Vectors
What is a Vector?
The vector image is created by defining points and curves using paths.
When vector graphics are scaled, the edges remain crisp and sharp no matter the size.
How do Vectors Work?
In physics, a vector is a representation of both a quantity and a direction at the same time. In vector graphics, the file that results from a graphic artist's work is created and saved as a sequence of vector statements. For example, instead of containing a bit in the file for each bit of a line drawing, a vector graphic file describes a series of points to be connected. One result is a much smaller file.
Pros & Cons of Vectors
Pros:
- Vector files are useful for storing images composed of line-based elements such as lines and polygons, or those that can be decomposed into simple geometrical objects, such as text.
- Vector data can be easily scaled and otherwise manipulated to accommodate the resolution of a spectrum of output devices.
- Vector images usually require less disk space.
Cons:
- Vector files cannot easily be used to store extremely complex images, such as some photographs, where color information is paramount and may vary on a pixel-by-pixel basis.
- Even the smallest of errors in the drawings are visible when you enlarge images to an extent. These incidents can affect image quality, especially when used in animation.
Advanced Vector Tools Tips
Using the Pen Tool
The Pen Tool works by drawing a path between anchor points you create when you click on the canvas.
The simplest path you can draw with the standard Pen tool is a straight line, made by clicking the Pen tool to create two anchor points. By continuing to click, you create a path made of straight line segments connected by corner points. Think of Connect-The-Dots from when you were a kid!
1. Select the Pen tool.
2. Position the Pen tool where you want the straight segment to begin, and click to define the first anchor point (do not drag).
Note: The first segment you draw will not be visible until you click a second anchor point. (Select the Rubber Band option in Photoshop to preview path segments.) Also, if direction lines appear, you’ve accidentally dragged the Pen tool; choose Edit > Undo, and click again.
3. Click again where you want the segment to end (Shift-click to constrain the angle of the segment to a multiple of 45°).
4. Continue clicking to set anchor points for additional straight segments. The last anchor point you add always appears as a solid square, indicating that it is selected. Previously defined anchor points become hollow, and deselected, as you add more anchor points.
5. Complete the path by doing one of the following:
A. To close the path, position the Pen tool over the first (hollow) anchor point. A small circle appears next to the Pen tool pointer when it is positioned correctly. Click or drag to close the path.
B. To leave the path open, Ctrl-click (Windows) or Command-click (Mac OS) anywhere away from all objects. To leave the path open, you can also select a different tool.
You create a curve by adding an anchor point where a curve changes direction, and dragging the direction lines that shape the curve. The length and slope of the direction lines determine the shape of the curve.
When you have created a curved path, you can change the curve while you’re working by manipulating the Handles by holding Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac OS).
Check out this Game to Learn how to use the Pen Tool!
The Bézier Game: https://bezier.method.ac/ Links to an external site.
Modifying Vector Objects
Direct Selection Tool: Click one of the anchor points of the vector object and drag it in any direction to deform the shape.
Add Anchor Point Tool: Adds an anchor point to a path.
Delete Anchor Point Tool: Deletes an anchor point from a path.
Convert Point Tool: Position the Convert Point tool over the anchor point you want to convert, and do one of the following:
Type On Path
To put text on a path in Photoshop:
1. Select the Pen tool or one of the shape tools in the toolbar.
2. Draw the path for the text. When the Properties panel opens after you release the mouse button, set the Fill color to None and the Stroke Color to Black.
3. Select the Horizontal Type tool, and then click on the path where you want the text to follow along. You will see that the tool curser will change from a dotted square to a dotted curved line.
4. Start Typing!
Type In Shape
To put text in a shape in Photoshop:
1. Select the Pen tool or one of the shape tools in the toolbar.
2. Draw the enclosed shape for the text. When the Properties panel opens after you release the mouse button, set the Fill color to None and the Stroke Color to Black.
3. Select the Horizontal Type tool, and then click inside the shape where you want the text to follow along. You will see that the tool curser will change from a dotted square to a dotted circle.
4. Start Typing!