A vector graphic is composed of one or more graphic forms consisting of points connected by lines and curves. Each point has a certain position on an x / y plane. Lines and polygons can be provided with properties such as colors, pattern, line thickness. The objects from the vector images are widely accessible within software applications. Properties can be adjusted and parts can be edited separately. The entire image can easily be enlarged or reduced: thanks to the precise calculation behind the connections between the points, this does not lead to a loss of quality.
In practice, CAD (Computer Aided Design) is also often used for making vector images in formats specific to the CAD application. Despite the similarity, the guidelines for these file formats cannot simply be combined. This is because CAD formats can contain properties that are not supported by formats purely intended for vector images. Moreover, the export possibilities from CAD applications are limited.
If the nature of the CAD file as well as the application allows an export to SVG, this is recommended. This export must be carefully checked for completeness.
Preferred formats
- SVG (.svg)
Non-preferred formats
- Adobe Illustrator (.ai)
- EPS (.eps)
- WMF/EMF (.wmf, .emf)
- CDR (.cdr)