Vectors - Confusing

I did some googling and reading but still have questions about Vector Images. My questions are below.

 

1.  Based on what I have seen, JPG images are much nicer looking than vector images. You can upscale JPG images, so why use vector?

You can't upscale vectors. What you do is adding additional points based on the neighboring points. That does not create new information. Even if some upscalers currently work well, they all have limits of the multiplier. A vector asset can be scaled up and down by a factor thousand and it will look the same.

2. Can you convert any JPG image to vector? If i converted a portrait jpg image that looked like a photo  to vector, it will look radically different, right? So what are the best vector type of images? I would say stay away from converting photo portraits to vector.

Vector programs will try to find where the curves should go. That works, but on a random image, it will generate poor results.

3. Despite my doubts, vector images seem super popular. As a Generative AI creator, are we authorized to upload vector images if desired? I don't see any reason on adobe why we can't.

It's now allowed.

4. I searched adobe and can't find any limitations or rules pertaining to vector. If there is something I

should know, please let me know.

There are specific rules for vector images (at Adobe stock). You need to check them out before contributing.

5. Are there any generative AI creators reading this that uploads vector images. If so, any insight?

 

As always...thanks for your time

By @steveeyes31264316

My conclusion is that you do not know a lot about computer graphics in general. You should google for good books on that theme. 

In the right hands and with enough experience, photorealistic vector images are possible. Google 'photo realistic vectors' to see some pretty amazing results.

• Vectors are submitted as Adobe Illustrator .ai, .svg or .eps files.
• Vector graphics are math-based rather than pixel based. 
• Vectors are resolution independent which means they can be rescalled up or down to any size that's required without quality loss. 
• Raster images become pixelated when upscaled.
• Vectors are preferred for flat colored logos, line drawings, text, comics, cartoons, textiles and merchandise because the lines remain sharp and consistently crisp at all times.  See screenshot.

You cannot convert a photograph to vector art unless you retrace paths as a line drawing first using a vector graphics app like Illustrator. The two image types will not look the same.

Generative AI aside, it's actually the other way around for upscaling.  While both vectors and raster images can be upscaled, vectors can be upscaled without any loss of quality to virtually any size.  Raster images have a number of downsides with upscaling, it tends to introduce artifacts and noise, and cause aliasing along sharp edges.  The general quality of raster images tends to degrade with moderate to heavy upscaling in my opinion.

Vectors and raster images (or jpegs if you prefer) have some overlap, but they tend to be used for different purposes.  So I wouldn't worry too much about choosing which format is best as usually the style of your illustration will dictate the format used.

You are right, simply converting a photo to a vector usually doesn't work so well in my opinion.  It's just a different style of illustration to me.  I've always thought that designing a tattoo was a lot like working with a vector program, with the way details are layered and colors are shaded.  If you get an eye for it, it's actually fairly easy to spot a vector illustration vs raster even when it's printed.

Yes, AI generated vectors are accepted and you can read more about that on the Generative AI faq.