Create vector graphic – this is how it works

Not all graphics are created equal – especially in digital image processing. Here it makes a big difference whether you work with raster or vector graphics. The latter offer some decisive advantages, especially in professional contexts: they can be scaled and thus used almost universally. But how can you actually create a vector graphic? We show you free ways to create a vector file from your ordinary image file or produce the latter directly!

What is a vector graphic?

Vector graphics differ technically from ordinary graphics mainly in one point: With them, the concrete pixel arrangement is not stored. In an ordinary image file, the individual pixels of the graphic are stored – making them rigidly reproducible. In a vector graphic, on the other hand, a kind of construction manual for the image is stored. The vector file (SVG file) contains mathematical instructions that encode all the elements represented, allowing the graphic to be reproduced.

What are vector graphics needed for?

Vector graphics offer a distinct advantage over because of these mathematical encodings or calculations: They are scalable. That is easily understandable, with usual picture files nevertheless the exact pixel arrangement is stored, with vector files however the structure of the individual elements. This makes it possible to reproduce this at different overall graphic sizes.

This flexibility is primarily required in professional image processing. Print graphics, for example, are usually based on vector files, as this makes it easy to convert them to different sizes. High-quality web design also frequently relies on vector graphics.

How to create vector graphics for free?

Now that you’ve learned why it can make perfect sense to rely on vector graphics, you’re probably wondering even more urgently than before how you can create such a vector graphic. There are basically two ways to do this: You can create a vector file directly or convert an existing image file into a vector graphic. We will present both possibilities.

Creating a vector graphic with InkScape, Adobe Illustrator and Co

Some professional graphics programs like InkScape or Adobe Illustrator offer the possibility to create native vector graphics. However, this requires prior knowledge: you must be able to work with the sometimes very complex programs. Unlike ordinary graphics programs, working on multiple layers is the standard here. Creating your vector graphics from scratch in an appropriate program is only worthwhile if you plan to work with the chosen program frequently. In this case, it’s worth learning Illustrator, InkScape, etc. If you only need vector graphics once or rarely, it’s less time-consuming to first create your graphic as an ordinary image file and then have it converted.

Convert an image file to a vector graphic

The advantage of this approach is that you don’t need any prior knowledge. You can create an image file as usual or buy it as a stock photo and then let an automated program (called an SVG converter) do the work for you. The downside is that the vector graphic is usually not as high quality as one created natively. In practice, however, this is hardly noticeable in most cases.

If you want to create your vector graphics this way, there are various free options available. Well known is Convertio. Adobe also offers a free option in Adobe Express to convert image files into vector graphics. Here, only PNG files can be converted into SVG files. With Convertio, on the other hand, you can also convert JPG to SVG.