Unlike raster, vector graphics require a special program since they use pure math for drawing shapes, lines, and even colors, making their scalability infinite. This means you can resize them as big as you want without any unsightly pixelation.

As a designer, you’d want to use the best tools you can get your hands on to produce the best possible vector designs. However, not everyone can afford the expensive license of Illustrator. And if you’re a designer on a budget, you’re most likely on the hunt for a cheaper option that can do the job.

But before we go through the list, let’s first have a quick look at vector graphics to understand their importance in design.

What’s A Vector Graphic And What Are The Benefits Of Using It?

Mathematical formulas represent a vector graphic. Unlike raster graphics or bitmap, which is a set of colored pixels, vector graphics are a set of numbers and equations. They are composed of a series of small lines that connect to create images and lines.

Vector graphics resolutions are independent, which means, they base their rendering and design on the provided space. The most commonly used vector format in websites is SVG or scalable vector graphics. There are also others like PDF, EPS, CRD, and AI, among others.

The benefits of using vector in your images and graphics are enormous:

✅ They’re easy to use

The process of making vectors is simple, and you can create elaborate graphics even if you’re an amateur designer. You can complete a vector graphic with the help of Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, and other programming software. You’ll find these digital tools easy to use, especially if you already have previous experience in graphic design. They allow you to convey your concept as well as showcase your creativity.

✅ You can scale your designs and not lose quality

Scalability is one of the most notable benefits of vector images and drawings. You can scale your graphics to any size, from billboard ad campaigns to a business card logo, and it will not lose its quality. For this reason, graphic designers love using vector graphics to create designs that usually need resizing, such as company logos.

Scalable designs are versatile. They’re not limited to single-use, and you can apply them to various platforms. However, there are still restrictions on vectors. Reduce any drawing a bit too far and the fine, thin lines will no longer be noticeable. On the other hand, enlarge it too much and any mistake which you are covering up in the image will become noticeable.

✅ Easy to edit

You can edit all elements of your vector drawings, as well as adjust them individually. This means that there’s no need to redo or repeat your entire design when adjusting it. You simply have to choose the elements that need correcting, thus saving you precious resources and time.

You can blow up a vector drawing without distortion effortlessly, which means you can easily get away with some mistakes from time to time. On the contrary, enlarging a raster image will turn out crooked. This is also one of the reasons why designers prefer vector graphics for their projects that need multiple presentations or resizing. Your designs will not only stay sharp, but all areas will look consistent as well. There will be no visible pixelation even if you stretch or expand your graphic.

✅ Smaller file size

The size of a vector graphic will depend on how difficult or complex your illustration is. For this reason, its file size is smaller in comparison to bitmap images. No matter how big your drawing is, the file size will still be smaller. Thus, you can easily export them from one folder to the next. Additionally, it’s quicker to download them from the web, as well as load faster, that’s why website owners, often use vector graphics.

✅ Vector images will always look excellent in print

Vector images are clean, sharp, and precise, making them look fantastic in print. It’s also easy to print them on materials like fabric and paper.

The Best Adobe Illustrator Alternatives

Adobe Illustrator being the industry standard for vector graphic design comes with an annual price that most of us cannot afford. Good thing there are much cheaper and even free alternatives that offer competitive features comparable to Photoshop and Illustrator.