vector graphics editor
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- Xfig screenshot.png -
A screenshot of the xfig vector graphics editor
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- Inkscape0.45.png -
A screenshot of the modern vector graphics editor Inkscape
A
vector graphics editor is a
computer program that allows users to compose and edit
vector graphics images interactively on the computer screen (compare with
MetaPost) and save them in one of many popular vector graphics formats such as
EPS,
PDF,
WMF,
SVG or
VML.
Vector editors versus bitmap editors
Vector editors are often contrasted with
bitmap editors, and their capabilities complement each other. Vector editors are better for
graphic design,
page layout,
typography,
logos, sharp-edged artistic
illustrations (e.g. cartoons, clip art, complex geometric patterns),
technical illustrations,
diagramming and
flowcharting. Bitmap editors are more suitable for retouching, photo processing, photorealistic illustrations, collage, and hand drawn illustrations using a pen tablet. Many contemporary illustrators use
Corel Photo-Paint and
Photoshop to make all kind of illustrations. The recent versions of bitmap editors, such as
GIMP and
Photoshop support vector-like tools (e.g. editable paths), and the vector editors such as
CorelDRAW,
Adobe Illustrator,
Xara Xtreme,
Adobe Fireworks,
Inkscape or
SK1 are gradually adopting tools and approaches that were once limited to bitmap editors (e.g. blurring).
Specialized features
Some vector editors support
animation, while others (e.g.
Adobe Flash) are specifically geared towards producing animated graphics. Generally, vector graphics are more suitable for animation, though there are raster-based animation tools as well. Vector editors are closely related to
desktop publishing software such as
Adobe InDesign or
Scribus, which also usually include some vector drawing tools (usually less powerful than those in standalone vector editors). Modern vector editors are capable of, and often preferable for, designing unique documents (like flyers or brochures) of up to a few pages; it's only for longer or more standardized documents that the page layout programs are more suitable.Special vector editors are used for
Computer Assisted Drafting. They are not suitable for artistic or decorative graphics, but are rich in tools and object libraries used to ensure precision and standards compliance of drawings and blueprints.Finally,
3D computer graphics software such as
Maya,
Blender or 3D Studio Max can also be thought of as an extension of the traditional 2D vector editors, and they share some common concepts and tools.
See also
External links
{{Vector graphics editors}}
Editor de gràfics vectorialsVektorový grafický editorEditor de gráficos de vectoresÉditeur d'image vectorielle벡터 드로잉 프로그램ドローソフトВекторный графический редакторVector graphics editor
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