Vector graphic drawings. Raster and vector graphics

Today we are all a little spoiled by the huge selection of free photos. But with vector graphics, things are worse - finding high-quality images in a sea of ​​mediocre clipart is much more difficult. The advantage of vector illustrations is that they can be scaled without losing quality - these files are very useful when you need to print the same picture on a business card and on a huge banner. Vector graphics can be used in web design, to create infographics and a wide variety of printed materials: magazines, brochures, leaflets and posters. FreelanceToday brings to your attention 10 sites with free vector graphics.

Stockio has over 3,000 free vector images available for download. There is also an additional section for icons, some of which are made in vector graphics editors. The collection includes a variety of illustrations, including patterns and infographics. The site has a convenient search, so it will be easy for the user to find the desired image. The files are available in different formats (AI, EPS, JPG), and you can download them immediately without authorization or registration. Although it is not necessary to register, it is worth doing, as this functionality allows you to save the images you like and track your downloads. You can also download free photos, videos, and fonts from Stockio.

Free Vector is a site with free vectors, the collection of which contains more than 200 thousand files in EPS formats. AI, PDF and SVG. The user can search for the desired image either by keywords or by browsing the categories 3D, Icon, Animals, Vintage and Business. In order to download files, you do not need to create an account, however, with this method of downloading, the user is shown advertising. Free images can only be used in non-commercial projects, but if you subscribe for $9.99 per month, you can access a premium license that includes commercial use of vector graphics.

FreeVectors.net has been around for 10 years and its creators are committed to making sure the files in its collection are easily searchable. The keyword search function automatically completes as the query is entered, so that the user can get several new ideas that the system will suggest to him. Each vector image has its own share license, and most files are free, but only for personal projects. No registration is required, but a pop-up ad appears for 5 seconds before the download begins. The only major problem with this site is that some of the files are no longer available for download, although most of the collection downloads without problems. Another disadvantage: the user cannot independently specify the desired vector format, so one has to rely on luck.

The Vector Portal website has existed since 2005 and is currently one of the largest resources with free vector graphics. In addition to high-quality stock vectors, you can find a large selection of brushes for Photoshop and Illustrator, as well as various graphic materials. The user can search for graphics using keywords or browse categories (flags, animals, patterns, and so on). You can also view your recently uploaded and most popular images. The download starts immediately, but it opens a new tab in the browser, which some people find annoying. Most files are in EPS and AI formats. Vector illustrations can be used for commercial projects, but you need to be careful and check the license. The Vector Portal also has a blog with ideas and tutorials, which can help beginners just learning vector editors.

Vecteezy makes it easy to find and download vector clipart, well sorted into three main themes: art, icons, and templates. Users also have access to sections such as latest arrivals and various categories. Each file has its own license, and most are free for both personal and commercial use. Mandatory registration is not required, but it speeds up loading speed. The site allows you to leave comments and save interesting files in your personal account. Vecteezy has a unique feature - the site has a built-in online editor that allows you to edit images, change colors and fonts before downloading the file.

The Dry Icons site is interesting because it specializes in free vector icons, however, you can also find other vector graphics there. The collection contains over 6,700 files. According to the rules, all files used in personal and commercial projects must be accompanied by a link to the Dry Icons resource. Icons and graphics are presented in sets, and the latest arrivals are displayed on the main page. The desired picture can be searched using keywords, and the system understands the user’s direction of thought and suggests similar categories. For example, a search for “cats” will suggest categories such as pets or “dogs.” The file download begins 3 seconds after pressing the button, and the user does not recognize the file format until the download is completed. It's not clear why, but the site's designers mixed free vector images with Shutterstock graphics, so that when you search, all results, paid or not, are returned. This may be annoying for some users.

On the Vexels website you can find very high-quality vector illustrations, but when searching, the vector is mixed with PSD and PNG raster formats, so you definitely need to check which file is being downloaded. This is done simply: just hover the cursor over the icon and a caption indicating the format will appear. Most images are available for free download, but if you wish, you can donate a small amount to the creator of the graphic. Sorry, all files are free for personal use only and may not be printed on packaging or used in commercial web applications. To get around this obstacle, you can purchase an extended license for $7.49 per month. You can also purchase a license for an individual image for $5. A paid account gives you access to an online editor with ready-made templates for postcards, websites, invitations, banners and other graphics.

