Vector Graphics
Images defined by mathematical equations (lines, curves, shapes) rather than pixels — they scale to any size without losing quality.
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What Are Vector Graphics?
Vector graphics are images described by mathematical equations — coordinates, lines, curves (Bézier curves), and shapes — rather than a grid of pixels. When you zoom in on a vector image, the equations are simply recalculated at the new scale. The result is always crisp, regardless of display size.
Raster vs Vector
| Property | Raster (JPG, PNG) | Vector (SVG, AI) |
|---|---|---|
| Made of | Pixels on a grid | Mathematical equations |
| Scaling | Pixelates when enlarged | Always sharp at any size |
| Best for | Photographs, complex images | Logos, icons, illustrations, text |
| File size | Grows with resolution | Small; independent of display size |
| Editability | Pixel-level editing | Shape and path editing |
Common Vector Formats
SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) — the web standard. An XML-based format that can be embedded directly in HTML, styled with CSS, and animated with JavaScript. Supported by all modern browsers.
AI (Adobe Illustrator) — Adobe's proprietary format, widely used by designers.
EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) — older standard for print production; largely replaced by SVG and PDF.
PDF — a hybrid format; can contain both vector and raster content. Logos and text in PDFs are typically vector, embedded images are raster.
When You Need a Vector
- Logo that must appear at any size — business card to billboard
- Icon set for multiple display resolutions
- Infographic that will be printed
- Any graphic where text must remain fully sharp
If you only have a raster logo (JPG or PNG) and need a vector, you need to manually trace or recreate it in a vector editor — there is no reliable automatic conversion from raster to vector.