Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2005 1:21 am Post subject: Illustrator & Photoshop
Okay, this may be a really stupid question with an obvious answer that I'm just not seeing, but I have to ask it anyway.
I was just curious to know what Illustrator is actually used for.
- Is it primarily used for the creation of vector graphics?
- Is this it's only use?
- If not, what are the other uses?
- Can't you make vector graphics in Photoshop?
- If so, what are the benefits of using Illustrator instead?
And a couple more on vectors:
- What's a raster?
- How is it different/the same as vectors?
I'm full of questions... could probably go on all night. But these will suffice for now.
Sorry if I'm annoying.
P.S. I've also included a vector (I guess that's what it is) of my friend that I did in Photoshop. Feel free to tell me how crappy it is, but don't be too harsh cause it is only my first try.
Since I haven't used Illustrator I can only answer your last 2 questions.
A raster is like a grid, in Photoshop this means a pixel image. Vectors are lines. The main difference between a raster and vector is that when you zoom in the pixel image still looks sharp. The raster image starts to show pixels when you zoom in too much. The filters only work on raster images and not on vectors.
When you convert an image to: bmp, jpg, png, gif, ... The image will be rasterized. So always save your precious vectors in .psd.
Edit:
If you want to 'improve' the picture you posted you may want to rasterize it so you can add highlights and shadows. You may also simply add more layers to this this (which may be better since you can always adjust vectors without losing quality).
Joined: 05 Jul 2004
Posts: 1554
Location: California, USA
Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2005 1:03 pm Post subject:
Illustrator is a very useful program when it comes to print design. Since standard print jobs require a higher resolution, it would make sense to use a format that can be resized to anything.
- Illustrator can't make anything BUT vectors. (You can place bitmaps and rasterized images like photos in Illustrator, but you certainly can't create them.)
- Yes. Illustrator just make vectors. When you say that out loud to yourself it sounds so limited, but that is not the case at all. If you are looking to get into print design, silkscreening, embroidery, or any other type of print media you can think of, Illustrator will be one of the most valuable tools in your belt.
- Yes you can make vector images in Photoshop. It's just so much better to make them in Illustrator. Photoshop's realm of vectors is not very vast. Pretty much the only things that are vector are shape layers, fonts, and paths. Almost everything in Illustrator is vector. Right down to a single brush stroke. The interface in Illustrator is somewhat different from Photoshop as well. They're just different programs. Illustrator also won't offer as many effects as Photoshop. Effects such as beveling text, most of the filters, fuzzy drop shadows. Illustrator doesn't have these effects because everything is vector.
A vector image creates lines like vlerp said. It creates these lines through a series of mathematical equations created on the fly once you manipulate you points. Because they are all just equations interpreted by Illustrator the file sizes are also drastically smaller.
Hope that helped a bit. _________________ Best Regards,
Bryan Downing
bryandowning.com
Thanks for your replies. They were both very helpful.
So when you rasterize it's just so you can add effects?
Also, if you are saving an image like the one I posted above for the web what are the best settings/format to use so it won't look so fuzzy like it does?
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