

It’s been around for a long time, so it can be opened and read by almost any program. There are many different vector file formats, the most common types being EPS, AI, and SVG:ĮPS: (Encapsulated PostScript) EPS is an older type of vector file format. Texture Maps: These are repeating textures, like skin, hair, clothing, and more, that can be applied to objects in 3D modeling programs. They are also used for backgrounds, patterns, and texture maps. Vector files are most commonly used for logos, illustrations, and icons. This is not usually a problem with the common vector file types, like EPS and AI, but it can be an issue with the lesser-known file types. And there can be a steep learning curve with some vector editing tools.Īnother potential disadvantage is that some programs have trouble reading certain types of vector files. Creating high-quality vector illustrations takes a certain skill set. For instance, they can be more difficult to create than raster images. While vector files have many advantages, there are a few disadvantages to consider as well. To learn more about the differences, please see vector vs. And you can make other changes without any loss of quality. You can add or remove elements quickly and easily. With a vector image, you can change colors with one mouse click. Have you ever tried to change the color of just one part of a JPEG? It can be challenging. Meanwhile, the vector graphic on the right is still crisp and smooth.Īnother advantage of vector graphics is that they can be edited more easily than raster images. Each individual pixel is beginning to show. As you can see when we zoom in, the illustration on the left is the raster graphic. That’s the key difference between these two types of files. That’s because vector images are made of mathematical curves and lines, not pixels. However, zoom in on a vector file, and you’ll only see smooth lines. To demonstrate this, if you zoom in on a raster image, you’ll begin to see the individual pixels. This makes them ideal for logos, illustrations, and other graphics that need to be resized frequently. Since vector images are not made up of a specific number of pixels, they can be scaled to any size without losing quality. When we zoom in on them, the difference becomes very obvious. At first glance, these illustrations look the same, but one of them is a raster file, and one is a vector file.
