Vector drawing program. CorelDraw is one of the most famous representatives of vector graphics. Free vector editors

Currently, many illustrative graphics packages have been created that contain easy-to-use, advanced and powerful tools. vector graphics, designed both for preparing materials for printing and for creating pages on the Internet.

To create a graphic object, you will need an illustrative vector graphics program. The quality and usefulness of vector graphics tools is determined primarily by their scaling capabilities.

Vector or illustration graphics packages have always been based on an object-oriented approach, allowing you to draw the outlines of objects and then fill them in with colors or patterns. You can reproduce these contours very accurately at any size, since they are formed using mathematical model of points and curves, rather than as raster images - in the form of a grid filled with rectangular pixels.

New features found in this product category include multi-color gradient shading. Primitives such as polygons, stars, and spirals have become common features of such packages. Linked colors allow you to replace the rose's red with yellow, changing only the base color; all associated shades will change automatically. Multi-layered, interactive color "transparencies" provide previously unattainable depth, and you can convert vector images to raster images within a vector graphics file. If yesterday's vector graphics packages only allowed you to place raster image to your file, then using modern programs you can embed the presented ones in raster form images, resize them and even overlay special effects and masks. This facilitates the process of obtaining the final image using multilayer graphics - combining vector and raster files necessary to create logos, printed advertisements and images for the Web.

Principles underlying latest packages, completely change the idea of ​​vector graphics. CorelXara 1.5 implements high quality new approach for visualization, has amazing tools for creating output .GIF and JPEG files and a phenomenally fast browser plug-in for working with vector graphics. Fractal Design's Expression 1.0 package allows you to build contours from other complex vector graphic images, providing the user with endless variety visual capabilities, unattainable using other programs.

Unlike desktop software designed for beginners, publishing systems or photo editing programs, which typically contain the most commonly used editing tools, graphics packages for beginners are usually solution-oriented specific tasks, such as diagramming or technical drawing. Acquiring the skills to freely draw Bezier curves is difficult even for a professional; It is no less difficult to master the basic principles of machine drawing, for example, the depiction of cuts and sections. In addition, many novice users do not understand the differences between raster and vector graphics and may not know when to use which packages. For these reasons, beginners should balance their goals with the program's capabilities and only upgrade to a full-featured painting package when they are ready.

In most cases, to create simple illustrations, it is enough for beginners to be able to work with those software, which they may already have. Kits Microsoft programs, Corel and Lotus contain drawing tools in their modules word processor and presentation graphics, as well as clipart libraries. In addition, using AutoShape functions you can create big number standard shapes and even symbols for diagramming (which can cast shadows or even be "extruded" and thus gain dimension), and the WordArt gallery provides interesting and colorful text styles that you can use for headings or labels.

For technical tasks, let's pay attention to diagramming programs such as FlowCharter 7 from Micrografx or Visio Professional 4.5 from Visio Corp. If you start working in the field of CAD, then there are several packages that are quite affordable in terms of prices and capabilities, including AutoCAD LT from Autodesk or Design CAD from ViaGrafx.

To prepare drawings for small construction projects, such as a home remodel or kitchen remodel, you can use SoftDesk's Planix and Draftix, Books That Work's Visual Home, or Broderbund Software's 3D Home Architect, Edition 2.

Vector graphics editors:

• 1. Commercial
• · Adobe Illustrator
• Adobe Freehand
• CorelDraw
• Xara Xtreme
• Adobe Flash
• 2. Free
• Inkscape
• Expression Design

We offer a summary table of the main characteristics of the most popular programs for working with vector graphics:

The category of artistic illustration characterizes the diversity and versatility of drawing tools. Besides, software products must be able to accurately import and export a variety of file types.

Category color printing reflects software capabilities color matching and quality of the resulting prints. Illustrative graphics programs must determine areas where pairs of colors meet and perform transformations special colors(spot color) into composite colors (process color) and precise color separation.

Vector formats:

• 1. CDR (CorelDraw)
• 2.CMX (CorelDraw)
• 3. AI (Adobe Illustrator)
• 4. EPS (Encapsulated PostScript)
• 5. WMF (Windows Metafiles)
• 6. EMF (Windows Metafiles)
• 7. SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics)
• 8. XAR (Xara Xtrem)

CDR- "native" format of the Corel Draw program. The format is not compatible with other vector graphics editors and with its own earlier versions.

A.I.(Adobe Illustrator) - a format created by default by Adobe Illustrator. Later versions of the program are not compatible with previous ones, but, nevertheless, it is possible to save a file for earlier versions. Current version- Adobe Illustrator CS5.

