Can Photoshop be used for vector purposes?

Question

Usually vectors are only created in vector-based programs such as Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape, with some limited support for drawing vectors in programs like Adobe Fireworks and Flash.However, can Photoshop be used for vector purposes? Would it be optimal to do all your vector-based image creation there, for example, considering that it might be later on used in the project in a web design layout?

Answer 1

Yes, Photoshop can be used for working with vector based paths. This can be done by using the Pen Tool to create or outline the items you need to be selected. Keep in mind that the final output will be exported as a raster based file, depending on what you require the final export to be.

Illustrator is a true vector based program (Photoshop behaves and uses the same tools/techniques as Illustrator). The big difference for your final output will be that the Illustrator AI / EPS files will be true vector based files.

They both have their own advantages for vector based creation.

Answer 2

Photoshop can be used for vector based graphics as well as for web design. The pen and shape tools within photoshop allow you to create vector shapes. Photoshop is a sort of generalist, catch-all for artists to use to create bitmap based graphics, edit photos, create animations, and create vector based graphics. Illustrator is more focused on vector based designs and opens up a much larger toolbox to allow more freedom of design and layout.