Vector graphics - what they are

Pixels on screen & dots in print

image from ViewSonic,
animation DK
Actually, we can say that what is represented on screen can really only be a 'pseudo' bezier curve: the mathematical formula of a true bezier curve allows infinite enlargement without loss of quality, but in practice of course, the degree of smooth detail is limited by the mechanics of displaying it. Even with the most sophisticated software, ultimately the screen can still only show us contiguous square pixels at the finite level of 72 to the inch; and we will see later on how the degree of smoothness seen on screen varies enormously between programmes, even established professional ones.

image from Photoshop 5 on-line help,
animation DK

A printer, too, produces a finite number of dots per inch, and so can be said to produce only 'pseudo' bezier curves: but

  • for one thing, it can print many more dots to the inch than the screen can show
  • and for another, these dots are overlapping circles, rather than the contiguous squares of a computer monitor

so a representation which is disappointingly rough on screen may turn out well enough on paper to convince even the most critical eye. .