EPS(Encapsulated PostScript) is a format created by Adobe based on the PostScript language. Eps corresponding to different versions Adobe programs Illustrator, described different versions PostScript language, this explains the incompatibility of more later versions with other programs. For version 8 it is PostScript3. It is in eps-8 format that all photo banks accept vector illustrations. When saving in eps-8 format from later versions of the program, all effects that were not available in Illustrator8 become raster objects. Despite the fact that according to the EPS standard it may contain a raster, photo banks will not accept such an illustration. So if you are creating images for subsequent sale on photo banks, be more careful when using effects. The most “popular” mistake of a novice stocker is the use of transparency. Recently, the photo bank ShutterStock.com began to accept eps version 10. Transparency is supported in this version.

Eps - the most universal format for vector graphics, as it is supported by most vector editors (mostly more early versions, just like eps8).

SVG(Scalable Vector Graphics) - a format created based on the language XML markup. The format was created, among other things, for publishing vector graphics on the Internet, being an open standard, it supports animation. Another advantage of svg is that it is essentially text file and if you have certain skills, it is possible to edit and create a vector image in regular text editor. In addition, it is also possible to manage image attributes using a table CSS styles. Free vector Inkscape editor saves the file in this format by default.

For the Internet, the W3C Consortium introduced open format two-dimensional vector graphics SVG (Scable Vector Graphics), which is an XML-like language that allows you to display three types graphic objects: vector graphics shapes, images and text. In this case, graphic objects can be transformed, grouped and animated. The SVG specification includes object model document - DOM ( Document Object Model), facilitating the processing of graphic objects. Vector graphics are easy to use for images consisting of elements that can be decomposed into simple geometric objects (lines, circles, polygons, text). Vector data is scalable and amenable to various types of manipulation (including rotation, stretching, compression). Vector images adapt to different output devices and can be converted to another vector format. The disadvantages of vector graphics include the difficulty of using it to convey complex images (for example, photographs). Visualization vector images may require significantly more time than raster file of the same complexity, since each element of the image must be reproduced separately and in a certain sequence.

Vector graphics programs are used:

• 1. Printing (business cards, booklets, brochures, envelopes, forms, etc.)
• 2. Multimedia
• 3. Graphics and websites for the Internet (icons, buttons, illustrations)
• 4. Creating fonts
• 5. Office graphics (diagrams in Adobe Illustrator, diagrams)
• 6. Create photorealistic images
• 7. Pre-press preparation (working with color and PostScript, PDF)
• 8. Outdoor advertising

Adobe Illustrator is the standard for vector graphics, thanks to the developments of the company's specialists Adobe language PostScript, PDF, EPS formats widely used in printing, web design, and font creation.

Advantages of vector graphics:

• 1. Small file size with relatively simple image detail.
• 2. Possibility of unlimited scaling without loss of quality.
• 3. Possibility of moving, rotating, stretching, grouping, etc. also without loss of quality.
• 4. The ability to position objects along an axis perpendicular to the screen plane (along the z axis - “above”, “below”, “above all”, “lowest all”).
• 5. The ability to perform Boolean transformations on objects - addition, subtraction, intersection, addition.
• 6. Control of line thickness at any image scale.

For a long time, creation/editing tools were difficult to access for webmasters, bloggers and content marketers. Firstly, special software was often expensive, and secondly, it was too complex for ordinary users (not designers). Now the situation is better - you can find different free access, not much inferior to the original. We’ll talk about one of them today - this program Vectr .

Use this free vector editor on a regular PC or browser to create vectors and other graphics. This is truly cross-platform and easy-to-use software: you can use applications for Mac, Windows, Linux or Chromebook; By registering online, in just a few minutes you will begin to realize your design ideas.

Vectr is a handy tool and is widely used for annotating, editing images, and drawing mockups and diagrams. In addition, it can be used for:

• logos;
• watermarks;
• and website layouts;
• social media banners;
• icons;
• ...and almost any other type of 2D image.

The program allows you to create scalable vector drawings using simple, intuitive functions. It is not difficult to learn, it is perfect for those who are just starting to get acquainted with vector and who have enough basic capabilities on working with illustrations. In fact, it is somewhat reminiscent of a slightly stripped down and simplified Adobe version Illustrator.

How Vectr works (features and functions)

When you start delving into the features of this software, the first thing you will encounter is a whole set of interactive tutorials. With Vectr's tutorials, you'll learn how to create and edit paths, rotate and scale objects, use workspace tools, and manage layers. They are located in the “User Guide” and “Tutorials” sections. There are many video guides on their Youtube channel.

