Vector graphics

Vector graphics are a form of <a href="/facts/Computer_graphics/lapBE8wv">computer graphics</a> in which visual images are created directly from <a href="/facts/Geometric_primitive/FmpXkhao">geometric shapes</a> defined on a <a href="/facts/Cartesian_coordinate_system/lkTqvMmB">Cartesian plane</a>, such as <a href="/facts/Point_(geometry)/6YPAvX2a">points</a>, <a href="/facts/Line_segment/V8E0M4qk">lines</a>, <a href="/facts/Curve/xBQ0pTBW">curves</a> and <a href="/facts/Polygon/yAq7RjPz">polygons</a>. The associated mechanisms may include vector display and printing hardware, vector data models and file formats, as well as the software based on these data models (especially <a href="/facts/Graphic_art_software/LaXq3RIJ">graphic design software</a>, <a href="/facts/Computer-aided_design/5gSXrmmN">computer-aided design</a>, and <a href="/facts/Geographic_information_system/PoP1kVoa">geographic information systems</a>). Vector graphics are an alternative to <a href="/facts/Raster_graphics/HkXNc8oI">raster</a> or bitmap graphics, with each having advantages and disadvantages in specific situations.
While vector hardware has largely disappeared in favor of raster-based monitors and printers, vector data and software continue to be widely used, especially when a high degree of geometric precision is required, and when complex information can be decomposed into simple geometric primitives. Thus, it is the preferred model for domains such as <a href="/facts/Engineering/RFVg8H3I">engineering</a>, <a href="/facts/Architecture/FccThs8G">architecture</a>, <a href="/facts/Surveying/qchGcnRC">surveying</a>, <a href="/facts/3D_rendering/6SqukntK">3D rendering</a>, and <a href="/facts/Typography/byx4sANl">typography</a>, but is entirely inappropriate for applications such as <a href="/facts/Photography/ezLPT43M">photography</a> and <a href="/facts/Remote_sensing/pj2crmGs">remote sensing</a>, where raster is more effective and efficient. Some application domains, such as geographic information systems (GIS) and <a href="/facts/Graphic_design/CJu4SYuG">graphic design</a>, use both vector and raster graphics at times, depending on purpose.
Vector graphics are based on the mathematics of <a href="/facts/Analytic_geometry/3qWP0kM0">analytic or coordinate geometry</a>, and is not related to other mathematical uses of the term <a href="/facts/Euclidean_vector/bCLrdksy">vector</a>. This can lead to some confusion in disciplines in which both meanings are used.

Vector graphics open-in-new

Vector graphics