If you need to find vector icons, then it makes sense to visit the Flat Icon site. On this resource you can find more than 10 thousand sets of icons, most of which are available for free download. A paid subscription for $7.50 per month gives access to the premium section - such icons can be used in commercial projects. All icons are well sorted, the site has a search by category, as well as a filter for color and black and white icons. Flat Icons has a very convenient functionality that allows you to create your own collections of icons without downloading the entire set. Users can download files in PNG, SVG, EPS and PSD formats. Downloading is available for registered users only. After registration, all files are downloaded instantly, but sometimes pop-up advertisements appear asking you to purchase a paid account.

Freepik is a huge portal with free vector graphics, whose collection includes over 300 thousand files in AI and EPS formats. You can search both in categories and by keywords. Vector graphics are free for personal and commercial use, but a small donation is encouraged unless you have a paid account, which costs $7.50 per month. Unregistered users can download only 5 files per day, registration allows you to download 30 files per day. Downloading files is interrupted by pop-up advertising, which, however, can be closed immediately.

Vector Stock mainly offers paid vector images, but this site also has approximately 150 thousand free vectors. The search allows you to search only for free images, and you can view similar images. It is very convenient that the user can choose in which format he wants to download the file. There is also a paid subscription option that allows commercial use of downloaded files. Vector Stock requires mandatory registration. After registration, downloading is carried out without delays and pop-up ads, you can also connect Dropbox, which is useful with a slow Internet connection.

If your search for free vector graphics is unsuccessful, you can visit the Freelance.Discount website. This resource contains many vector files that can be downloaded at low prices. Almost all areas of vector graphics are represented, from icons to logos; it is also possible to contact the designer and edit the file for an additional fee.

A vector image is an image described by mathematical formulas and created using geometric primitives such as points, lines, polygons. The line is the main object of vector graphics, and due to the fact that the line is described mathematically as a single object, vector images are much smaller in size compared to . The file size of a vector image depends only on the complexity of the image and the number of individual objects that make up the drawing.

A line has properties such as shape, thickness, color, and type (solid or dotted). Any simple line is drawn between two points, which are called nodes. Nodes can also be characterized by various properties, which determine their appearance. A closed line also acquires the property of filling. Any color or texture can be chosen as fill. Thus, absolutely any displayed object can be described only by the simplest lines.

In the file, all image elements are written in the form of a mathematical formula and the coordinates of all lines present. When a vector image is opened with the corresponding one, all elements of the image are recalculated and displayed on the screen in accordance with the properties that describe them.

All curved lines in vector graphics are described as Bezier curves. Thanks to the constant recalculation of all parameters of vector image objects for any changes in the image, the vector image is scaled without loss of quality. So, when enlarging or reducing such an image, all the parameters of the simplest component primitives are multiplied by the required scaling factor.

A vector image can easily be divided into individual elements, lines or entire shapes, and each such element can be edited individually. You can also apply scaling to an individual element. Due to such a clear division into objects, the vector image has a less realistic schematic appearance, which currently does not allow its use for saving photographs. This image format is most suitable for creating various diagrams or logos, as well as simple drawings for printing in a printing house.

The most famous programs for working with vector graphics are: Corel Draw, Adobe Illustrator, AutoCAD.

In the modern world, computer images occupy a special place. Computer graphics is a branch of the science known as computer science. Vector graphics, in turn, is one of the branches of computer graphics. This is the name of an image that is created using mathematical formulas.

Raster graphics are a collection of pixels. And vector graphics are a set of objects that are described by formulas.

Using this method of presentation, vector illustration receives a number of advantages.

Why do we need vector graphics?

The possibility of precise geometric constructions is the main task of vector computer graphics. That is, it is used to create diagrams, drawings and other documentation.

It should be noted that the vast majority of computer-aided design systems are based on vector graphics.

Needless to say, raster and vector ones, such as Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Paint Tool Sai and others, are actively used by artist-designers. This is due to the features of vector computer graphics.

What is the basis?

Vector graphics lessons, which are held both at school and in higher education, talk in detail about vector images.

It is based, firstly, on the calculation of the coordinates of points on the screen that are part of this type of vector graphics is called calculated.

Secondly, the raster image is based on mathematical information about what properties a particular geometric figure has.

