Interpolation is a mathematical way of increasing the number of pixels in a raster image, which is used in graphics packages.

Try not to confuse the concepts of scaling and resizing;

Zooming (most often associated with the Zoom tool) is changing the display on the screen. Resizing is making changes to a graphic file. Look at fig. 1.3.

Rice. 1.3.

In the first case (see Fig. 1.3, a) the number of pixels has not changed, but the size of the picture has increased due to an increase in the number of points allocated for displaying one pixel.

In the second case (see Fig. 1.3, b), in addition to the four original pixels, 12 more interpolation ones appeared, which were completed by the computer.

ATTENTION.Do not take interpolation as a good tool in your hands. If the printing office requires a resolution of 300 ppi, then increasing the resolution for a picture that you downloaded from the Internet and which has only 72 ppi will not do anything. Small details that would be visible at real 300 ppi will not appear - only those that were visible in the original image will increase.

Basic raster file formats

Despite the fact that at the core raster graphics The same matrix of pixels lies; there are quite a lot of formats for recording raster files. Let's look at some of them that are most often used in work.

CPT (Corel Photo-Paint Image)

Standard format for storing raster images in Corel PHOTO-PAINT and CorelDRAW. Able to save everything that can be created in these programs when working with bitmap graphics. The main drawback is poor support by other editors, such as Photoshop. However, if you prefer Corel products, the CPT format is a fairly optimal choice.

PSD (Photoshop Document)

Photoshop's own format. The main advantage is that it allows you to save everything that can be created in this program (layers, additional channels, comments, paths). This is a useful feature because often work takes several days to complete on a single image, and without such capabilities in PSD format, a number of problems would arise.

Currently, this format is supported by almost all editing programs. raster graphics.

PSD uses the RLE compression standard, which makes its size slightly smaller without losing quality.

NOTE. RLE (Run Length Encoding) is one of the methods for compressing graphic files. It is based on finding matches in image strings. For example, if there are 40 black pixels in a row, then they will not be recorded as black, black, black..., but as 40 black. This method is effective only if there is sufficient repeatability, that is, monochromatic areas of the image. Unlike JPEG (see below), image quality is not degraded when using RLE.

BMP (Windows Device Independent Bitmap)

Native format of the Windows operating system. It was specially developed by Microsoft programmers. Supports indexed (256 colors) and RGB color. This format is understood by absolutely all (graphical and not only) editors working in Windows.

This is where the few advantages of BMP end and numerous disadvantages begin:

• not suitable for the Internet;
• an extremely poor choice for subsequent printing;
• is a hardware dependent format;
• incorrectly uses RLE compression;
• takes up an unreasonably large amount of disk space.

Using BMP will be a mistake in any case, except for further use in programs that cannot handle any other formats.

GIF (CompuServe Graphics Interchange Format)

One of the most famous file formats, today it is mainly used on the Internet.

GIF was developed in 1987 by CompuServe for high-speed transfer of images over networks. It was originally a format that only supported 256 colors. However, a hidden ability of GIF was soon discovered - recording several pictures into one file and playing them with a certain delay. GIF supports transparency, and multiple colors can be set to transparent.

GIF uses LZW compression, which, combined with indexed colors, makes this format ideal for storing and transmitting images with a small number of colors.

NOTE. LZW (compression is another type of image compression, close to RLE. With this compression, so-called “phrases” (repeating combinations of different colors) are searched for, which are written in the form of keys. In the future, already created keys are used to encode the image. This method is more advanced than RLE when working with areas that have color transitions, but LZW encoding requires more system resources.

Another advantage of GIF is the ability to use interlacing, in which the file is first loaded one line at a time, in a lower vertical resolution, and then the remaining lines are loaded.

Animation, transparency, and interlacing have made GIF one of the most used formats on the Internet. However, we repeat that the main disadvantage of this format is that it displays only 256 colors.

JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)

JPEG is not only a graphics format, it is one of the most common file compression technologies available today.

JPEG technology is implemented as follows: first, the image is divided into blocks of 8 * 8 pixels. Then two types of information are recorded - average information about the block and information about its details. Further, depending on the selected compression degree, this or that amount of additional information is removed. The smaller the file size, the worse its quality will be.

ATTENTION.JPEG is far from the best format for storing photos. Each time you open and then close it in a raster editor, the file is rewritten and the quality drops. After some time, the image may become completely unusable.

JPEG is best used for images that can tolerate soft edges and slight blur. However, for storing, for example, charts, it is better to give preference to other formats.

