vectordrawing

Vector drawing is a method of digital image construction in which pictures are described by geometric primitives—points, lines, curves, and shapes—defined by mathematical equations rather than pixels. This allows images to be scaled to any size without loss of quality, since rendering recalculates the geometry rather than resampling a bitmap.

The primary elements are paths, anchors, and Bézier curves. A path is a sequence of points connected by segments; anchors define control points for curves; Bézier curves enable smooth, scalable shapes. Attributes such as stroke, fill, opacity, and gradients determine appearance. Vector artwork is typically edited using layers, groups, and non-destructive path operations like union, difference, and intersection, which preserve editability.

History and standards have shaped the field. Vector graphics originated in computer-aided design and desktop publishing, with PostScript and PDF contributing to widespread use. Adobe Illustrator, introduced in 1987, popularized vector illustration. The SVG standard, developed by the W3C and standardized in the late 1990s, formalized vector graphics for the web. Open-source tools such as Inkscape provide SVG-native workflows, while other editors use proprietary formats such as AI, EPS, and CDR.

Formats and software commonly involved in vector drawing include SVG (the open web standard), AI (Adobe Illustrator), EPS (Encapsulated PostScript), PDF, and CDR (CorelDRAW). Popular tools range from professional suites like Illustrator and CorelDRAW to open-source options like Inkscape and LibreOffice Draw, as well as vector-based workflows in design and page-layout software.

Applications of vector drawing include logos, icons, typography, illustrations, technical diagrams, and scalable graphics for print and digital media. Advantages include scalability, editability, and small file sizes for simple shapes; limitations involve heavy manipulation of complex photographic imagery and certain effects that may require rasterization.