireworks, Inkscape, SKI, and others) implement and raster effects (eg, fill), though sometimes somewhat limited compared with raster editors.

The latest versions of vector graphics editors are in a position to produce unique documents (such as flyers or pamphlets). The page-layout programs are more suited for extensive documents.

Specialized vector graphics editors handle computer-aided design tasks. They are not suited for artistic or decorative graphics, however, they have rich libraries of objects and tools utilized to ensure accuracy and standards compliance.

The vector graphics editors are closely associated with desktop publishing software such as Adobe InDesign or Scribus. These generally incorporate certain tools used for drawing vector graphics (which are normally less powerful compared to those of the independent vector graphics editors).

Written by George Chapungu