vector

Vector graphics is the use of geometrical primitives such as points, lines, curves, and shapes or polygons—all of which are based on mathematical expressions—to represent images in computer graphics. Vector graphic formats are infinitely scalable because the image is drawn with relational mathematics rather than mapping a series of 2D points. Increasing the size of a vector graphic does not cause any pixelation or distortion of the image. Read the Wikipedia article for more information.

SmartDraw

April 04, 2016 by Laurie Parker
Categories: Design & VisualizationProductivity & Utility

Availability: 7 day free trial or purchase a license
Comparable: Visio, Dia, Google Drawing

SmartDraw logoSmartDraw is a diagramming tool that can be used to create flowcharts, org charts, mind maps, and floor plans. Users can create graph-based, chart-based, or schematic diagrams.

SmartDraw integrates with Microsoft Office. With just a click, drawings can be sent to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or Outlook. It’s also compatible with Visio, allowing the user to import existing Visio files and continue work in SmartDraw.

SmartDraw Cloud allows users to create and edit diagrams in their web browser, whether they are on Windows or Mac.

There’s a 7 day free trial available for both the browser-based or desktop version.

 

Tags: flowchartvector

Visio

November 20, 2014 by Andy Voelker
Categories: Design & VisualizationProductivity & Utility

visio_2013

Availability: Available at discount
Comparable: Dia

Microsoft Visio (viz-zee-oh) is a diagramming and vector graphics application and is part of the Microsoft Office family.  Visio can be useful for creating organization structures, network structures, room layouts, relational diagrams, process diagrams, flow charts, and more.  Visio can also use UML (Universal Markup Language) to interface with database schemas.  Visio starts with a set of templates that allow a user to easily develop a diagram using a preconfigured set of stencils, icons, and markup for a specific purpose.  Additional templates and stencils can be downloaded via the Office Download Center.  Users can also create from a blank template and use any stencils and objects from any library available.

Visio is not part of the standard Office installation and must be licensed and installed separately. It is only available on the Windows Platform.

Tags: flowchartumlvector

Fireworks CS6

November 19, 2014 by Andy Voelker
Categories: Design & VisualizationMultimedia

Adobe_Fireworks_CS5Part of: Adobe Creative Suite

Adobe Fireworks (formerly Macromedia Fireworks) was a bitmap and vector graphics editor. Fireworks is made for web designers for rapidly creating website prototypes and application interfaces. Its features include slices and the ability to add hotspots. It is designed to integrate with other Adobe products such asAdobe Dreamweaver and Adobe Flash. It is available as either a standalone product or bundled with Adobe Creative Suite.

On May 6, 2013, Adobe announced that Fireworks would be phased out. Adobe will continue to provide security updates and perhaps bug fixes for the current version, but does not plan to add any new features beyond what is in Fireworks CS6.

Tags: bitmapcreative suitevector