The term "vector" in graphic design refers to a method of editing and file storage different than that of a bitmap format or editor. Vector files store information using paths, trajectories, and nodes; while bitmaps store information in an array or matrix.
Furthermore, a vector illustration can be exported easily to a bitmap format, at which point it becomes un-editable using vector techniques. A bitmap can also be translated into a vector format, but that requires much more fine tuning and, in many cases, manual conversion via tracing.
Vector images use geometry -- points, lines, curves, shapes and polygons -- to display images in computer graphics.
Vector and bitmap are both image files. Bitmapped images are images that are stored on a pixel by pixel basis and because of this, when you enlarge the image it can appear blocky. A vector image is constructed from dots, lines, shapes, etc. Each part has a particular position within the image with it's own dimensions. Because vector images are constructed using images, they can be enlarged without loss of image quality. Vector images do not get the blocky appearance of an enlarged bitmap image.
No. Raster images define images with pixels. But Vector images paint the pixels on your screen!
Vector and bitmap are both image files. Bitmapped images are images that are stored on a pixel by pixel basis and because of this, when you enlarge the image it can appear blocky. A vector image is constructed from dots, lines, shapes, etc. Each part has a particular position within the image with it's own dimensions. Because vector images are constructed using images, they can be enlarged without loss of image quality. Vector images do not get the blocky appearance of an enlarged bitmap image.
Free vector images are available from many online sources that store vector images. Fotolia and Vecteezy are just a few examples of free vector image websites.
capabilities Vector images use less memory space and have a smaller file size. For the web, pages that use vector graphics in plug-ins download faster, and when used for animation, draw faster. the ability to scale the image to any size without loss of quality limitation Vector images, however, cannot reproduce 'continuous tone photographic images like bitmaps vector images cannot be used for photorealistic images. Vector images require a plug-in for web-based display.
Vector and Raster or pixel images.
There are two fundamentally different types of graphics image - Vector images and Bitmap images. Vector images are made up of lines, polygons etc. Bitmap images are made up of pixels of color. The type of package used depends on the type of image you're trying to work with. Whilst there is some overlap between the two, ie you can create some vector artwork in photoshop and you can do some minimal bitmap work in illustrator, in essence illustrator is a vector graphics package where you draw your image with lines etc. Photoshop is a fully featured bitmap editing package
Raster images are defined in pixels. ie At every x,y location, whether it is black or white. Vector images are defined by lines. eg From x,y to X,Y. Any pixel that lies between these points on a white background becomes black. It is easier to convert Vector images to Raster images, rather than the other way. Vector images are sometimes smaller (in data size). eg If the image contains one line, then the amount of data needed to store this is smaller than having to define every pixel in the image regardless of whether it is relevant. Vector images can be scaled smaller and larger without any significant loss of detail. Raster images that have been made smaller lose clarity and cannot then be made larger to improve the quality.
Yes, SWF (Shockwave Flash) files can support vector images. Vector images stored in SWF files can be easily scaled without losing quality, making them a popular choice for animations and graphics in multimedia applications.
Free vector art refers to digital graphics that are created using vector graphic software, which uses mathematical equations to form shapes and lines rather than pixels. These artworks are typically available for free or low cost, and can be scaled to any size without losing quality. Free vector art is commonly used for illustrations, logos, and design projects.
One could find images of vector illustration online by searching for it. One could also find images of this in museums, or in books at your local library.