Vector graphics are composed of paths. Vector graphics use mathematical relationships between points and the paths connecting them to describe an image.

The following file types are OFTEN vector-based:
.ai | .cdr | .eps | .pdf | .ps | .wmf

The above file types can be raster, vector or a combination of both, depending on the contents embedded. Files cannot be converted from raster to vector. A program may let the extension be changed to .eps but it does not make the file vector.

Bitmap Image:	Vector Graphic:
The image to the left above is representative of a bitmap used in raster files and the image to the right is representative of a vector graphic viewed in outline mode. They are shown at four times actual size to exaggerate the fact that the edges of a bitmap become jagged as it is scaled up:

With Adobe® Systems’ introduction of the PostScript®, computers could display fonts and images using point-to-point math rather than by pixels alone. The advantage to using a page-description language such as PostScript becomes clear when you scale an image up. The larger you display a bitmap, the more jagged it appears, while a vector image remains smooth at any size. That is why PostScript and TrueType® fonts always appear smooth – they are vector-based.

Anti-Aliased Bitmap Image:	Smooth Vector Image:
The jagged appearance of bitmap images can be partially overcome with the use of “anti-aliasing”. Anti-aliasing is the application of subtle transitions in the pixels along the edges of images to minimize the jagged effect (above left). A scalable vector image will always appear smooth (above right):

Bitmap images require higher resolutions and anti-aliasing for a smooth appearance. Vector-based graphics on the other hand are mathematically described and appear smooth at any size or resolution.

Bitmaps are best used for photographs and images with subtle shading. Graphics best suited for the vector format are page layout, type, line art or illustrations.

Wherever possible use the vector format for all your type, line art and illustrations and only use bitmaps for photos or images with complex or non-uniform shading. If the graphics application recognizes native vector files such as those created by Adobe Illustrator® (a filename with an extension of .AI), CorelDRAW® (a filename with an extension of .CDR), then use them first.

The EPS File Format

If the graphics application you are using cannot read native vector files the next best thing would be to save them as EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) files. These are self-contained PostScript files which contain the same mathematical descriptions as the vector files they are made from. Even bitmaps can be saved in the EPS file format. EPS files are supported by most all graphics applications. It is the most portable format for this reason. It is best to use EPS files for all line art and illustrations because they can be reproduced at any size or resolution and still display exactly as they were drawn. Use them wherever native vector files cannot be used.