Read to understand all about a Vector Image File. What it is and how you can be able to properly open a vector and make edits to it as a vector file.
Sometimes while surfing the web, we end up saving or downloading some images. While the majority of these are in the popular image JPG, JPEG, or PNG formats that you already know of, it turns out not all images you save from the web will be like those. They can appear to be blank files that you cannot open with your regular photo exploring app. Do not be alarmed, you have not downloaded a corrupted file or a virus just yet. What you just downloaded is a vector file, and the image that you clicked on to download was just a preview of it.
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What Is a Vector File?
A vector image is an image format that utilizes shapes, lines, and mathematical formulas to form pictures within a grid. To better explain this, let’s compare it to the regular image formats you know of and use on your phone.
These image formats, JPG, JPEG, PNG, and the rest of them, are regarded as Bitmap or Raster images and made of an arrangement of pixels of different colors in such a way they form an image. These can be hundreds, thousands, depending on the initial resolution.
A vector on the other hand creates images with shapes and curves that can be defined by mathematical formulas. A good look at the image below will give an impression of what a vector image is.
Image credit: Logo depot
You might be wondering what is so special about vector images? Why not use the normal formats for your designs?
Well, Raster and Vector images are both good and clean images, but on account of scalability, Vector images come with a very good advantage.
A Raster image when viewed looks just fine, with no issues at all. The issue lies in trying to scale it. To a smaller size, no problem at all, still a clear picture. But to a bigger size, the picture loses quality and gets pixelated the more it is enlarged. This makes editing pictures a problem when the result is meant for wide use. Picture seeing a 360p resolution movie on your laptop. Yes, it is not a good look at all.
An enlarged bitmap artVector images can be scaled to any size at all without loosing picture quality. Because of this, they are found in many applications involving graphics, like logos, mobile apps and games, and websites. Many professional websites use them for the images on their site. This is to ensure that despite what you are using to access the site, whether mobile, tablet, or desktop, the same image on the site will rescale to the size of the screen and still be clear. Now, that answers the question of how you unintentionally got to download a vector file in the first place.
A vector artHow To Open A Vector File
Currently, there are four vector format types. The EPS (Encapsulated Postscript) which is a very old vector format, AI (Adobe Illustrator), PDF (Portable Document Format), and SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics), which is the modern format utilized by multiple software. Since they are not regular image formats, you are going to need software compatible with such formats.
You can view a vector file with most graphic software. Even web browsers can be used to view vector files. No wonder you can view the vector images on a website when you access it with a web browser. So click on the downloaded image within your browser to view it, or drag the file to your web browser.
How to edit a vector file
One of the things that makes a vector image stand out from a raster, and also why it is mostly used for graphic design projects, is the ease with which changes can be made to finished graphics. Interesting to know that some of the works you see out there are edits of existing work. Saves time for having to start from scratch.
Editing a vector file is a different case from opening it. While most software can be used to open and view it, and even print it, not all can be able to edit it. To edit a vector file, you are going to need vector editing software. A very popular one is the Adobe illustrator software which is used by many for vector designs. A good mention too is the Coreldraw software. This software and similar ones can be used for editing vector image files.
Opening a vector file with a vector editing software makes it possible to make changes to each of the individual shapes and curves that make up the picture within the grid.
Final thoughts
Now that you know what vector files are all about. You can make use of an endless supply of vector files available on the web for your graphic designs. There are a lot of websites where you can download vector files, either paid version or for free. This will save you a lot of time, say trying to draw a leaf from scratch. Or you can use them when next you are designing an app for use across platforms for the best quality user experience.
Vector files FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I change a Raster Image to a Vector?
Yes, you can change a Raster image to a vector. This is done to make edits to the image much easier, especially when you are not the one with the build-up blueprint.
To change a Bitmap to a vector, will require the use of an Image Trace tool. This is found as a feature within many vector editing software.
What is a vector file used for?
Vector files are majorly made use of for graphic designs. Logos, flyers, magazines, illustrations and. Graphics that will require editing in the near future are saved as vector files for easy editing when the demand arises. Vector files are also used for websites and applications/software for screen size scalable graphics.
