por On the web and, in general, in digital media, we can find two common image formats: raster images and vector images. Raster images are usually more common than vector images. So, What are vector files and what are they for? We tell you in this post.
What are vector files?
As we have already mentioned, on the web we find bitmap and vector images. Raster images are those that are based on pixels within a grid; Each pixel has the information of a color that will go in a specific place in the image. For its part, vector images are made with mathematical formulas, points and polygons that form the representation of an image.
The big difference between a bitmap and a vector image is that the vector image, since it is not tied to pixels, can be modified infinitely without losing the quality of the image.. Pixel images cannot be modified as easily, as the pixel will become much more obvious.
Vector file extensions
When you already know what vector files are, the question arises: How can I identify them within a page. The easiest way is to check the file extension. Luckily, these files come in very few different formats and are easy to identify.
AI
The most common format for vector files is the .ai file format, which is the native extension for Adobe Illustrator files.. This software It is one of the best in terms of illustration and is used to create logos and applications, among other things. It is one of the most used by graphic designers.
SVG
It is one of the most useful formats in web design. This format is relatively new, easy to use and based on XML. This type of vector file is compatible with most image editors.
EPS
It is one of the oldest vector files in existence, EPS formats do not have transparency supportwhich can cause problems depending on the needs of the images we are using. It is still valid because it is easy to combine raster and vector images in the same file.
It is a standard in most industries. PDF is one of the oldest formats and the best known throughout the world.. They were originally created for Adobe to use; However, there are now many platforms that allow you to view and modify them. This file type will always be the same, no matter where it is viewed.
How to open vector files?
Once we know what vector files are and what extensions exist, we can move on to how to open a vector file. The application you use to open your vector file will depend on what you want to do with it.
To open files for viewing purposes only, you can simply drag them into the internet browser and you will be able to view it without problems. If you want to edit it, you’ll have to open it in an app that supports this type of files. As we mentioned before, Adobe Illustrator is the industry standard; However, there are other free applications, such as Inkscape, that allow you to edit the files freely.
Learn more
Now that you know what vector files are, you can start thinking about the uses you can give them. If you want to know more about design and how to develop a brand or digital marketing campaigns, we invite you to Be part of our Digital Marketing and Data Analysis bootcampwhere you can acquire knowledge in different disciplines that will help you boost your career and become an expert. Don’t wait any longer and sign up!