• Overview of popular vector graphic software (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape)
  • Basic tools and their functions
  • Creating a simple vector graphic

In Lesson 3, we’ll explore some of the most popular vector graphic software used by professionals and enthusiasts alike. These tools are essential for creating and editing vector images, which are composed of paths defined by mathematical expressions, allowing them to be scaled without loss of quality.


Adobe Illustrator


Adobe Illustrator is the leading professional vector graphics software, offering advanced features for pixel-perfect artwork and precise shape alignment. It facilitates easy export of drawings, supports access to Adobe Stock for templates, and utilizes Creative Cloud Library for convenient storage and access to brushes, shapes, colors, and styles across devices. The latest version features faster font finding, live font previews, and enhanced zoom capabilities. Notably, users can now fill objects with placeholder text for improved design visualization and import text into any path or shape.

CoreIDRAW Graphics – Stunning vector graphics


CorelDRAW, a well-known vector graphics software, is a professional tool offering compatibility with previous Windows versions and supporting a diverse range of formats, including AI, PSD, PDF, JPG, PNG, SVG, DWG, DXF, EPS, TIFF, DOCX, PPT. It boasts features like multi-monitor and 4K display support. Font Manager simplifies font organization with advanced filtering and search. New capabilities include hiding objects, copying curve segments, and utilizing the knife tool for precise splitting. CorelDRAW supports extensions, providing access to downloads within the application.

With over 10,000 clip art items, 2,000 high-resolution images, 1,000 fonts, 350 templates, and numerous frames, files, and patterns, the tool offers a rich resource library. Offering total control over fills and transparency, CorelDRAW facilitates impressive results. Its layout and drawing tools ensure precise positioning and alignment of shapes. Native 64-bit and multi-core support contribute to maximum performance. While the tool is available for a free trial, continued usage requires a purchased license.
 

Inkscape 

Inkscape is a free vector graphics tool, enabling easy creation of shapes, paths, and text. It supports object manipulation, grouping, and layers for efficient editing. The tool offers diverse color options, gradient editing, dashed strokes, and path markers. With node editing, shapes can be easily converted and modified. Inkscape is compatible with SVG and exports to various formats, including PNG, PDF, and DXF. Despite a learning curve, its powerful features make it an excellent choice for vector graphic creation, and it's available for free.

Affinity Designer - Effective UI for vector designs


Affinity Designer, touted as the fastest and most precise vector graphics software, provides a comprehensive toolset, including a pen and gradient tool. Offering exceptional speed and accuracy, it supports smooth 60fps screen panning and a 10000000% zoom for detailed editing. With RGB, CMYK, LAB, and Grayscale color support, ICC color management, and 16-bit channel editing, it caters to diverse color needs.

Compatible with formats like PSD, SVG, EPS, PDF, and FH files, Affinity Designer extends its capabilities to raster graphics, featuring adjustment layers, blend modes, masks, and non-destructive effects. The customizable workspace, unlimited undo option, and stylus compatibility enhance user flexibility. The tool supports a variety of brushes, pressure control, tilt, and vector brush stroke editing. Customizable shapes with corner settings, text addition to vector paths, and a powerful export mode for selective exporting make it versatile for designers.

Affinity Designer boasts unlimited artboards, real-time editing for embedded documents, and multiple viewing options like outline, pixel, and split screen. The corner tool simplifies rounding corners on shapes. Suitable for both basic and advanced users, the tool offers a free trial with a purchase requirement for continued use.

Vectr - Free vector illustrations

In vector graphic software, several basic tools are essential for creating and editing designs. Here’s an overview of some of these tools and their functions:

·       Draw Path Tool: This tool allows you to create complex paths using straight and curved segments. It’s fundamental for outlining shapes and defining the structure of your design1.

·       Pencil Tool: With the pencil tool, you can draw freeform paths as if you were drawing with a pencil on paper. It’s great for more organic shapes and quick sketches1.

·       Calligraphy Drawing Tool: This tool simulates the effect of a calligraphy pen, creating paths with variable width that respond to the direction and speed of your stroke. It’s useful for stylized lettering and decorative elements1.

·       Typography Tools: These tools enable you to add and edit text in your designs. You can adjust fonts, size, alignment, and other properties to integrate text seamlessly with your graphics2.

·       Design Templates: Many vector graphic software programs offer pre-built templates that you can use as a starting point or for inspiration. These templates can save time and help maintain design consistency2.

 

These tools are just the beginning of what’s available in vector graphic software. As you become more familiar with the software, you’ll discover a wide range of advanced tools and features that allow for even more creativity and precision in your designs. For a more comprehensive understanding, you can explore resources like Windows Report1 and G23, which provide detailed information about vector graphics software and their tools.

Creating a simple vector graphic is a fun and rewarding process that can be done using various vector graphic software. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a basic vector graphic:

1.    Choose Your Software: Select a vector graphic editor like Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape, or Vectr. Vectr is a free online vector graphics editor that is user-friendly and suitable for beginners1.

2.    Set Up Your Canvas: Open your chosen software and create a new document. Set the canvas size according to your needs.

3.    Draw Basic Shapes: Use the shape tools (rectangle, ellipse, polygon, etc.) to draw basic shapes on your canvas. These will form the building blocks of your design.

4.    Create Paths: Use the Pen tool or Pencil tool to draw custom paths. The Pen tool allows for more precision, while the Pencil tool is better for freehand drawing.

5.    Edit Paths and Shapes: Adjust the anchor points on your paths to refine the shapes. You can add, remove, or move anchor points to change the path’s direction and curvature.

6.    Apply Strokes and Fills: Select your shapes or paths and choose a stroke color, width, and style. Then, apply a fill color or gradient to the inside of your shapes.

7.    Arrange Layers: Organize your shapes and paths in layers. This will help you manage complex designs and make selective edits more easily.

8.    Save Your Work: Once you’re satisfied with your graphic, save it in a vector format like SVG, EPS, or AI. This will preserve the scalability and editability of your design.

For a more detailed tutorial, you can visit Vectr’s website, which provides a quick start guide and other resources to help you create beautiful vector graphics with ease1. Remember, practice is key, so don’t hesitate to experiment with different tools and techniques to develop your skills. Happy designing!