Vectors are just a different way of defining images on a computer. Basically there are two types of computer graphics, bitmaps and vectors. Bitmap files such as jpegs or gifs contain information on each and every individual pixel while a vector file is object orientated and mathematically contains information on individual objects as to there shape, position, color, etc.

There are a number of advantages to using vector graphics, the most important being quality. You may have noticed that when you resize a bitmap image upward the quality degrades, vector objects can be resized with virtually no loss of image quality. You can deform a vector object and retain it's integrity. Size is also a factor, vector files tend to be smaller than bitmaps. You can also change vector attributes (fill color, stroke width, etc.) easily and again, without compromising image quality.

There are some limitations on vector graphics. For one, you can't create photographic type images, for that bitmaps are necessary but, for crisp high quality graphics, vectors are the way to go. Vector graphics are particularly suited to rendering cartoons and clipart. Vector objects have two basic attributes, fill and stroke, the fill being the color inside the object and the stroke being the outline.

Same as "object_oriented_graphics.html", refers to "software.html" and "hardware.html" that use geometrical formulas to represent images. The other method for representing graphical images is through "bit_map.html", in which the image is composed of a pattern of "dot.html". This is sometimes called "bit_mapped_graphics.html". "program.html" that enable you to create and manipulate vector graphics are called "draw_program.html", whereas programs that manipulated bit-mapped images are called "paint_program.html".

Vector-oriented images are more flexible than bit maps because they can be resized and stretched. In addition, images "store.html" as vectors look better on "device.html" ("monitor.html" and "printer.html") with higher "resolution.html", whereas bit-mapped images always appear the same regardless of a device's resolution. Another advantage of vector graphics is that representations of images often require less "memory.html" than bit-mapped images do.

Almost all sophisticated "graphics.html" "system.html", including "CADD.html" systems and "animation.html" software, use vector graphics. In addition, many printers ("PostScript.html" printers, for example) use vector graphics. "font.html" represented as vectors are called vector fonts, "scalable_font.html", "object_oriented.html" fonts, and "outline_font.html".

Note that most "output_device.html", including "dot_matrix_printer.html", "laser_printer.html", and display monitors, are raster devices (plotters are the notable exception). This means that all "object.html", even vector objects, must be translated into bit maps before being "output.html". The difference between vector graphics and raster graphics, therefore, is that vector graphics are not translated into bit maps until the last possible moment, after all sizes and resolutions have been specified. PostScript printers, for example, have a "raster_image_processor_RIP.html" that performs the translation within the printer. In their vector form, therefore, graphics representations can potentially be output on any device, with any resolution, and at any size.

What is a node?

A node is a control point. Every vector object contains a path, which is composed of at least one contour. A contour contains at least two nodes, or control points, and the segments that connect them. A contour is a mathematically described path, it starts at a node and ends at a node.

Graphics Course Outline