The Tribune

IF you are confused over the difference between the many image file types, you are not alone. When beginning a branding project for a business, one of the first things requested from a client is a vector file logo. However, that request is often met with blank stares or responses such as: “Can’t you just pull the logo from my site?”

As a marketer, understanding the importance and role of different image file types is essential to ensuring your brand is properly represented, and to better communicate with designers, developers and printers. But, before we get lost in the forest, a vector graphic must be defined.

Vectors are digital illustrations, with points, lines and curves, which use mathematical formulas that can be resized infinitely without any quality loss. 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. For example, if you enlarge a raster graphic it will appear blocky or ‘pixelated’. But if you blow up a vector graphic, the edges of each object within it stay smooth and clean

This makes vector images ideal for graphics such as business logos, banner ads, and other images that often require scaling. Most images created with tools such as Adobe Illustrator and CorelDraw are in the form of vector image files. Many Flash animations also use vector graphics, since they scale better and typically take up less space than bitmap images.

Advantages of

vector images

Vectors are far better than other types of images for many reasons. The quality of the vector image is limited only by the resolution of the display. It enlarges without losing quality. This does not happen with raster images,for when they are enlarged they look pixelated. That is why vectors are great for logos; you can use them on flyers or billboards, and they will always look good.

Vectors can be separated from the background, and elements pulled apart easily. Vectors can be created in outlines so the font never loads differently. The file sizes are smaller as, for example, while a 50 x 50 pixels raster file has to save 2500 pixels of information, a vector only needs to know the co-ordinates of the starting points, width and height.

Disadvantages of

vector graphics

Vector formats are not well suited for photographic images. Vector art is not as universally inter-operable as bitmaps. Occasional knowledge on complex design software is needed to manipulate vectors.

File abbreviations and

their meaning

.ai Adobe Illustrator is usually the preferred vector art file among the design community.

.eps Encapsulated PostScript: This file is used frequently, even though it is losing its popularity.

.svg Scalable Vector Graphics: Developed in 1999, this vector art format has gained popularity fast.

.pdf Portable Document Format: This file can be read on a very common program called Acrobat Reader.

.cdr Corel Draw Vector: This vector image file is not very common these days, but they can be opened on Corel Draw.

There are many companies who have made software to work with vectors that are respected by users of: Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw3, GIMP4, Inkscape and Affinity Designer.

As a final point, knowledge is power, and I guarantee you will feel incredibly empowered after learning about vector art and its advantages and disadvantages, and how it relates to graphic design.

Simply put, the technical definition of vector graphics seems complicated, but they are mathematical algorithms that allow images to be scaled or modified without loss of image quality or resolution. Until we meet again, fill your life with memories as opposed to regrets. Enjoy life and stay on top of your game.

NB: The columnist welcomes feedback at deedee21bastian@gmail.com

ABOUT THE COLUMNIST: Deidre Marie Bastian is a professionally trained Graphic Designer/Marketing Coordinator with qualifications of M.Sc., B.Sc., A.Sc. She has trained at institutions such as: Miami Lakes Technical Centre, Success Training College, College of The Bahamas, Nova South Eastern University, Learning Tree International, Langevine International and Synergy Bahamas.