The big disadvantage of JPEG is its inability to save indexed colors.

Currently, JPEG is the main format for transmitting graphics on the Internet. The reason for this is clear - no other format can provide such a balance between quality and loading speed of images.

JPEG 2000

It is gradually gaining popularity and will replace regular JPEG in the coming years. Its main difference is that it is capable of compressing files with virtually no loss of quality (visually no deterioration in quality is visible).

PCX

One of the formats that are not bad in themselves, but are being replaced by others. PCX supports RLE compression (see above). It supports Bitmap, Grayscale, Indexed colors, RGB color models (see Chapter 8). However, PCX does not support the CMYK color model, which is not very good today. In addition, this format cannot save additional channels. Thus, it is better not to use this format. It will be perfectly replaced by the more common TIFF (see below)

PICT (Macintosh QuickDraw Picture Format)

Used primarily on Macintosh computers. Supported by all programs on these computers and even serves as a clipboard standard. When saving to PICT, you can use the color modes Bitmap , Grayscale, Indexed colors, RGB,

There are several extensions used for each file type. This is because they are processed by different programs that encode them based on content, compression, and other features. Graphic file formats can be divided into raster and vector. If you are going to get acquainted with computer graphics, then you need to know everything about them. File formats play an important role in preparing print layouts, designing, placing images on Web pages, and many other types of work.

Raster type of graphic images

Raster graphics are based on pixels that are organized into rows and columns. They represent surface rendering elements. They are independently assigned color, transparency, and other properties. Image quality and pixel count are related: the more pixels used, the better the final image will look.

Raster graphics have several advantages:

• wide scope of application (with their help you can transfer objects of the real world using photos);
• graphic information is easy to process;
• printing can be done on any equipment; standard printers easily construct an image from pixels;
• Most raster formats are accepted by any program for processing and displaying images on a monitor.

But when working with them, you need to take into account a number of disadvantages:

• The file size can be very large, which will make it difficult to transfer (this most often happens with uncompressed images);
• editing a raster image is more difficult, since the pixels become an integral part of the overall picture, and are not perceived as independent units;
• formatting and transformation can distort the image.

Nevertheless, we come across raster images most often. Any camera creates images in this format.

In what formats are raster files saved?

Popular raster graphics file formats can be found on every computer. Most of them you have seen on your device. Raster formats include:

1. Bit Map (BMP, extension - bmp) is a file with the most wasteful encoding, one of the standard graphic formats used in the very first versions of Windows. Initially, only 256 colors were available to users, and each pixel was equal to one byte. Now you can use BMP to store full-color images. The main program for working with it is Paint, but you can open it through Photoshop and other editors.
2. Tagged Image File Format (TIFF, tif extension) is a universal cross-platform format used to transfer images between users. It is most often used in publishing and in the preparation of topographic maps, since it can be used to obtain a clear image on a printed version of the picture. Installed by default in utilities that work with scanners and faxes. Not suitable for websites as images are heavy. It is best to work with it using the FastStone program - it allows you to view the contents of the file, process and convert it.
3. Graphic Interchamge Format (GIF, extension - gif) is a format that supports animation without losing information during compression. Widely used on the Internet, despite the limited number of colors. The appearance of the image does not change when used to view different browsers and platforms. The following programs work with the format: Viewer, Paint, Adobe Photoshop, Visio.
4. PhotoShop Document (PSD, extension - psd) is an internal raster graphics format used for the Adobe Photoshop software package. Its peculiarity is that the image retains all layers and can therefore be easily edited.
5. Portable Network Graphics (PNG, extension - png) is a free format in which the image is compressed without loss, which allows it to be used in various areas of computer graphics. Work with this program format : Viewer, Paint, Photoshop, Visio, Corel PaintShop Pro.
6. Joint Photographic Expert Group (JPEG, extension – jpg) – stores images by compressing them. This format is considered the standard for full-color images. It is used to record photographs taken from cameras and is used in computer graphics. It features a smooth change in brightness and color in the work area. During compression, data that does not have a significant effect on the final image is excluded from the file. The entire drawing is divided into rectangular areas, sometimes resulting in a blurry image. Image processing can be carried out using the following utilities: FastStone Viewer, Paint, Adobe Photoshop, Visio.
7. Joint Photographic Expert Group 2000 (JPEG 2000, extension - jp 2) - allows you to get sharper images when compressed, while the file weight becomes smaller. It is processed by the same programs as its prototype. It is not very common because not all browsers support it.
8. Windows I con (ICO, extension - ico) - used to create small format images and icons. These images mark sites in the address bar or in the “Favorites” bar of browsers. The following programs are used to work with this format: Inkscape, Newera Iconcool Editor, Sibcode Sib Icon Editor.
9. RAW (extensions: ari, dpx, arw, srf, sr2, bay, crw, cr2, dng, dcr, kdc, erf, 3fr, mef, mrw, nef, nrw, orf, ptx, pef, raf, raw, rwl, dng, rw2, r3d, srw, x3f) is a form called digital negative. Used when saving images with professional cameras. There is no general standard for expanding this format, so each equipment manufacturer creates its own version and software that can work with it and convert it into other generally accepted options.