To get started, simply upload or drag and drop an image into Vectr. Allowed to import files into EPS format, AI, SVG, PNG or JPEG - this greatly simplifies the process of switching from other (paid) alternatives, such as Illustrator.

The interface is carefully thought out and conveniently organized, so beginners will not have any difficulties due to unnecessary functions. The page and layer tabs in the top left corner give you control over the process of creating projects. On the right side of the interface there is a filter panel. You can make your illustrations even more interesting, for example by changing the angle, adding shadows, borders or a blur effect.

Once the design is complete, the program allows you to export your designs to PNG, JPEG or SVG. A quick note: SVG is the only scalable vector format that can be opened in other applications, while bitmap PNG and JPEG are better suited for the web.

It’s very cool that a lot is dedicated to beginners useful information And practical advice in the training section. The team behind the free vector editor Vectr provides step by step instructions for solving the most popular design problems: creating icons, logos, typography, menus, collages, infographics and much more. Look for all texts in the “Tutorials” section. We recommend starting with an article that describes the first 10 steps in Vectr.

Benefits of Vectr

As conclusions, we collected all the positive features that it has:

• It is similar to, has a set of all the necessary familiar tools for creating a beautiful design or editing existing graphics.
• There is a grid and setting of alignment lines for greater convenience.
• Import/export supported different formats: AI, EPS, PNG/JPEG and SVG.
• Cross-platform: there are versions for Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook + online.
• It is possible to send a unique URL for colleagues/customers to view the project.
• The history of changes allows you to quickly return to past developments.
• The software is completely free.
• Synchronization is available - in the desktop PC version, up to 100 corrections are allowed offline, which, when a connection appears, are automatically synchronized with your online account.
• The software product is easy to learn and therefore ideal for beginners. Although, in principle, pros will also find useful features in it.

All this makes Vectr one of the best free vector editors, containing the minimum necessary for comfortable and efficient work. I was pleased with the presence of many useful guides according to the program, which even novice users can understand. If you wish, you can take a free online course on Vectr (about 45 minutes of video). Download the software to your computer or try it online, The best way learn - practice.

Have you encountered Vectr before? What other software do you know on the topic and would you recommend?

Probably many people know the program CorelDRAW, which is a vector graphics editor. I use a vector graphics editor for almost everything, because it is quite convenient to work in, and probably primarily because I prefer vector graphics. Of course, a lot can be said about the advantages of vector graphics over raster graphics, but this is a separate topic for discussion. I will just say that vector graphics attract me because when enlarged, the image quality does not deteriorate, which gives many advantages over raster graphics. And I like vector graphics editors because without any special knowledge or skills in drawing, you can create something beautiful and ingenious. Naturally, many can say that you can create masterpieces in raster graphics editors. Basically, the decision about which editor to use depends largely on the task at hand, and on the tastes of the person who will solve this or that problem. For a long time I used a vector graphics editor to solve most problems, for example, such as: creating diagrams, block diagrams, logos, diagrams, etc. And when switching to licensed and free software, I began to look for a replacement that was suitable in functionality CorelDRAW. The main search criteria were freeness, ease of use, similarity of interface. And I didn’t have to search for long, although there are plenty of free vector graphics editors a large number of. The first one I liked and matched the search criteria was free editor vector graphics Inkscape, which I’ll actually try to talk about today.

Inkscape is a cross-platform, quite powerful and in many ways competitive free vector graphics editor with open source code, and which uses the SVG format as the main standard for work.

Program Inkscape updated and updated with new features every year. Developers often fix bugs and shortcomings. And the program Inkscape every year it improves so much that it seems to me that in a few years it will become powerful free competitor CorelDRAW. Of course to various features Inkscape you need to get used to it, and the program has its own interface and its own functionality, although in many ways reminiscent of the same CorelDRAW. And in general, you need to get used to the vector editor, so the differences with raster editors very large.
According to the developers the main objective is the creation of a powerful tool, and most importantly convenient for drawing, and fully compatible with SVG, CSS, XML standards.