To construct illustrations, vector graphics use the coordinate method. The basic concept of this type of computer graphics is line.

Where is it used?

Vector computer graphics in modern society have a very wide scope of application in various areas of human activity. It is used everywhere, from advertising banners on the pages of newspapers and magazines to diagrams and drawings in areas such as space.

Vector image composition

A vector image is a collection of vector segments, while a raster image is a collection of points.

Vector graphics describe an illustration using curved and straight lines called vectors.

In addition, it uses parameters such as line location and color.

For example, an illustration is written with dots, which creates an outline. Sets the color of the outline and the area inside it.

Vector graphics objects

It is necessary to take a closer look at the distinctive features of raster and vector images - objects. Each such illustration may include one or more objects of the corresponding type.

Any vector graphic element consists of two parts: an outline and an internal area. The latter can be filled or empty. Filling the inner area can be in the form of color, a mosaic pattern, or a color transition.

The circuit, in turn, can be open or, conversely, closed. In a vector object, it does double duty:

1) Using a contour, it is possible to change the shape of an object in a drawing.

2) The outline of a vector object can be shaped - in this case it will play the role of a stroke. You can set its width, color and line style.

Vector graphics formats

CDR is a “native” format. It should be noted that this format is incompatible even with its older versions, not to mention other editors.

SWF is a Flash format that is designed for viewing animation. In order to view it, you must install FlashPlayer.

Many vector editors only support certain vector graphics formats. EPS is one of them. This is the most universal format for working with vector computer graphics. It is supported by the vast majority of vector editors.

AdobeFlash is used to create animated graphics. Its format is FLA. You can use Action Script to create controlled scripts.

Adobe Illustrator creates AI format by default. It should be noted that later versions of it are incompatible with earlier ones, but it has the ability to save the drawing in the previous version.

The SVG format was created based on the XML markup language; it was created for publishing vector graphics images on the Internet. The format supports animation and is also an open standard. The free vector graphics program Inkscape saves files in this format by default.

What are the advantages of vector graphics?

Firstly, vector graphics have a relatively small image weight. In addition, the picture has relatively simple detail.

Secondly, vector graphics provide the ability to scale an image unlimitedly. At the same time, its quality does not suffer.

Thirdly, vector graphics offer the possibility of unlimited movement, stretching, rotation, grouping and more. The image quality, again, does not suffer.

Fourthly, the vector graphics program allows you to control the thickness and color of the line. Moreover, this possibility does not depend on the image scale.

Fifthly, vector graphics are the ability to perform transformations on objects such as subtraction, addition, additions and intersections.

What are the disadvantages of vector graphics?

The first disadvantage is that if a vector image has many elements, then its size increases noticeably. So, it happens that the weight of a raster copy is significantly less than the weight of the vector original.

The second drawback follows from the first drawback - the difficulty of conveying a photorealistic image.

And the last, third disadvantage of vector graphics is the problem of program compatibility.

Tools for working with vector computer graphics

Just as in the case of raster graphics, there are a huge number of different software tools for working with vector graphics. However, they are much more difficult to master than raster graphics editors. The main programs for working with vector graphics are the following:

1)Adobe Illustrator. This graphic editor, together with Adobe PageMaker and Adobe Photoshop, forms a powerful package for developing complex documents and layout of printed publications.

2)CorelDraw. This program is a professional computer graphics editor. It has a rich set of settings, as well as a developed control system and a user-friendly interface.

3) Macromedia Freehand. This graphics editor is one of the most intuitive and user-friendly programs in which you can work with vector graphics. The main distinguishing features: the simplest control system and high performance. However, her abilities are much more modest than those of previous editors.

Unlike raster images, vector images are more flexible and highly scalable without loss of quality. This makes vector images ideal for web and print design. In this post you will find 50 websites that provide vector graphics kits for free. Here you can download free vector icons, badges, ornaments and other types of images for free, but when downloading, pay attention to the license type so that you do not have problems with copyright holders.