The variety of graphic file formats can confuse even a professional, so many programs are able to work immediately with files with different extensions. One of them is Photoshop, which is the most popular among users.

Vector type of graphic images

Advanced users know another type of images built on the basis of regular structures. In a primitive understanding, vector graphic file formats are a diagram that is made up of the simplest shapes: triangles, segments, straight lines, rectangles and others. The advantages of vector files are:

• small file size if the drawing is made up of graphic primitives;
• scaling occurs without loss of quality;
• When outputting vector images, the maximum resolution of the printer or other device is used.

Such images have a number of significant disadvantages:

• You cannot create realistic images using vector graphics;
• it is impossible to automate the input of graphic information due to the heterogeneity of the elements;
• Each program has its own format in which it saves images; the files depend on the utilities.

A large number of programs used to work with vector graphics were created because each of them performs its own tasks. Unlike raster images, vector images are used in design, architecture and other areas. Often, working with drawings requires high precision and a wealth of special knowledge.

Vector image formats

The most common vector graphic file formats are:

1. CDR (cdr extension) is an internal format of the CorelDRAW software package. Allows you to save images created in this program and text. This software package can also use other special formats: CDT, CDX, CGM, CLK, CMX, CPX, CSL, DES, DRW, DSF. Some of these formats support the combined use of raster and vector graphics. They are used for various CorelDRAW applications and can be used to create different images, templates and video clips.
2. AI (ai extension) is a format used in Adobe Illustrator. When working with this file, it is worth remembering that a file created on a recent version of the software cannot be opened on an outdated version of the utility. This format is loved for its high quality graphics, but its drawback is that a number of effects are lost during its conversion, for example, gradient fill.
3. EPS (eps extension) is a format supported by many vector graphics programs. It has several versions, which are indicated by numerical values, but many programs do not support EPS above 7. Thanks to this format, conversion is resorted to in extreme cases, because it is much easier to save the file in it than to restore lost properties later.
4. DXF (dxf extension) is a format with which AvtoCAD design applications and its analogues work. The files support many features not found in other vector-based options, such as saving 3D objects.
5. WMF (wmf extension) - used to work with applications based on Windows OS. This is a universal tool used to display images on computer screens and printers.
6. SWG, SVGZ (extensions - swg, svgz, differing in the percentage of image compression) - a format used to design web pages. All popular browsers support it. It cannot be used to store complex designs, so its scope of use is very limited.
7. TGA (tga extension) is a popular format used in motion graphics and video editing. Information is stored at a depth of 32 bits per point. This is a universal file option that can also be used to store raster images.
8. FLA, FH (extensions fla , fh ) – used to store the original versions of Flash images. Open only on Adobe software. In particular, they use the Flash program and the vector editor FreeHand.

The popular format for PDF documents can also be classified as vector. Initially, it was not planned that it would be used to transfer images, but now more and more often users save information mixed in content - text and graphics - in it. In this case, the illustrations in this document can be either vector or raster. The text part contains a large number of fonts. This format was also presented to the world by Adobe.

How to change image formats?

The need to convert one file format to another most often arises for the following reasons:

• incompatibility of the software with the current extension;
• there was a need to reduce the size;
• you need to process the file in another program, and not in the one in which it was created;
• to meet the requirements of the file hosting environment (for example, when placing graphics on a web page).

Conversion of graphic file formats is carried out using utilities. For example, in Adobe Photoshop you can save files with an extension other than just for internal use. Using the “Save for Web” command, about a dozen popular raster formats will be available to you. Other programs for working with images have similar capabilities; for example, in CorelDRAW you can not only change the format of the created graphics, but also transform the vector version into a raster one.

