Vocabulary

Vector Graphic - Also known as a vector shape, or a vector object: made up of lines and curves defined by mathematical objects called vectors, which describe an image according to its geometric characteristics. Vector graphics have relatively small file sizes. Despite the small file size, vector graphics can scale up to any size without any degradation; this fact usually makes them the best choice for any artwork that might be printed at different sized, or viewed through different types of media. Some example file extensions of vector graphics are .AI, .EPS, .SVG, .DRW (Also, many flash animations are made of vector graphics.) PDF files can consist of vector and raster graphics.

Raster Graphic - Also known as a bitmap: a dot matrix data structure representing a rectangular grid of pixels or points of color along x and y coordinates. Each individual pixel contains one single color. Raster graphics tend to have larger file sizes compared to vector graphics. You can easily scale down raster graphics, but enlarging them degrades the image. Some example file extensions of raster graphics are .BMP, .TIFF, .GIF, .JPG, .PSD. PDF files can consist of vector and raster graphics.

DPI - Stands for dots per inch: This term applies to raster graphics; the dpi is the number of individual pixels per linear inch of a raster image. This is also known as the resolution for printed images and scanners. The higher the number of the dpi, the better quality the resolution is.  A couple dpi examples: images shown on monitors, are usually 72dpi, but printed photographs are often 300 dpi.

Art Board - Printable part of the work area in Adobe Illustrator.

Guides - Nonprinting lines that can be used to create boundaries or guidelines.

Anchor Point - A point on a path that indicates a new segment of the path, or a change in direction of the path.

Corner Point - An anchor point that is at an angle instead of a curve.

Smooth Point - An anchor point that connects two segments of a path in a smooth curve instead of an angle.

Path - A line that forms the shape of an object

Closed Path - A vector path that is continuous with no end. Both the beginning and endpoints are the same.

Open Path -  A vector path that has two ends. The beginning and endpoints are not the same.

Selection Tool - Black arrow tool that selects whole objects, or groups of objects

Direct Selection Tool - White arrow tool that can select and manipulate individual points.

Fill - The appearance of the inner area of an object. Fills include solid color, gradient, pattern, etc.

Stroke - The appearance of the outline of an object. The weight, color, style, etc. of the stroke can be controlled.

Gradient - A graduated blend of colors used in a fill. There are two types of gradients: radial that radiate from a center point, and linear that fade across in the direction of a straight line.

Embed - Place an image or object in a file, so that it becomes part of the file.

Clipping Mask - An object whose shape masks other artwork, so that only areas that lie within the shape are visible; in effect, clipping the artwork to the shape of the mask. Only vector objects can be clipping masks; however, any artwork can be masked.

Clipping Set - A clipping set includes both a clipping mask and the object or objects that are masked. 

Tracing Template - Object that is dimmed and unavailable for modification, but can be used as a guide for creating objects.

Filter - A special effect applied to a digital image. A lot of filters mimic the effects of certain special camera lenses.

Bezier Curve - A mathematically generated curve that has two end points, plus control points to specify the direction of the curve.

Graphic Input Device - A piece of computer hardware equipment used to provide data and control signals to a computer. Examples: a mouse, keyboard, wacom tablet, etc..