RESOLUTION: VECTOR VS. PIXEL
There are two types of images: Bitmaps which are pixel based, and Vectors which are based on mathematical functions. The sharpness of a Bitmap image is expressed in ppi—pixels per inch; the higher the ppi, the sharper the image. A Vector keeps the same sharp quality regardless of its size. Bitmaps are resolution dependent and Vectors are resolution independent.
▲ Bitmap
zoomed in at 3200%
Vector ▼
ADOBE PHOTOSHOP
RESOLUTION DEPENDENT
BITMAP
Best uses: Photo manipulation, Illustration
Bitmap -- When you resize a bitmap, what you’re actually doing is changing how many pixels occupy an inch. Significant resizing decreases the quality of an image, making it look “pixelated.”
ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR
RESOLUTION INDEPENDENT
VECTOR
Best uses: Logos, Graphics
Vector -- When you resize a vector, the software recalculates and redraws the artwork which allows the image to maintain the same sharp quality regardless of its size.
Mechanics of a Vector
Anchor points define the start and end point of the curve.
Handles manipulate the slope of the curve.
Path is another word to describe the Bézier curve.
Fun Fact: While the mechanics behind Bézier curves have been known since the 1920s, French Engineer Pierre Bézier made the application of these curves more widely known in the 60s, which is why they are called Bézier curves.