You can also use separate applications called converters for transformation. Most have a wide range of available formats, but it's best to use options that only work with a few extensions. Examples of the best graphics conversion utilities:

• Flash-SWF to AVI/GIF/MP3 Converter;
• formatFactory;
• VeryDOC EMF to EPS ;
• Image Converter;
• DWG to BMP;
• Aunsoft SWF Converter;
• Uniconvertor;
• GraphicsConverterPro ;
• Converter 3Plus;
• Solid Converter DWG;
• Photo to PDF;
• Raster to Vector SDK.

Most programs work with vector files, since they are most common and not only professional designers and planners work with them.

Another opportunity to convert and work with files is provided by plugins that complement standard graphic editors. One of them is Irfan View. It allows your software to work not only with basic extensions, but also with more than 20 other formats.

Now you know what the graphic file formats are. This article lists basic information about them. We recommend saving it and sharing your new knowledge with friends. You can also ask questions in the comments and tell them about your experience working with graphics.

The main (smallest) element of a raster image is dot. If the image is on-screen, then this point is called pixel. Each pixel in a raster image has properties: placement and color. The higher the number of pixels and the smaller their sizes, the better the image looks. Large amounts of data are a major challenge when using raster images. Active work with large-sized illustrations such as magazine strips requires computers with exceptionally large amounts of RAM (128 MB or more). Of course, such computers must also have high-performance processors.

Advantages of raster graphics:

1. Ability to reproduce images of any complexity level. The amount of detail reproduced in an image largely depends on the number of pixels.
2. Accurate reproduction of color transitions.
3. Availability of many programs for displaying and editing raster graphics. The vast majority of programs support the same raster graphics file formats. Raster representation is perhaps the “oldest” way of storing digital images.

Disadvantages of raster graphics

1. Large file size. In fact, for each pixel it is necessary to store information about its coordinates and color.
2. Impossibility of scaling (in particular, enlarging) an image without losing quality.

Raster graphics formats

Despite the apparent simplicity of the presentation of raster graphics, there are “wagons and small carts” in their formats! And their number continues to change - some formats are becoming obsolete, others are just beginning to be developed. Describing everything would be long and not interesting; I will only describe those that, in my opinion, may be of interest to designers and photostockers.

PNG(Portable Network Graphics) is another raster graphics format that supports transparency, not only regular transparency like GIF, but also translucency - a smooth transition of color into a transparent area. The purpose of creating PNG was precisely to replace GIF, since CompuServe, the developer of the GIF format, patented the compression algorithm used to create GIF images for 10 years in 1995, which made it impossible to use this format for free in commercial projects.

Advantages of PNG:

1. The ability to create a full-color image with color transitions and halftones.
2. Save graphic information using a lossless compression algorithm.
3. The ability to use alpha channels, that is, simply put, transparency and, moreover, translucency, which allows you to create smooth color transitions into a transparent area.

PNG, in my opinion, has only 2 disadvantages:

1. Inability to create an animated image
2. Ambiguous “understanding” of the transparency of the PNG format by Internet browsers. Some browsers, mostly older versions, refuse to display transparent areas of a PNG image and paint them gray. But this drawback, I think, will soon cease to be relevant.

TIFF(Tagged Image File Format) - a format for storing high-quality images, supports any of the existing color models, provides a wide range of color depth changes, and supports working with layers. Storing information in the TIFF format is possible both with and without losses. Cameras that do not support RAW format can sometimes take photos in TIFF format.

On photo banks that have the ability to upload additional formats to the main image in JPEG format (Dreamstime.com, iStock.com), you can upload TIFF as an additional one.

The disadvantage of the format is the large weight of the file, much larger than a RAW file of the same quality - each image in TIFF weighs from 8 to 20 MB.

RAW(translated from English “raw” - raw)

The RAW format appeared thanks to digital cameras. RAW is essentially a “print” that remains on the camera’s matrix at the time of shooting, or rather as many as 3 prints - in red, green and blue. In addition to these prints, the RAW file also stores some other data, which in this case is more of a reference nature, dictating to the RAW converter with what intensity to reflect on the screen each of the color channels for different pixels - this is white balance, color space, etc. . Changing these parameters will not affect the original information in any way; you can change them painlessly and return to the original view at any time. It will be much more problematic to work with another raster format obtained as a result of export. Extensions for files in RAW format can be different (.cr2, .crw, .nef, etc.) depending on the brand of the camera - each camera manufacturer has its own way of storing information. To edit RAW files and convert them to other raster formats, camera manufacturers supply their own software, and the Canon RAW converter will only read RAW files shot with Canon cameras (.cr2,.crw) and will not be able to read the RAW file shot Nikon camera (.nef). There are third-party RAW converters that work with most RAW files. In general, the lack of a unified standard creates certain inconveniences when working with this format.

