Clipart Press

A list of available vector clipart editing programs. Created for people that want to learn how to edit vector clip art. I have been asked so many times about how to edit vector images and what program to use that I decided to make this list. I hope it helps you in the time of need.By using a vector editing program you gain total control over your images. You can change the colors, the line curves (bezier curve) and size with ease. Vector images are resizable to any size needed and they enlarge without distortion. You do not get jagged edges when enlarging vector illustrations and they print with fantastic clarity.

Bitmap Vs. Vector

.JPG Bitmap image enlarged 10X it’s original size.

.EPS Vector image enlarged 20X it’s original size with points and Bezier Curves shown for example.

Vector clipart is very different from bitmap images as you can see from the examples above. You can enlarge vector clipart to any size needed while bitmaps (JPGs) are limited and can not be enlarged without making them look jagged and distorted. Each image format has it’s advantages and dis-advantages, you just need to know when and how to use them.

What Are Bitmaps?

Bitmap images are pictures made from a bunch of tiny dots called pixels and are mainly used for Photos and for Web images .GIF, .PNG, .TIFF and .JPG are the most popular bitmaps. If you’re dealing with photographs (images with millions of colors) then you should always use a bitmap (.JPG) format, when saving clipart (images with not so many colors) for the Web you should save them as .GIF or .PNG. The difference in format could save you allot in file size, which means the images will load faster for your viewers. Just remember save as “JPG for allot of colors” and “GIF or PNG for not so many colors“.

What are Vector Clipart Images?

Vector clipart is created based on mathematics (points, lines, and curves). Vector images are great because of the control you have when editing them. You can change the colors with a single click, you can change the curve of a line, and you can break images apart to rearrange or remove unwanted parts. Vector images also print at 300dpi even when you enlarge them. They are resolution independant so you will always get a crisp and clean print when using vector images.

The biggest problem people have when trying to edit vector images is the program they are using. Most computers do not come with a vector editing program commonly referred to as Drawing Programs. You need to make sure you use a vector capable Drawing program that supports the format of the images you’re working with. Below I created a list of vector editing programs so you can see at a glance the different options available.

Please leave comments if you have suggestions or questions.

Common Vector Formats

• .AI - Adobe Illustrator
• .EPS - Encapsulated Postscript
• .WMF - Windows Metafile
• .CDR - Corel Draw
• .SVG - Scalable Vector Graphics
• .PDF - Portable Document Format (can contain vector images)

Most Popular Vector Editing Programs

• Adobe Illustrator
• Corel Draw
• Xara Xtreme

CorelDraw Graphics Suite X3 (Windows Only)

I haven’t used this program for years (like 7 years) so I can’t really say how well the current version works, but I do know it’s a very capable vector editing program. I would not recommend buying it if you don’t have it, but If you have it already you’re all set, it will do everything you need and more probably.

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FreeHand MX (Windows and Macs)

Freehand is a good vector editing program and still is, but unfortunately is has not been updated for several years, ever since Adobe purchased Macromedia. Adobe has no plans to continue development to add new features or to support Intel-based Macs and Windows Vista. Adobe suggests you upgrade to Illustrator CS3, which is a great option if you can afford it.

If you happen to already have FreeHand MX you’ll be good to go and can edit vector images.

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CanvasX (Windows and Macs)

CanvasX is a very powerful program that can edit photos and vector clipart. You can import, view, and save in over 100+ file formats. The price is $349.99 as of writing this so it’s not the cheapest program, but it is a powerful package and affordable when compared to PhotoShop and Illustrator, which cost $1000+ depending on the package you get.

Using add-on modules you can view complex scientific imaging and GIS for mapping, within Canvas.

You should give CanvasX a look and try it out, it may be perfect for your needs.

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Mayura (Windows Only)

This is an interesting program that looks like it could be pretty good. I haven’t had a chance to try it out yet so I can’t say for sure. It’s only $39 and they have a free trial version. The only download I see so far is that it doesn’t support .EPS import. That means you would not be able to open .EPS images with it according to their Web site.

Mayura may be a good solution if you need a quick fix and are strapped for cash.

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EasyDraw (Macs Only)

This is a draw program created just for the Macs. I have never used this program and can’t say much about it, but if you have a Mac you might want to try it out.

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Those are the most developed and ready to use vector programs I could think of and find. If you know of any others that should be listed here please let me know.

Happy Editing!

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