vector image

Drawing programs such as AutoCAD create vector graphics (.dxf, .eps, .wmf) made of lines and curves defined by mathematical objects called vectors. Vectors describe graphics according to their geometric characteristics. The Oasis montaj CAD drawing tools (licensed version) enable you to draw vector lines and shapes.

A vector graphic is resolution-independent—that is, it can be scaled to any size and printed on any output device at any resolution without losing its detail or clarity. As a result, vector graphics are the best choice for type (especially small type) and bold graphics that must retain crisp lines when scaled to various sizes—for example, logos.

Because computer monitors represent images by displaying them on a grid, both vector and bitmap images are displayed as pixels on-screen.