Key Features of Inkscape

• the program is free and distributed under the terms GNU licenses General Public License
• cross-platform
• the program supports following formats documents: import - almost all popular and frequently used formats SVG, JPEG, GIF, BMP, EPS, PDF, PNG, ICO, and many additional ones, such as SVGZ, EMF, PostScript, AI, Dia, Sketch, TIFF, XPM, WMF , WPG, GGR, ANI, CUR, PCX, PNM, RAS, TGA, WBMP, XBM, XPM; export - main PNG formats and SVG and many additional EPS, PostScript, PDF, Dia, AI, Sketch, POV-Ray, LaTeX, OpenDocument Draw, GPL, EMF, POV, DXF
• there is support for layers
• as in many programs, Inkscape supports keyboard shortcuts, which speeds up the development of a particular layout or drawing significantly
• there are many built-in extensions, many of which allow you to automate a particular process, or simply allow you to draw a large amount of information
• extended status line, which contains a lot of useful information, namely information about selected objects, hints for keyboard shortcuts
• Inkscape has XML editor with object tree, associated with workspace
• A very useful and often used function by me is the ability to vectorize a raster image
• it is possible to write your own extensions and scripts in Perl, Python and Ruby
• the program is available in several languages, including Russian and Ukrainian

Of course, you can’t tell about all the advantages and features of the program in a short time, so I only talked about a few.
The main areas of application are:

• creation of logos, business cards, posters, illustrations for presentations
• technical diagrams, graphs, etc.
• web graphics - banners, website layouts, website buttons, logos, full website design

Most Inkscape I use when creating a website, be it a layout, or ready-made design site. But sometimes you have to rework some logo, or create a database schema. In general, there are many areas of application of the program and can be used Inkscape can for many tasks. And in order to find out what kind of program it is, it is better to install it and try it in practice.

Installing Inkscape

For loading Inkscape, there are several options official versions: archive with source code - .gz, archive with source code - .bz2, Mac OS X - .dmg, Windows - installation package.exe, 7zip. Since I have Windows installed, I select the installation package in .exe format accordingly. All other download variations are available on the page - http://inkscape.org/download/?lang=ru. In order to download version 0.48 in 7zip format, you need to go to the following address - . The file weighs approximately ~33MB, you can use the program to download it.

After downloading you should have a file Inkscape-0.48.0-1.exe, after launching which a language selection window will appear, the following languages ​​are available to choose from: English, Indonesian, Russian, Ukrainian. Select the language we need and press the button OK. (in my case it's Russian)

After which a welcome window will appear in which you need to click the button Next >.

In the next window the text of the license is given, read it and click the button Next >.

In the next window you need to select those components that you want to be installed with the program. There are two here required components that need to be installed:

• Inkscape, SVG editor (required),
• GTK+ runtime (required).

You can also choose additional components for installation:

• For all users(if you check this box, the program will be installed for all computer users),
• Shortcuts(here you can select the places where the shortcut for the program will be installed - Desktop, Quick Launch Bar, Open SVG files in Inkscape (SVG files will be associated with the program), Context menu),
• Remove personal settings(if you already had Inkscape installed, then clicking the checkbox here will delete all saved settings),
• Additional files(if you check the box here, Examples and Lessons will be installed),
• Translations(here you can select one or more translations, and a large number of languages ​​are available for this, select Russian (ru) or Ukrainian (uk)).

After you select all additional components you need to click on the button Next >.

The next window will contain information about which directory to install into. Inkscape, default C:\Program Files\Inkscape, in order to select another directory you need to press the button Review …. Then you should press the button Install to continue installation.

After which the following window will be displayed in which the installation process itself will take place, you will need to wait about 2-3 minutes. In order to display details about installation you need to click on the button Details …. After the word appears in the installation status bar Ready, will become active button Next >, which you actually need to click on.

And in the last window, which indicates that the program has been installed, you need to click the button Ready. If you did not clear the checkbox next to the inscription Launch Inkscape, then after pressing the button Ready the program will start automatically.

If you uncheck the box, you can launch the program using a shortcut, be it a shortcut on the desktop or in the Start menu.
After starting the program, the main program window will appear, which is actually the main area for work.

The program is not very difficult to use and you can learn almost everything here yourself, because everything is in Russian, and in addition there are a number of examples and lessons that are installed along with the program.

Links

• http://inkscape.org - official website of the program Inkscape

Speaking in general about the program, I can say that the program is not only easy to use, but also, as I said above, convenient and multifunctional, and its capabilities will help solve a large number of problems. There is also the ability to work with layers and gradients, and many other tools that are repeated in most graphic editors. As I said earlier in Inkscape, even a person without artistic skills will be able to draw. And vector graphics editors are somehow more pleasant to use than raster editors. In general, to understand what Inkscape is, you just need to install, launch and try to do something.

The concept of vector images means absolutely nothing to the vast majority of ordinary PC users. Designers, in turn, are increasingly inclined to use this type of graphics for their projects.