Review of websites where you can download vector graphics for free:

1. ru.freepik.com - available in Russian. Hundreds of new images are added to the site every day.
2. vectorstock.com - more than 40 thousand vector images are available for free download on the site.
3. all-free-download.com - All Free Download has about 190,000 vectors for non-commercial use. Convenient search, breakdown by tags makes it easier to find the desired images.
4. freevector.com - vector images, icons, and brand logos. When using, pay attention to the license. Most graphics are provided under a Creative Commons license, which means they can be freely used and modified as long as the author remains intact.
5. vecteezy.com is the home of vector icons and patterns. In addition to free graphics, you can also find premium images here.
6. freevectors.net - All vectors are free, but license types may vary, so be sure to check before using the graphic.
7. 1001freedownloads.com - When looking for the right design elements, you can turn to this site for help. Vectors are divided into categories, which makes it easier to find the desired option.
8. freedesignfile.com - All graphics on this site are free, but they are licensed under CC 3.0, so be sure to credit the author when using them.
9. free-vectors.com is another great stock of vector images and illustrations. Backgrounds, icons, vector patterns, spots, calendars, shapes - all this and much more you will find on this wonderful site.
10. Vector4Free.com offers free vector graphics in the following formats: Illustrator AI, EPS, PDF, SVG and Corel Draw CDR files. Use tags or search form,to make your search easier.
11. coolvectors.com - here, in addition to the main task of searching for vector images and downloading, you can evaluate the quality of the images.
12. freevectors.com - Download thousands of simple vectors from this site.
13. vectorportal.com - vector graphics portal has 25 categories. The search can be carried out both in popular graphics and according to the latest ones added to the site.
14. vector-eps.com is a vector graphics bank from which you can download images in the popular vector eps format.
15. vectorwallpapers.net is a site that is interesting because here you will find thousands of freely available vector backgrounds.

05.02.2016 Internet technologies

Personally, I think the best graphics for a website are vector images; today you can download them for free on many sites. I bring to your attention 50 resources with freebies.

To be honest, it’s not so difficult for me to write or (I won’t hide the translation, in a moment of creative crisis) an article as to find an image for it.

Google or Yandex pictures are the last thing for me; I prefer to look for pictures on foreign sites.

There are, of course, exceptions when I “create” myself in Photoshop, but this is only when there is really nothing to do and there is plenty of time, which is extremely rare.

Basically, I look for images for articles on the site on resources that do not prohibit publication on their service (and my desired format is vector), since it is interesting, attractive and I think that it fits into the design of any site.

50 sites to download vector images

33. Light Stock A site for photographers with unique content. Vector graphics are available for free every week, just subscribe to the newsletter.

34. For Designer All types of free vector graphics. The website is available in English, French, German and Spanish.

35. Vectorian Offers vintage vector graphics. Sign up for our newsletter to receive free content every week.

36. Web Design Hot Here you will find free vector images along with free fonts, icons, photos, UI elements, logos, Photoshop brushes and much more. The site is full of advertisements.

37. Vecto2000 - This site offers free vector graphics, icons, templates in many categories, including sports, transportation, flowers and science.

38. All Vectors The site has 20 different vector design categories. All images are available under a Creative Commons license.

39. freevectors.org. Freevectors has 14 different categories of over 1600 images and even more free add-ons. You can browse the website using the search box.

40. Vector Finder Over 20 categories of vector graphics for personal use.

41. Vectors4free.net On this site you can find design elements from animals to vehicles. New images are added daily.

42. Digimadmedia Eight subcategories, backgrounds, logos, icons, flowers and even Halloween.

43. Scalablegfx Founded in 2015 by three students, the site has become another place to store high-quality vector images for creating game graphics.

44. 365psd. 365psd is a popular site for free graphics. Use the categories in the menu to find the images you need.

45. 7428.net Although unbranded, it's a good place to find vector graphics, PSD files, icons, HD images - all for free.

46. Vector Vaco Offers a variety of vector images. A link to the page where the image was downloaded is required.

47. Freevectors.me This site has 17 categories and also allows you to search by color filters.

48. Flaticon This site features amazing free vector icons and is a subsidiary of Freepik. All icons are displayed under the CC 3.0 license; attribution to the author is required.

49. Vector Background Use the search form or color filters to find the image you need.

50. Public Domain Vectors You can copy, modify and distribute vector images downloaded from this site.

I think that's enough vector!

Well, I think that’s enough, vector images are always beautiful. Do not take to heart the concept of “a source for the author is required” or something similar, because you can always slightly correct, replace or add somewhere. Photoshop or simpler tools will help you.

Remember, the visitor looks not only at the text content, a beautiful picture is like the wheels of a car))).