Newbe, maybe stupid question

[dixxy]

Hello,

I would like to know how to create or what is a vector file. I was told by somebody that I needed to make a vector file for a particular application. I have search the web a little, without to much luck. Is a vector file created automatically in Illustrator? I mean when you save a file with Illustrator is it a vector file?

Any help would be appriciated,

Thanks in advance

Sylvain

 

[blueark]

Illustrator files are usually vector based. The only exception is when you place a raster image (such as a photograph) into your file. Raster images have a fixed resolution, so the more you enlarge it, the more 'pixelated' the image will appear. Vector files can be enlarged as much as you like without breaking up like that. Instead of storing images using pixel information, vector images are comprised of mathematical functions that define the shapes used. These are independent of any pixel grid, and so display as sharply as a medium allows, whether it's on screen or in print.

 

[dcwin]

Thanks for the explanation blueark, but still confused as to how to MAKE the path. I'm also trying to create a vector path for Zaxwerks. Even just showing me how to do it with simple text wil help me out! THANKS!

 

[blueark]

Basically any of the tools that can create anything in Illustrator are creating vector paths. For example, if you select the rectangle tool, click and drag to make a vector path in the shape of a rectangle.

Some of the tools are even more versatile. Select the pen tool, for example, then click multiple points to draw straight lines between them. Click and drag on a point to create curved lines.

Text is done with with the text tool (the one that looks like a T). You can click one and type, or click and drag a containing box so that anything you type will stay within the bounds of that box. Using the floating palettes (found under the Window menu) you can affect the behavior and appearance of objects. For example, using the Charactor palette, you can change the size and font of your text. You can also use the color palette to change the color of objects, both their fill and stroke (or outline).

Use that as a starting point. Play around with the various tools for a while until you get a feel for what they do, and don't be afraid to consult the online help.

 

[dcwin]

Thanks Blue. I did consult the online help and some forums. They were great. They seemed to recommend Adobe Streamline to help me convert some logos (that contain alpha already) to line art and vector stuff. Does that program make sense for this purpose? I would hate to cut out every logo in the NFL and then some!

Also..I did a trace around one logo in photoshop and sent it's "paths to illustator" from the file menu. When I plugged the ensuing vector into Zaxwerks, I got the cutout exactly, but no actual image INSIDE the cut out. Did I do the mask wrong or is the Zaxwerks demo version just taunting me to pay up?

Thanks so much for your help!
dcwin

 

[blueark]

Ahhh, I see. You've got a raster image and you want to turn it into a vector image, is that right? I thought you were just starting from scratch.

Ok, if you just trace around a logo in Photoshop, then yes, only the actual path that you drew will be exported to Illustrator. You could just turn that path into a clipping path in photoshop (it's in the flyout menu on the paths palette) and save your file as an EPS. Then place that file in Illustrator and you'll have your logo neatly cut out. However, the content of the logo will still be a raster image, except it will have a nice sharp outline.

If you want to convert the whole logo to vectors, then there are a number of ways to do it. You could use a program like Streamline to do most of the work for you, but the results won't be perfect. You'll probably have to open it in Illustrator and tweak it a bit.

Alternatively, place the original Photoshop file in a new Illustrator document (without the Link option so you'll have a more detailed image to work with). Now create your paths like you did in Photoshop, only try drawing all the paths, not just the outline of the entire logo. You can then color each part as you go along, although you might need to hide certain areas to see what you're doing. A bit time consuming, but the results tend to be good.

Try out the various options, and see what you're happy with. If you've a lot of logos to get through, maybe the clipping path method is the way to go. If you do use this method, however, there's no real advantage to bringing it into Illustrator unless you're doing a full page layout too - the Photoshop EPS will work just fine.

 

[dcwin]

Great! Thanks Blueark! Grrrrr...going to get at it soon!

 

[thombathe]

try this pratice path it worhs well in Illustrator or photoshop.

http://www.thombathe.com/pentool.htm

Thom


Life without challenges can be very boring

http://www.thombathe.com