Previously, in order to work with SVG images, you would definitely have to install one of the specialized desktop solutions like or on your computer. Now similar tools are available online, without the need to download.

By running a corresponding search on Google, you will be able to familiarize yourself with a huge amount all kinds of vector online editors. But the vast majority of such solutions offer rather meager capabilities and most often do not allow you to work with serious projects. We will consider best services to create and edit SVG images directly in the browser.

Of course, online tools cannot completely replace the corresponding desktop applications, but for most users the offered set of functions will be more than enough.

Method 1: Vectr

A thoughtful vector editor from the creators of the familiar Pixlr service. This tool will be useful for both beginners and experienced users in working with SVG.

Despite the abundance of functions, it will be quite difficult to get lost in the Vectr interface. For beginners there are detailed lessons and extensive instructions for each component of the service. The editor's tools include everything you need to create an SVG image: shapes, icons, frames, shadows, brushes, support for working with layers, etc. You can draw an image from scratch or upload your own.

The export capabilities also include one of Vectr's most distinctive features: support for direct links to the SVG project in the editor. Many resources do not allow you to upload vector images directly, but nevertheless allow them remote display. In this case, Vectr can be used as a real SVG hosting, which other services do not allow.

It should be noted that the editor does not always process correctly complex graphics. For this reason, some projects may open in Vectr with errors or visual artifacts.

Method 2: Sketchpad

A simple and convenient web editor for creating SVG images, based on the HTML5 platform. Given the set available tools, it can be argued that the service is intended exclusively for drawing. With Sketchpad you can create beautiful, well-designed pictures, but that's about it.

The tool has a wide range of customizable brushes of various shapes and types, a set of shapes, fonts and stickers for overlay. The editor allows you to fully manipulate layers - control their placement and blending modes. Well, as a bonus, the application is completely translated into Russian, so you shouldn’t have any difficulties mastering it.

Method 3: Method Draw

This web application is designed for basic operations With vector files. Externally, the tool resembles desktop Adobe Illustrator, but in terms of functionality, everything is much simpler here. However, Method Draw also has some features.

In addition to working with SVG images, the editor allows you to import raster images and create vector ones based on them. This can be done by manually tracing contours using a pen. The application contains everything necessary tools for layout vector drawings. There is an expanded library of shapes, a full-color palette and support for keyboard shortcuts.

Method Draw is definitely not suitable for creating serious vector projects - the reason for this is the lack of relevant functions. But thanks to the absence unnecessary elements and a well-organized workspace, the service can serve perfectly for quick editing or fine-tuning simple SVG images.

Method 4: Gravit Designer

Free web-based vector graphics editor for advanced users. Many designers put Gravit on a par with full-fledged desktop solutions, like Adobe Illustrator. The fact is that this tool is cross-platform, that is, it is fully available on all computer operating systems, as well as as a web application.

Gravit Designer is under active development and regularly receives new features, which are already enough for the layout of complex projects.

The editor offers you all kinds of tools for drawing paths, shapes, paths, text overlays, fills, as well as various custom effects. There is an extensive library of figures, thematic pictures and icons. Each element in the Gravit space has a list of properties that can be changed.

All this diversity is “packed” into a stylish and intuitive clear interface, so that any tool is available in just a couple of clicks.

Considering that the service is intended for full-fledged work with vector graphics, it can be safely recommended even professional designers. With Gravit, you can edit SVG graphics regardless of the platform you're doing it on. For now, this statement applies only to desktop OSes, but soon this editor will appear on mobile devices.

Method 5: Janvas

A popular tool for creating vector graphics among web developers. The service contains a number of drawing tools with highly customizable properties. main feature Janvas - the ability to create interactive SVG images animated with using CSS. And in conjunction with JavaScript, the service allows you to build entire web applications.

IN in capable hands this editor is really powerful tool, while a beginner, due to the abundance of all kinds of functions, most likely simply will not understand what’s what.

Yes, the tool, unfortunately, is not free. But this is a professional solution, which is not useful to everyone.

Method 6: DrawSVG

The most convenient online service that allows webmasters to create high-quality SVG elements for their sites as easily as possible. The editor contains an impressive library of shapes, icons, fills, gradients and fonts.

Using DrawSVG, you can design vector objects of any type and properties, change their parameters and render as individual pictures. It is possible to embed third-party SVGs multimedia files: Video and audio from computer or network sources.

This editor, unlike most others, does not look like a browser port desktop application. On the left are the main drawing tools, and on the top are the controls. The main space is occupied by the canvas for working with graphics.