For a long time, creation/editing tools were difficult to access for webmasters, bloggers and content marketers. Firstly, special software was often expensive, and secondly, it was too complex for ordinary users (not designers). Now the situation is better - you can find different ones in the public domain, not much inferior to the original. We’ll talk about one of them today - this program Vectr .

Use this free vector editor on a regular PC or browser to create vectors and other graphics. This is truly cross-platform and easy-to-use software: you can use applications for Mac, Windows, Linux or Chromebook; By registering online, in just a few minutes you will begin to realize your design ideas.

Vectr is a handy tool and is widely used for annotating, editing images, and drawing mockups and diagrams. In addition, it can be used for:

• logos;
• watermarks;
• and website layouts;
• social media banners;
• icons;
• ...and almost any other type of 2D image.

The program allows you to create scalable vector drawings using simple, intuitive functions. It is not difficult to learn, it is perfect for those who are just starting to get acquainted with vector and who have enough basic capabilities on working with illustrations. In essence, it is somewhat reminiscent of a slightly stripped down and simplified version of Adobe Illustrator.

How Vectr works (features and functions)

When you start to delve into the specifics of this software, the first thing you'll encounter is a whole set of interactive tutorials. With Vectr's tutorials, you'll learn how to create and edit paths, rotate and scale objects, use workspace tools, and manage layers. They are located in the “User Guide” and “Tutorials” sections. There are many video guides on their Youtube channel.

To get started, simply upload or drag and drop an image into Vectr. You can import files in EPS, AI, SVG, PNG or JPEG format - this greatly simplifies the process of switching from other (paid) alternatives, such as Illustrator.

The interface is carefully thought out and conveniently organized, so beginners will not have any difficulties due to unnecessary functions. The page and layer tabs in the top left corner give you control over the process of creating projects. On the right side of the interface there is a filter panel. You can make your illustrations even more interesting, for example by changing the angle, adding shadows, borders or a blur effect.

Once the design is complete, the program allows you to export your designs to PNG, JPEG or SVG. A quick note: SVG is the only scalable vector format that can be opened in other applications, while bitmap PNG and JPEG are better suited for the web.

It’s very cool that a lot is dedicated to beginners useful information And practical advice in the training section. The team behind the free vector editor Vectr provides step by step instructions for solving the most popular design problems: creating icons, logos, typography, menus, collages, infographics and much more. Look for all texts in the “Tutorials” section. We recommend starting with an article that describes the first 10 steps in Vectr.

Benefits of Vectr

As conclusions, we collected all the positive features that it has:

• It is similar to, has a set of all the necessary familiar tools for creating a beautiful design or editing existing graphics.
• There is a grid and setting of alignment lines for greater convenience.
• Import/export supports different formats: AI, EPS, PNG/JPEG and SVG.
• Cross-platform: there are versions for Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook + online.
• It is possible to send a unique URL for colleagues/customers to view the project.
• The history of changes allows you to quickly return to past developments.
• The software is completely free.
• Synchronization is available - in the desktop PC version, up to 100 corrections are allowed offline, which, when a connection appears, are automatically synchronized with your online account.
• The software product is easy to learn and therefore ideal for beginners. Although, in principle, pros will also find useful features in it.

All this makes Vectr one of the best free vector editors, containing the minimum necessary for comfortable and efficient work. I was pleased that there were many useful guides for the program that even novice users can understand. If you wish, you can take a free online course on Vectr (about 45 minutes of video). Download the software to your computer or try it online, The best way learn - practice.

Have you encountered Vectr before? What other software do you know on the topic and would you recommend?

Do you want to create high quality images huge sizes? Take advantage vector graphics and make zoom blur a thing of the past.

Unlike raster graphics, where pictures are created from pixels, vector graphics display pictures using dots and lines. Images created in vector graphics may be inferior to raster ones in detail, but retain their quality at any magnification. Thanks to this remarkable property, the vector has gained popularity in architecture, design, large-format advertising and other industries where high precision is required.

If you need a universally sized image that can fit both on an A4 piece of paper and on a billboard, then vector graphics are a great solution. Decide on the object of your creativity, and we will help you choose the perfect tool.

Tools for creating vector graphics

Today there are many tools for creating vector images. Each one is unique in its own way and suits a specific skill level.

To help you do right choice, we have collected best editors into one archive, where each material was added detailed description, screenshots and video tutorials. Here you can read user reviews, compare ratings and download a suitable program for creating vector graphics via torrent or file sharing services (MEGA or Yandex.Disk).

Free vector editors to help you create posters, images, layouts. The section presents free analogues CorelDRAW, Adobe Illustrator.

Below you will find free programs, distributed under licenses

Inkscape

Windows, Linux, Mac OS X official website 05 February 2016 GNU General Public License Vector graphics editors 19

Inkscape is a free vector graphics editor, similar in functionality to Illustrator and CorelDraw. The program supports many standard elements, such as: selection, scaling, fill, airbrush, various standard shapes. The program supports working with SVG, JPEG, PNG, TIFF and other common formats.

