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Definition
Vector graphics are images defined by mathematical shapes (points, lines, curves, and polygons) rather than pixels. They scale to any size without quality loss. Common vector formats include SVG, PDF, AI, and EPS. They are ideal for logos, icons, illustrations, and typography.
Unlike raster images that store a fixed grid of colored pixels, vector graphics store instructions for drawing shapes. A circle is described by its center point and radius, a line by its start and end coordinates, and complex shapes by Bezier curves. This mathematical representation means the image can be rendered at any size — from a 16px favicon to a highway billboard — with perfect sharpness.
Vector formats are the standard for brand assets (logos), icons, diagrams, technical drawings, and typography. Designers create vectors in tools like Adobe Illustrator, Figma, Inkscape, and Sketch. SVG is the dominant vector format for the web, while PDF preserves vector data for print workflows.
Vectors have limitations: they cannot efficiently represent photographs or images with complex gradients and textures. A photograph traced to vectors would be enormously complex and larger than the raster original. The best approach is using vectors for graphics and rasters for photos, converting between them (rasterization / vectorization) when needed.