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Disambiguating links to EPS (link changed to Encapsulated PostScript) using DisamAssist.

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{{Short description|Mathematical outline used in vector graphics}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2025}}

'''Vector path''' refers to a mathematically defined shape used in [[vector graphics]] to represent outlines, shapes, or trajectories through a set of connected points. Unlike [[raster graphics]], which consist of pixels, vector paths are composed of anchor points and control handles, allowing for resolution-independent scaling and precise editing.

== Characteristics ==
A vector path is constructed using:
* '''Anchor points''': define the start, end, and corners of a shape.
* '''Segments''': straight or curved lines that connect anchor points.
* '''Control handles''': determine the curvature of segments, especially when defining [[Bézier curve]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |title=What is a Bézier curve? |url=https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/Bezier-curve |publisher=TechTarget |access-date=2025-06-24}}</ref>

Paths can be classified as:
* '''Open paths''': with distinct starting and ending points (e.g., lines, curves).
* '''Closed paths''': where the start and end meet to form enclosed shapes such as [[circle]]s or [[polygon]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Open vs. Closed Paths in Vector Design |url=https://www.vectornator.io/blog/open-vs-closed-paths |publisher=Vectornator |access-date=2025-06-24}}</ref>

== Advantages ==
Vector paths offer several benefits compared to raster-based representations:
* '''Resolution independence''': paths retain quality at any [[display resolution]] or scale.<ref>{{Cite web |title=What is Vector Art? |url=https://www.kittl.com/blog/what-is-vector-art |publisher=Kittl |access-date=2025-06-24}}</ref>
* '''Editability''': shapes and curves can be modified by adjusting anchor points and handles.
* '''Smaller file sizes''': vector files typically use less storage than high-resolution raster images.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Raster vs Vector: What's the Difference? |url=https://99designs.com/blog/tips/vector-vs-raster/ |publisher=99designs |access-date=2025-06-24}}</ref>

== Applications ==
Vector paths are fundamental to many fields within [[computer graphics]] and design:
* '''Logo and branding design''': ensure clarity at all sizes.
* '''Typography''': letterforms are created from connected vector paths.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Understanding Vector Fonts |url=https://www.fonts.com/content/learning/fontology/level-1/type-anatomy/vector-fonts |publisher=Fonts.com |access-date=2025-06-24}}</ref>
* '''Technical drawing''': essential for [[computer-aided design]] (CAD), engineering, and architecture.
* '''Web and UI design''': used in [[Scalable Vector Graphics]] (SVG) for responsive and animated interfaces.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SVG Essentials: Paths |url=https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/SVG/Tutorial/Paths |publisher=MDN Web Docs |access-date=2025-06-24}}</ref>

== File formats and software ==
Vector paths are commonly stored and manipulated in file formats such as:
* [[SVG]]
* [[Encapsulated PostScript|EPS]]
* [[PDF]]

Popular software supporting vector path creation includes:
* [[Adobe Illustrator]]
* [[CorelDRAW]]
* [[Inkscape]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Inkscape Features |url=https://inkscape.org/about/features/ |publisher=Inkscape Project |access-date=2025-06-24}}</ref>
* [[Affinity Designer]]

== Rendering ==
To display a vector path on screen or in print, a rendering engine may apply:
* A '''[[stroke (graphics)|stroke]]''': outlining the path with a visible line.
* A '''[[fill (graphic design)|fill]]''': coloring the interior of a closed path.

Rendering behaviors vary by implementation, especially in how corners (joins), line endings (caps), and fill rules are interpreted.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Stone |first=Maureen |title=A Field Guide to Digital Color |publisher=A K Peters |year=2003}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Vector graphics]]
* [[Raster graphics]]
* [[Bézier curve]]
* [[Clipping path]]
* [[SVG]]
* [[Typography]]
* [[Computer-aided design]]
* [[Display resolution]]
* [[Anchor point]]
* [[Stroke (graphics)]]
* [[Fill (graphic design)]]

== References ==
<references />

{{Compu-graphics-stub}}
[[Category:Vector graphics]]
[[Category:Computer graphics]]
[[Category:Digital typography]]
[[Category:Technical drawing]]

Vector path - Revision history

imported>Rodw: Disambiguating links to EPS (link changed to Encapsulated PostScript) using DisamAssist.