A vector layer is a special layer where the data does not degrade even with repeated scaling.
Lines drawn on a raster (normal) layer degrade with each scaling,
Meanwhile, lines drawn on a vector layer do not degrade even with repeated scaling.
There is no visual difference between lines drawn on vector layers and raster layers. The difference is in the way each layer records the drawn lines.
Raster layers are composed of small squares (pixels).
One advantage of raster layers is that there are no limitations on functionality. You can easily perform all the necessary steps for drawing a picture, such as line drawing, coloring, and processing. However, the biggest weakness is that when you enlarge, reduce, or transform, the lines degrade.
On the other hand, the vector layer is drawn with coordinates of points (control points) and lines connecting the points (paths).
The information of the lines is recorded by these control points and paths, allowing the lines to remain clean even when zooming in or out.
Additionally, lines drawn on vector layers can be modified later to change the type of pen, thickness, and color of the line.
This is also considered a benefit of using vector layers.
However, the drawback is that some functions such as fill tool, fingertip tool, and blur tool are not available. Taking the above into consideration, vector layers are proficient in drawing lines, while raster layers excel in other general tasks ( such as coloring and processing).
Open the ①[ Layer Window ].
Select ②[ Add Special Layer ] and then choose ③[ Add Vector Layer ].
Select the newly added ④[ New Vector Layer ] on the working layer.
All lines drawn on the vector layer will be displayed as vector lines.
In addition to the above methods, a vector layer can be added by using the Vector Dip Pen and Vector Felt Tip Pen .
Open the⑤[ Brush Window ].br>
Select ⑥[ Vector Dip Pen ] or ⑦[ Vector Felt Tip Pen ] from the brush list and draw a line on the canvas.
Open ⑧[ Layer Window ] and you will see that ⑨[ New Vector Layer ] has been added.
As mentioned earlier, there are several functions that cannot be used in vector layers. If you want to use the following functions, you need to rasterize the vector layer:
You can rasterize a vector layer in the following ways.
* Be careful because once you rasterize, you cannot revert it back to a vector layer.
Open the ①[ Layer Window ]
Select the ②[ layer you want to rasterize ] and tap the ③[ 3-dots button ].
Choose ④[ Rasterize ] from the command menu.
Confirm the rasterize dialog box by selecting the ⑤[ Yes ] option.
The icon of the vector layer will disappear, indicating that it has been converted to a raster layer.
Select ②[ Vector ] from the ①[ Tool Selection Window ].
Choose the line you want to edit, then select ④[ Edit Vertices ] from the ③[ 3-point Button ].
Drag the ⑤[ Control Points ] to shape the line as desired.
Once adjustments are done, tap on ⑥[ ✔︎ ].
You have adjusted the line after drawing it.
Lines drawn on a vector layer can be modified later to change the type of pen, thickness, and color of the line.
Select ②[ Vector ] from the ①[ Tool Selection Window ].
Choose the line you want to edit, then tap on the ③[ Edit Button ].
Adjust the color, pen type, and line thickness to your liking.
Once you're done adjusting, apply it by tapping on ④[ ✔︎ ] to finish.
You can easily change the atmosphere of the illustration without redrawing the lines.
When using the eraser on a Vector Layer, strokes get erased in a different way compared to erasing them on a Raster Layer. This article may provide a solution for those who have encountered a situation where lines unintentionally disappeared after joining Vector Layers. Hereinafter, the eraser used on a Vector Layer will be referred to as the "Eraser on a Vector Layer".
When you merge vector layers, unintended lines may disappear. Let's clarify this using the illustration in the diagram above. The top layer will be denoted as [A], the middle layer as [B], and the background layer as [C].
Some parts of the lines drawn in [A] are erased using an eraser. (The areas where the eraser was used are indicated in red.)
Next, merge layers [A] and [B]. As a result, some lines of [B] will also disappear. Many people may have experienced this when using vector layers. Some lines of [B] disappeared due to the mechanism of the Eraser on a Vector Layer.
When checking with the vector tool, you can see that there are vector lines without color in the areas where the eraser was used. These transparent vector lines are what the Eraser on a Vector Layer really is. The Eraser on a Vector Layer can also be used to move and change styles, same as vector lines.
The Eraser on a Vector Layer does not actually erase the lines, but rather temporarily hides the lines underneath by overlapping them on the same vector layer. Therefore, it is easier to understand if you think of the lines as being hidden under transparent lines, rather than being erased.
You can bring back the accidentally hidden lines by following the steps below.
Select ①[ Vector ] from the ②[ Tool Selection Window ].
Choose ③[ the desired line that you want to display again ] and tap on the ④[ 3-dots button ].
Select ⑤[ Bring to Front ] and move the desired line to the front.
You can now bring back the hidden line by displaying it again.