vector graphics - what and how

Different combinations of paths & points

 

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A vector shape:

  • is defined by a path or a series of paths
    • straight or curved
  • can have one, two or more segments,
    • all straight, all curved, or a mixture
  • can be open or closed - depending whether the beginning and end points connect or not
  • has a thickness you can define
  • can have its outline visible or invisible
  • can be empty or filled in
  • can have the filling as a single colour or as a gradient
  • has paths defined by points, two or more
    • either middles, beginnings or ends
    • defining either corners or curves
  • has points managed by handles
    • dragging in and out affects the height, or depth, of the curve
    • dragging to and fro affects the slope of the curve