Adobe defines vector drawing as one that “is created from vector graphics , which are images created with mathematical formulas ”. Others define it as a digital drawing technique that allows us to create figures and geometric shapes from vectors. These vectors have been programmed with coordinates.
In practice, these are illustrations and drawings that have several advantages over an ordinary illustration or a photograph. The main one is that they can be scaled without losing quality . That is, you can enlarge a vector drawing without limits. Unlike a photograph, which if you zoom in, you will lose quality until it looks pixelated or blurred .
Vector drawing is used in design to create all kinds of materials . From icons and graphic elements of a website to illustrations, posters, digital or paper publications, packaging and a long etcetera.
The most popular to create vector drawings
I started this article with a definition from Adobe. Indeed, Adobe has one of the most popular vector drawing tools with vectors on the market. Adobe Illustrator is its name and together with Adobe Photoshop is one of its graphic editing solutions with more followers. However, it has been losing ground in favor of other proposals.
The main free and free alternative is Inkscape , a veteran app full of drawing tools and compatible with most formats. Its purpose is to help you in drawing and editing vector graphics tasks . And you can use it on Windows, macOS and Linux.
Sketch is the online alternative to work with vector drawing. Such is its popularity that we can find free or paid resources to deal with vectors adapted to the format of this web tool.
Other popular vector drawing tools are Affinity Designer and veteran Corel Draw . Both are paid and are focused on the professional sector.
And if you are looking for desktop software or online apps to deal with vectors and vector drawing, here are several examples for all tastes. Nothing to envy to the previous proposals as far as basic functions are concerned.
YouiDraw
Available to use from the browser and with an extension for Google Chrome and derivatives, YouiDraw is a web app for working with vectors. Among its advantages, it has graphic and light effects , tools to combine shapes, pre-designed shapes, SVG file editor, saved in the cloud , etc.
With YouiDraw you can make illustrations, icons, infographics and any graphic creation from vectors. In addition, you can use the examples and templates that will save you time if you are going to design an illustration or graphic piece.
Gravit
Another good online option is Gravit , which has a free version and a paid version. According to your needs for work in the cloud. In addition, it has offline mode for when you don't have a connection.
This vector or vector drawing tool is intended for both home and professional users. It is easy to use, has everything at hand, includes professional templates , predesigned resources to decorate your work (shapes, icons, stickers, frames …).
Krita
Leaving the online, Krita is a desktop app for Windows, macOS and Linux. It's free and open source, like Inkscape. And you can use it both for vector drawing and for concept art, painting, illustrations and comics.
Its appearance will remind you of Adobe Photoshop, a standard in the market. But it is adapted to vector drawing and illustration. Layers, brushes, textures, colors, resources to add to your drawing … It also has support for PSD, the Photoshop format. And to learn, Krita has her own tutorials and help material .