Clever Brush Editor

Windows, Linux, FreeBSD, Mac OS X, Web service official website April 12, 2019 Free software - license for personal and commercial use Vector graphics editors 5

Clever Brush Editor is a vector editor that you can use right in your browser window. The editor is easy to use and will allow you to quickly create a layout. Clever Brush contains all the necessary tools: painting brushes, geometric shapes, importing vector images and text. It is worth noting that the editor contains a built-in library of vector and raster images. So for simple layouts they may be enough for you. You can save the result in svg format, png or jpg.

Gravit

Windows, Linux, FreeBSD, Mac OS X, iOS, Web service official website January 21, 2019 Free software - license for personal and commercial use Vector graphics editors 52

Gravit is a free online vector editor. The service supports a number of standard shapes: rectangles, ellipses, triangles, curves. In addition, you can add text or a raster image to your project. Objects can be grouped, various effects can be applied, cut, and transformed. Gravit allows you to upload SVG or EPS, and export the result in SVG only.

The concept of vector images means absolutely nothing to the vast majority of ordinary PC users. Designers, in turn, are increasingly inclined to use this type of graphics for their projects.

Previously, to work with SVG images, you would have to install one of the specialized desktop solutions like Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape on your computer. Now similar tools are available online, without the need to download.

By running the corresponding query on Google, you can get acquainted with a huge number of various online vector editors. But the vast majority of such solutions offer rather meager capabilities and most often do not allow you to work with serious projects. We will consider best services to create and edit SVG images directly in the browser.

Of course, online tools cannot completely replace the corresponding desktop applications, but for most users the offered set of functions will be more than enough.

Method 1: Vectr

A thoughtful vector editor from the creators of the familiar Pixlr service. This tool will be useful for both beginners and experienced users in working with SVG.

Despite the abundance of functions, it will be quite difficult to get lost in the Vectr interface. For beginners, detailed lessons and extensive instructions on each of the components of the service are provided. The editor's tools include everything you need to create an SVG image: shapes, icons, frames, shadows, brushes, support for working with layers, etc. You can draw an image from scratch or upload your own.

The export capabilities also include one of Vectr's most distinctive features: support for direct links to the SVG project in the editor. Many resources do not allow you to download vector images directly, but nevertheless allow their remote display. In this case, Vectr can be used as a real SVG hosting, which other services do not allow.

It should be noted that the editor does not always process complex graphics correctly. For this reason, some projects may open in Vectr with errors or visual artifacts.

Method 2: Sketchpad

A simple and convenient web editor for creating SVG images, based on the HTML5 platform. Considering the range of available tools, it can be argued that the service is intended exclusively for drawing. With Sketchpad you can create beautiful, well-designed pictures, but that's about it.

The tool has a wide range of customizable brushes of various shapes and types, a set of shapes, fonts and stickers for overlay. The editor allows you to fully manipulate layers - control their placement and blending modes. Well, as a bonus, the application is completely translated into Russian, so you shouldn’t have any difficulties mastering it.

Method 3: Method Draw

This web application is designed for basic operations with vector files. Externally, the tool resembles desktop Adobe Illustrator, but in terms of functionality, everything is much simpler here. However, Method Draw also has some features.

In addition to working with SVG images, the editor allows you to import raster images and create vector ones based on them. This can be done by manually tracing contours using a pen. The application contains all the necessary tools for composing vector drawings. There is an expanded library of shapes, a full-color palette and support for keyboard shortcuts.

Method Draw is definitely not suitable for creating serious vector projects - the reason for this is the lack of relevant functions. But thanks to the absence of unnecessary elements and a well-organized workspace, the service can be excellent for quickly editing or fine-tuning simple SVG images.

Method 4: Gravit Designer

Free web-based vector graphics editor for advanced users. Many designers put Gravit on a par with full-fledged desktop solutions, like Adobe Illustrator. The fact is that this tool is cross-platform, that is, it is fully available on all computer operating systems, as well as as a web application.

Gravit Designer is under active development and regularly receives new features, which are already enough for the layout of complex projects.

The editor offers you all kinds of tools for drawing paths, shapes, paths, text overlays, fills, as well as various custom effects. There is an extensive library of figures, thematic pictures and icons. Each element in the Gravit space has a list of properties that can be changed.

All this variety is “packed” into a stylish and intuitive interface, so that any tool is available in just a couple of clicks.

Considering that the service is intended for full-fledged work with vector graphics, it can be safely recommended even to professional designers. With Gravit, you can edit SVG graphics regardless of the platform you're doing it on. For now, this statement applies only to desktop OSes, but soon this editor will appear on mobile devices.

Method 5: Janvas

A popular tool for creating vector graphics among web developers. The service contains a number of drawing tools with highly customizable properties. main feature Janvas - the ability to create interactive SVG images animated with using CSS. And in conjunction with JavaScript, the service allows you to build entire web applications.

In skillful hands, this editor is a truly powerful tool, while a beginner, due to the abundance of all kinds of functions, most likely simply will not understand what’s what.

Yes, the tool, unfortunately, is not free. But this is a professional solution, which is not useful to everyone.

