A vector graphic is a type of a computer graphics[graphics?:graphics pattern] that uses mathematical relationships between points on an image to describe that image. Vector graphics are more flexible and clear than raster, or bitmap, graphics, which are computer images that are made up of individual colored dots called pixels. There are a limited number of pixels in raster images, which means that a larger image needs more pixels and a smaller image fewer pixels. A vector graphic does not have that limitation. Clarity, no matter the size, is one of the advantages of a vector graphic.
This clarity often makes a vector graphic ideal for use in typeface, line art, and illustrations. As a business logo, for example, a vector graphic’s size can be decreased to be printed on letterheads and envelops, and can be enlarged for billboards with no loss of quality. Vector graphics are usually small files because the math describing the image is the only thing that needs to be stored. In addition, different people can edit the vector graphic using the appropriate software by simply moving the dots around, which changes the path between the dots. These advantages allow vector graphic to be used in applications such as business logos, page layouts, fonts, and text art, among other uses.