The disadvantages of the format are the large file size (although not as large as TIFF) and the lack of a uniform standard for generating RAW files for all manufacturers of photographic equipment.

RAW, like TIFF, can be sent to photo banks as an “additional” image format - the availability of the source can influence the designer’s decision to purchase the image.

JPEG(Joint Photographic Experts Group - the name of the developer) is the most common raster graphics format (at least on the Internet). JPEG is an example of the use of “lossy” or, in other words, “distorting compression” compression algorithms; it is most suitable for storing paintings, photographs and other realistic images with smooth color transitions, but is practically not suitable for drawings and diagrams, that is for images with sharp transitions, the compression algorithm will produce noticeable artifacts in places of sharp contrast.

It is not recommended to store intermediate versions of work in this format - each “re-saving” will lead to irreversible loss of part of the information. The compression algorithm used in this format (lossy compress) is based on “averaging” the color of adjacent pixels.

JPEG does not support working with alpha channels, that is, it cannot contain transparent pixels, but it allows you to save a clipping path in the file, which in the case of working with photo banks must be noted in the description, the presence of a clipping path (if, of course, you have made it and know what is it) - this is important information for the buyer of the image.

The JPEG format is also the main format in which photo banks accept raster images (photos and illustrations) for sale. The final version of the file sent to the microstock must be saved in the RGB color model, with a resolution of 300dpi and, of course, in 100% quality. You can also enter IPTC information (title, description, keywords) into the file - the JPEG format allows you to do this and this will significantly save you time when sending images to several photo banks.

In addition to the common raster graphics formats (GIF, JPEG, TIFF, etc.), which are “readable” by all graphic editors and image viewers, there are “native” formats of almost every editor, which can only be opened by the program in which they were made, for example, Adobe Photoshop .PSD format. When processing photographs, raster illustrations and design development, intermediate versions should be saved in such formats and only the final versions should be translated into JPEG. This is necessary so that you can save the results of your work without losing information and make changes to the image or project at any time.

Graphics file format -- a method of representing and arranging graphic data on external media.

Computer graphics formats can be divided into three types: raster, vector and three-dimensional (used for 3D graphics). The most widespread are raster formats; it is with their use that various photographs are saved, as well as other graphic images that can be seen, for example, on websites.

The classification scheme for graphic file formats is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1 Classification of graphic formats

Raster graphics

Raster graphics describe images using colored dots, called pixels, arranged on a grid. For example, an image of a tree leaf is described by the specific location and color of each grid point, creating an image much like a mosaic. graphic file raster compression

When editing raster graphics, you are editing pixels, not lines. Raster graphics are resolution-dependent because information describing the image is attached to a grid of a specific size. When editing raster graphics, the quality of its presentation may change. In particular, resizing raster graphics can cause the edges of the image to become frayed as the pixels are redistributed on the grid. Outputting raster graphics to devices with a lower resolution than the resolution of the image itself will reduce its quality.

The basis of the raster representation of graphics is a pixel (dot) indicating its color. When describing, for example, a red ellipse on a white background, you have to indicate the color of each point of both the ellipse and the background. The image is represented as a large number of dots - the more there are, the visually better the image and the larger the file size. Those. one or even a picture can be presented with better or worse quality in accordance with the number of dots per unit of length - resolution (usually dots per inch - dpi or pixels per inch - ppi).

In addition, quality is also characterized by the number of colors and shades that each point in the image can take on. The more shades an image is characterized by, the more digits are required to describe them. Red can be color number 001, or it can be color number 00000001. Thus, the higher the quality of the image, the larger the file size.

Raster representation is typically used for photographic-type images with a lot of detail or shading. Unfortunately, scaling such images in any direction usually degrades the quality. When the number of dots is reduced, small details are lost and the inscriptions are deformed (although this may not be so noticeable if the visual size of the image itself is reduced - i.e., the resolution is maintained). Adding pixels leads to a deterioration in the sharpness and brightness of the image, because new points have to be given shades that are average between two or more adjacent colors. Common formats are .tif, .gif, .jpg, .png, .bmp, .pcx, etc.

