Introduction to Vector Graphics and Adobe Illustrator CS3

Mr. J. Butler

Department of Technology Education

John Jay High School

Wappingers Central School District

Why study Vector Graphics?

• Used in Graphics Industry

• Found in Real World

• Building Block for advanced complex graphic projects

Types of Graphics

• In computer graphics, there are two type of graphics:• Raster• Vector

Summary of Raster Graphics

• A raster image is also known as “bitmap”, which is data displayed on a grid of pixels

• Adobe Photoshop creates pixel based images and can edit these types of files

• Raster images are large in file size

REVIEW

What are Vector Graphics?

Vector Images are created directly in the computer instead of being scanned or brought in from a digital camera or other media source

Instead of using pixels, vector graphics are created with mathematics

Vector Graphics are also called “Object Art” because all shapes and colors are created by the outlines of objects

Examples of Vector Graphics

Advantages of Vector Graphics

• Vector graphics are resolution independent, which means no mater how much the artwork is enlarged or reduced, it looks great-no jagged edges

• This makes vector graphics idea for creating logos, maps, and other smooth-edged images that will be used at different sizes.

Vector Graphics can be easily modified• Unlike raster images, vector images can

be easily modified

• With a click of a button you can apply stroke and fill properties

Vector Graphics have smaller file sizes

• The mathematics of vector graphics allow large shapes to be described as extremely small amounts of data

QuickTime™ and aTIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

Examples of Vector Graphics

Logos, Business Cards, Cartoons, Animations

Introduction to Adobe Illustrator

What is Adobe Illustrator?• Adobe Illustrator is a Professional Vector

Image production program.• Used heavily in the Computer Graphics

Industry

Adobe Illustrator Demo

• Open/Close Program• Setting Up a Document• Reset Pallet Locations• Stroke & Fill• Zoom In & Zoom Out• Color Modes• Type Tools• Layers