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Part 1 - Introduction to Vector-Based Design Terms

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Vector Graphics - Graphics that are based on mathematical formulas and are comprised of paths connected by anchor points that define lines, shapes, and curves.

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Scalable - Able to change size easily without loss of quality.

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AI - Adobe Illustrator - Native file format for Adobe Illustrator.
The industry standard used by developers of vector graphics.
Used to create, save, and archive original artwork.

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Artboard - The area of the illustration that contains the printable part of your work.

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Objects - Any shape, image, or text that can be moved, scaled, or edited.

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Stacking Order - the order of how objects are arranged on the artboard, in front of or behind each other. By default, new objects are created at the front of the order.

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Selection tool - Selects an object or a group of objects.

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Stroke- The visible outline of a shape or path, such as the color, weight, or style, which is not the same as a path can have no stroke as an option.

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Fill - To put a color, gradient, or pattern into an object.

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Swatches - Named colors, tints, gradients and patterns.

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Gradients - Filling an object with a smooth transition from one color to another.

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Pen Tool - It uses anchor points and paths to allow you to create straight lines, Bezier lines (curved), and shapes in a countless amount of combinations. Considered one of the most powerful tools in graphic design.

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Image Trace - A tool in a vector program will take a raster image or scanned drawing and automatically convert it to paths, based on selected settings.

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Vector Effects - Commands that can be applied to an object, group, or layer to change its characteristics, such as distort and transform, warp, and stylize.

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Type on Path - Allows you to attach text to an open or closed path.

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Text Wrap - Controls how area text flows over or around objects and images.

Part 2 - Using Vector-based Software

Cheat Sheets & Guides

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Vector Vs. Pixel

Use vector shapes in Adobe Illustrator to create a logo that looks good onscreen and in print. The best part about vector art is that it scales to any size — from business cards to billboards — without losing quality. Sure, you can create logos in other programs like Photoshop and other 3rd party phone apps, but Illustrator uses Vector based design, unlike Photoshop, which uses pixel-based formatting causing images to look pixelated and fuzzy.

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SECTION 14 LECTURES

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