Method 6: DrawSVG

The most convenient online service that allows webmasters to create high-quality SVG elements for their sites as easily as possible. The editor contains an impressive library of shapes, icons, fills, gradients and fonts.

Using DrawSVG, you can design vector objects of any type and properties, change their parameters and render them as separate images. It is possible to embed third-party multimedia files into SVG: video and audio from a computer or network sources.

This editor, unlike most others, doesn't feel like a browser port of a desktop application. On the left are the main drawing tools, and on the top are the controls. The main space is occupied by the canvas for working with graphics.

To create drawings and process images on personal computer You can use vector and raster graphics editors. These programs differ in the way they are presented graphic information and format support.

Raster editors

Editors that use a pixel (dot) representation of an image are called raster (or bitmap). These graphic editors are mainly used for processing scanned images and photographs. Essentially, such images are a grid consisting of pixels (rectangular colored dots) on monitors and screens. The main characteristics of such an image include:

— size in pixels;
— color depth;
— color model (XYZ, RGB, CMYK, YcbCr, etc.);
— resolution (number of points per unit length or area).

An example of a raster editor is the standard Microsoft program – Paint. By the way, the Photoshop graphics package also belongs to raster editors.

Vector editors

To create fairly complex images with clear and precise boundaries, vector graphics editors are usually used. One of the main tools of this type of graphic editors is Bezier curves. With their help, you can draw curves along individual segments with the ability to accurately place reference (nodal) points.

This method of application makes it possible to control the shape of any segment. In fact, a Bezier curve looks like the result of progressive refinement of the shape of a complex polyhedral figure, built by sequentially connecting control points that determine its shape. The Bezier curve is like a magnet attracted to intermediate points without passing through them.

Today this tool widely used to create smooth lines in computer graphics. The advantages of Bezier curves include the ease of defining them and the ability to manipulate them. The set of tools available in each vector graphics editor necessarily includes “Pencil”, “Text”, “Fill” and a set of basic geometric shapes. Basic shapes or primitives are used in most graphic designs. Using the Fill tool, you can paint areas limited by curves with a specified color.

Text created using the tool of the same name is automatically converted into curves, which ensure that the created image is independent of the fonts present on the computer. Using the Pencil tool, you can manually form lines consisting of a large number of anchor points. These points can then be removed using a special function to simplify the curve.

Advantages and disadvantages of vector graphics

Images created using vector graphics editors have a number of undeniable advantages compared to raster images.

The advantages of raster images are as follows:

— when reducing or enlarging the boundaries of vector drawings, the clarity of the contours and boundaries remains unchanged;
— vector images have smaller size file, other things being equal;
— you can transform and scale vector images without losing quality. This is due to the fact that when constructing vector images, mathematical descriptions of lines and objects are used;
— displaying vector images requires less memory than viewing similar raster images;
— using any vector editor, you can correct individual components of drawings without affecting other elements.
In some cases, a raster image can be converted to a vector image.

Now let's talk about the disadvantages of vector images. The biggest drawback relates to the directness of the vector drawing components. Vector graphics editor does not cope well with creating realistic and picturesque paintings. In addition, not every object can be depicted in vector representation. The original image requires a huge number of complex objects, which negatively affects the display time and the amount of memory occupied by the image.

Advantages and disadvantages of raster images

The main advantage of raster image editors is the ability to create realistic images. Thanks to the use of the matrix principle of constructing a picture, it is possible to give each individual pixel any of several million shades. The disadvantages of raster images include the impossibility of scaling and transformation without loss of image quality. Besides, raster images have quite a lot of weight.

Comparison of various vector graphics editors

Many professional artists and designers today complain about the insufficient number of programs to realize their creative ideas and ideas. This also applies to vector graphics editors. The main criteria that guide users when choosing graphic editors are accessibility and functionality.

Particularly popular among free editors won such programs as Inkscape, Skencil, Dia, SodiPodi, Xara Xtreme, OpenOffice.org Draw, Expression Design, Alchemy and Pivot Stickfigure Animator. Vector editor sK1 only works with operating room Linux system. To work with the operating room Windows system designed by Pivot Stickfigure Animator and Expression Design editors. The rest of the programs are cross-platform.

Of course, the coolest and popular programs are distributed for a fee. IN this list includes graphic editors such as Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Flash, CorellDraw, XARA Designer PRO and others.

Selecting a graphic editor

Choosing a suitable graphics editor is not an easy question for any user. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. The vector editor CoralDraw has achieved particular popularity among users around the world. I use this program for processing and creating images as ordinary users, and professionals. The full name of this graphics package is CorelDraw Graphics Suite.

In addition to the CorelDraw program itself, the graphics editor also includes Corel Photo-Paint, CorelTrace (a program for converting images from raster to vector form), Corel R.A.V.E. (a program for creating animations) and Corel Cupture (a program for transferring pictures from the screen directly to the clipboard or separate file). The CorelDraw graphics editor owes its popularity to its extraordinary range of functions.

In addition, the program has a huge library of ready-made images. CorelDraw is also equipped with a built-in learning system and many recommendations and tips. This graphic edition has a lot of additional tools, the analogues of which you will not find in any other graphic editor.