Getting Started with Inkscape

“Most images on the web such as JPG, PNG, and GIF are raster
images – grids of pixels that each hold a color value. Raster
images are great for photos of real people and events, but they
have drawbacks. When you scale a raster image up or down in size,
you’re losing data and/or clarity in the image. Color
intensity can also be lost in conversions and compression, leaving
you with a mangled version of what you once wanted. A great
alternative for many situations is to use vector graphics. Inkscape
is a powerful free vector drawing program for Windows, Linux, and
Mac, and this guide will get you started with using it to create
your own smooth, colorful, scalable graphics.

“Advantages of Vector Graphics

“With vector graphics, you don’t have a grid of pixels,
you have a bunch of independent shapes. Each shape can be moved,
squeezed or colored at will. Since it relies on shapes instead of
individual pixels, vector graphics look more “cartoony”
than their raster counterparts. Because of this, vector is
generally inappropriate for photorealism, but extremely well suited
to things like icons, web comics, and wallpapers. Compared to
raster graphics, many find that you get far more speed and
flexibility when creating and editing vector graphics, and
individual elements can be much more easily managed. The following
images are the type of things you could expect to accomplish when
drawing with vector graphics.”

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