Vector Image and Its Tools

-Multimedia Design Technologies-

6th Lecture

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Contents

1. What is vector Image?

2. Characteristics of vector images
3. Advantage and disadvantage
4. Vector based Drawing software and Its
format
5. Practical Work

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Type of digital images

z Raster/Bitmap Image
• pixels in a grid
• resolution dependent
• resizing reduces quality
• easily converted
• restricted to rectangle
• minimal support for transparency
Original Object A Bitmap Image

z Vector Image
{ Vector images describe the image in the term of coordinates and
mathematical transformations.

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Vector Image

Characteristics of vector images:

z scalable
z resolution independent
z no background
z cartoon-like
z inappropriate for photo-realistic images
z metafiles contain both raster and vector data
Vector Image (cont…)
z An object in vector image is defined by mathematical
equations rather than pixels, so they always render at
the highest quality.
z Objects may consist of lines, curves, and shapes with
editable attributes such as color, fill, and outline.
z Changing the attributes of a vector object does not
effect the object itself. We can freely change any
number of object attributes without destroying the basic
object.
z An object can be modified not only by changing its
attributes, but also by shaping and transforming it using
nodes and control handles.
Vector Image (cont…)
z Advantages of Vector based images:
z Vector-based Images are scalable and resolution
independent image.
z (We can increase and decrease the size of vector
images to any degree and the objects will remain crisp
and sharp, both on screen and in print. )
z Vector-based Images are no background
z (Vector objects can be placed over other objects, and
the object below will show through.)
Vector Image (cont…)
z Disadvantages of Vector based images:
z unsuitable for producing photo-realistic imagery.
z (Vector images are usually made up of solid areas of
color or gradients, but they cannot depict the continuous
subtle tones of a photograph. )
z Cartoon-like
z applying bitmapped textures to objects giving them a
photo-realistic appearance
Software and File Formats
z Vector based Drawing Software:
{ Adobe Illustrator
{ CorelDRAW
{ Xara Xtreme
{ Serif DrawPlus

z Vector based Formats:

{ AI (Adobe Illustrator)
{ CDR (CorelDRAW)
{ CMX (Corel Exchange)
{ CGM -Computer Graphics Metafile
{ DXF (AutoCAD)
{ WMF-Windows Metafile
Practical work
(Working with Adobe Illustrator)
z A Quick tour of Adobe Illustrator
z Using Illustrator tools
z Selection and Shapes
z Transforming objects
z Drawing with the pen tool
z Color and Painting