7 Mistakes to Avoid When Using Vector Graphics in Web Design: A Newbie's Guide

When you’re working with vector graphics in web design, it doesn’t take long to discover that there are a lot of pitfalls lurking around every corner. When you’re working with this type of graphic design, things can get a little tricky if you don’t have the correct tools and know-how. There are specific attributes that these graphics have that make them different from bitmap images and JPEGs, which means they require a slightly different approach when using them in your web designs. Knowing which pitfalls to avoid when using vector graphics in your next project is key to creating awesome results. Read on to learn more.

Vector graphics in web design

If you’re not sure what vector graphics are, don’t worry.

Vector graphics are a type of image used in web design that is created with a special type of software. Vectors are simply mathematical equations that describe the direction, length, and end point of a line.

• These lines can be drawn at any length, in any direction, and can be scaled to any size without any loss of quality. Bitmap images, on the other hand, are created using a different process that involves pixels.
• Bitmap images are comprised of a grid of pixels, and each pixel is given a color value.

There are a few things to keep in mind when working with vectors. The first is that vectors are resolution-independent, meaning they don’t pixelate when scaled down. This also means they don’t pixelate when scaled up.

Don’t Use Bitmap Images in Place of Vector Graphics

Vectors aren’t always the right choice, and bitmap images aren’t always the wrong choice. It all comes down to the type of image you’re creating and what you want to achieve with it. Vectors are best used for images that don’t have a lot of fine details, such as a logo.

When you’re working with a bitmap image, you can adjust the levels of the color in each individual pixel, creating more detailed images. With vectors, the image is created using basic elements like lines, curves, and shapes, so there aren’t as many options for fine-tuning.

Vectors are best suited for logos, icons, illustrations, and graphs. They’re not a good choice for photographs, illustrations with a lot of fine details, or images with transparency.

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Don’t Edit Vectors in Image Editing Software

You might be tempted to use tools like Photoshop or GIMP to add more details to your vectors, but you shouldn’t. If you’re adding more information to the vector, like shadows, strokes, or gradients, you should do that while you’re creating the vector in your vector software.

If you bring your vector into an image editor and add more information to it, you’re basically editing the vector, which means you’re destroying its original qualities. Once you’ve edited a vector with more information, you can’t just turn back time and remove it. Instead, you would need to start over and create the image from scratch using a new vector file.

Don’t Forget to Resize Your Vectors

If you’re using vectors for your website’s images, you might be tempted to just throw the largest file size on there and call it good. Resist the urge. Your vector images should always be resized to a smaller resolution, whether you’re using them as logos, icons, or images with transparency.

If you’re creating vector images for logos, you should always go with the smallest file size possible. If you need your logo to be bigger, you can always enlarge it using CSS. For icons, you should use a smaller version of the image for the button, and a larger version for the accompanying text.

Don’t Forget to Shave Off Those Edges

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when creating vector graphics for your website is letting the edges sit there untouched. That’s right, no rounding of corners! You should always round off the corners of your vector graphics. This will make them look more like they’re part of the design, and help them blend in more seamlessly.

If you don’t round the corners of your vectors, they’ll stick out like a sore thumb. You can easily round off your vector graphics by creating rounded corners in your vector software.

Don’t Use Only Shaded Gradients

When creating gradients on vectors, you have a few options. You can use shaded gradients where the color gradually blends into one solid color. You can also use a transparency gradient, where only a portion of the vector is colored. You can also use a transparency gradient where the entire vector is colored, but the color fades out towards the edges. When creating gradients, you should use both types so that your vector graphics don’t look like they were created in the ‘80s.

Don’t Forget to Add a Shadow

When using vectors for logos, icons, illustrations, or graphs, you should always add a shadow to the image. The shadow will help the vector look more realistic and give it more depth. The shadow will also allow you to place the image on any surface without needing to worry about it falling over.

When you’re selecting vector graphics for your website, you should always look for ones with shadows. This will help the images stand out and look more realistic. The shadow will also make it easier to place the image on any surface you want. If you’re using vectors with transparency, you should add a drop shadow to the image behind the vector graphic. This will help the image blend in better with the background.

Bottom Line

There are many benefits to using vector graphics in web design, but there are also a few mistakes you can make if you don’t know what you’re doing. When you’re creating the vectors, be sure to use the correct software and don’t edit the files once you’re done. Don’t forget to resize your vectors, round off their corners, and add a shadow to each image. If you follow these tips, you’ll be on the right track to creating awesome vector graphics for your next web design project.