Thus, the choice of raster or vector format depends on the goals and objectives of working with the image. If photographic color accuracy is needed, then a raster is preferable. It is more convenient to present logos, diagrams, and design elements in vector format. It is clear that in both raster and vector representation, graphics (as well as text) are displayed on a monitor screen or printing device in the form of a collection of points. On the Internet, graphics are presented in one of the raster formats that browsers can understand without installing additional modules - GIF, JPG, PNG.

Without additional plugins (add-ons), the most common browsers only understand raster formats - .gif, .jpg and .png (the latter is not yet widespread). At first glance, the use of vector editors becomes irrelevant. However, most of these editors provide export to .gif or .jpg at the resolution you choose. And it is easier for beginning artists to draw in vector media - if the hand trembles and the line goes in the wrong direction, the resulting element is easily edited. When drawing in raster mode, you risk irreparably damaging the background.

Due to the features of image representation described above, for each type you have to use a separate graphic editor - raster or vector. Of course, they have common features - the ability to open and save files in different formats, use tools with the same names (pencil, pen, etc.) or functions (select, move, zoom, etc.), choose the desired color or shade... However, the principles for implementing the drawing and editing processes are different and are determined by the nature of the corresponding format. So, if in raster editors they talk about selecting an object, they mean a collection of points in the form of an area of ​​complex shape. The extraction process is very often labor-intensive and painstaking work. When you move such a selection, a “hole” appears. In a vector editor, an object represents a set of graphic primitives, and to select it, you just need to select each of them with the mouse. And if these primitives were grouped by the appropriate command, then it is enough to “click” once on any of the points of the grouped object. Moving a selected object exposes underlying elements.

However, there is a trend towards convergence. Most modern vector editors are able to use raster images as backgrounds, or even convert parts of the image into vector format using built-in tools (tracing). Moreover, there are usually tools for editing the loaded background image, at least at the level of various built-in or installed filters. The 8th version of Illustrator is able to load Photoshop .psd files and use each of the resulting layers. In addition, to use the same filters, the generated vector image can be directly converted into a raster format and further used as an uneditable raster element. Moreover, all this is in addition to the usually available converters from vector to raster format with obtaining the corresponding file.

Some raster editors are able to load one of the vector formats (usually .wmf) as a background or immediately convert them to a raster with the possibility of direct editing.

The main disadvantage of raster graphics is the large amount of memory required to store images. This is explained by the fact that you need to remember the color of each pixel, the total number of which can be very large. For example, one medium-sized photo takes up several Megabytes in computer memory, i.e. as much as several hundred (or even thousands) pages of text.

When using vector graphics, a mathematical description of each graphic object - a geometric primitive (segment, circle, circle...) from which the image as a whole is formed is stored in the computer memory. Based on this data, the corresponding programs will construct the desired figure on the display screen. It is clear that such an image description requires much less memory (10 - 1000 times) than in raster graphics, since it does not have to remember the color of each point of the picture. The main disadvantage of vector graphics is the inability to work with high-quality artistic images, photographs and films. Nature avoids straight lines, regular circles and arcs. Unfortunately, it is with their help (since these figures can be described by means of mathematics, more precisely, analytical geometry) that an image is formed when using vector graphics. Try to describe, using mathematical formulas, paintings by I.E. Repin or Raphael! (But not “Black Square” by K. Malevich!) Therefore, vector graphics are used to create drawings, diagrams, business cards, etc.

Vector formatsVector format files are especially useful for storing linear elements (lines and polygons) as well as elements that can be decomposed into simple geometric objects (such as text). Vector files do not contain pixel values, but mathematical descriptions of image elements. Based on mathematical descriptions of graphic forms (lines, curves, splines), the visualization program constructs an image.

Vector files are structurally simpler than most raster files and are usually organized as data streams.

Examples of the most common vector formats are AutoCAD DXF and Microsoft SYLK.

WMF. This is a vector format used by Windows graphics programs. This format is used to transfer vector images via the clipboard in the Windows environment. This format is accepted by almost all programs that work with vector graphics. This format cannot be used for raster images. Disadvantages: color distortion and failure to save a number of parameters that are set for images in graphics programs.

AI. Illustrator internal format. It can be opened by Photoshop and, in addition, this format is supported by all programs related to vector graphics. This format is the best way to transfer vector images from one program to another. Raster graphic elements are lost in most cases when transmitted via AI format.

CDR. This is the internal format of the Corel Draw program. This format is very popular, as is the software package itself. Many programs can import vector files into Corel Draw formats. The CDR format also contains raster graphic objects. This format uses compression, and different compression is applied to vector and raster files.

Metafile formats

The most common metafile formats are WPG, Macintosh PICT and CGM.