Master Digital Art with Vectornator: Features & Pro Tips

In the ever-evolving world of digital art, having the right tools can make all the difference between good and great artwork. Vectornator, a vector-based design application available on iPad, iPhone, and Mac, has rapidly gained popularity among digital artists, graphic designers, and illustrators. Known for its intuitive interface and powerful features, Vectornator stands as a robust alternative to more expensive software like Adobe Illustrator, while still offering the flexibility and precision artists need. If this post has aroused your curiosity about vector artwork conversion and you hope to gain more knowledge, reach out to us without hesitation.

Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just getting started with digital illustration, Vectornator’s feature set can help you create more polished, scalable, and professional artwork. This article will explore the core features of Vectornator, how it can improve your digital art workflow, and provide tips and tricks to maximize its potential.

Introduction to Vectornator

Vectornator is a free, all-in-one vector graphic design platform that provides professional tools to create illustrations, UI/UX designs, typography, and more. Since its release, Vectornator has been praised for being user-friendly yet powerful enough to meet the demands of professional artists. It works seamlessly across iPad, iPhone, and Mac, offering a consistent experience on all devices and fully supporting the Apple Pencil for precision drawing on the iPad.

Unlike many other professional design applications, Vectornator is free, making it a popular choice among beginner and intermediate digital artists who want a robust design tool without the hefty price tag of software like Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW.

Key Features of Vectornator

Vector Design Tools

At its core, Vectornator is a vector-based design tool, meaning it relies on paths, points, and mathematical calculations to create shapes and lines. This makes your artwork infinitely scalable without losing resolution, a major advantage over pixel-based (raster) programs like Procreate. Vectornator provides an array of basic shape tools (rectangle, ellipse, polygon, and star), enabling you to create complex vector graphics quickly and with precision.

Pen Tool and Path Editing

Vectornator’s Pen Tool is one of its most important features, allowing you to draw freehand shapes or precise curves using Bézier points. Unlike raster-based drawing apps, Vectornator’s Pen Tool provides flexibility, letting you tweak curves and points after you’ve drawn them. This is incredibly useful for refining your shapes and ensuring smooth lines and curves.

Additionally, the Node Tool allows for detailed path editing, enabling you to move and adjust individual points on a path. This combination of the Pen and Node tools gives you unparalleled control over the shapes you create, whether you’re drawing complex illustrations or refining simple designs.

Auto Trace Feature

One of Vectornator’s standout features is its Auto Trace function, which allows you to quickly convert raster images (such as hand-drawn sketches or imported artwork from Procreate) into vector graphics. This feature saves a lot of time when converting artwork into scalable vector formats, and its customizable settings enable you to fine-tune the vectorization process.

Layer Management

Like most professional design software, Vectornator offers a comprehensive Layer Management system. Layers are essential for organizing your artwork, allowing you to separate different elements for easier editing and fine-tuning. Vectornator supports features such as layer locking, visibility toggling, and opacity control, making it easier to manage complex artwork with many elements.

Text and Typography Tools

For designers working on logos, advertisements, or UI/UX projects, Vectornator has powerful Text and Typography Tools. You can add text boxes, adjust fonts, control spacing, and apply custom styles. With access to thousands of fonts, including Google Fonts integration, it’s easy to create custom typography designs for branding and marketing projects.

Export Options and File Formats

Vectornator supports a variety of export options and file formats, making it easy to share your work with clients or transfer it to other programs for further editing. You can export your artwork in popular vector formats like SVG, PDF, and AI, as well as raster formats such as PNG and JPEG for web or print. These options ensure your work is ready for any platform or medium.

How Vectornator Can Help Improve Your Digital Art

Whether you’re focusing on illustration, graphic design, or UI/UX design, Vectornator’s features can significantly improve your workflow and the quality of your artwork. Here’s how:

● Infinite Scalability: Because Vectornator is a vector-based program, your artwork can be scaled without losing quality. This is essential for producing high-resolution designs for print, large-scale posters, or merchandise.

● Precision: The Pen Tool, grid, and snap tools give you the precision you need to create clean lines and smooth curves, making your illustrations look professional.

● Ease of Use: Vectornator’s intuitive interface allows beginners to start creating high-quality vector art without the steep learning curve associated with other vector design software.

● Auto Trace: If you’re transitioning from raster programs like Procreate, Auto Trace allows you to quickly convert your drawings into scalable vector artwork.

● Customizability: From creating custom brushes to modifying nodes and paths, Vectornator offers the flexibility needed to bring unique styles and intricate designs to life.

Tips and Tricks for Getting the Most Out of Vectornator

Mastering the Pen Tool

The Pen Tool is your best friend in Vectornator for creating smooth, precise lines and shapes. Here are some pointers to help you master it:

● Use the Bézier Curves: Mastering Bézier curves is key to creating fluid shapes and paths. Practice drawing shapes using as few points as possible while adjusting the handles to create smooth curves.

● Convert Points: If you need a sharp corner, you can convert any curve point into a corner point by selecting the point and choosing the "Corner" option in the Pen Tool settings.

Utilizing Auto Trace for Quick Vectorization

If you have a hand-drawn sketch or a raster image that you want to convert into vector format, use Vectornator’s Auto Trace feature:

● Set Up the Threshold: Adjust the threshold settings to fine-tune how much detail the Auto Trace feature captures from your raster image.

● Simplify Paths: After tracing, use the Simplify Paths feature to reduce the number of nodes in your vector, making it easier to edit.

Organizing Layers for Complex Art

As your artwork becomes more complex, organizing your layers is crucial:

● Name Layers: Always name your layers so you can easily find and edit specific elements later on.

● Group Elements: Use grouping to combine related shapes, paths, or objects. This makes it easier to move and edit multiple objects simultaneously.

● Lock Layers: When working on intricate designs, locking layers that you’ve already finished prevents accidental edits.

Creating Custom Brushes

Vectornator allows you to create custom brushes, which can give your vector artwork a more personal, hand-drawn feel:

● Create a Brush from a Shape: You can create a brush by selecting any vector shape and choosing “Create Brush” in the Brush Tool settings.

● Adjust Brush Settings: Customize your brush by adjusting its width, spacing, and rotation settings to get the look you want.

Using the Grid and Snap Tools for Precision

Vectornator offers Grid and Snap Tools to help you design with precision:

● Enable Snap to Grid: Use Snap to Grid when you need perfect alignment for shapes or text.

● Custom Grids: Adjust the grid size to suit your needs. For detailed work, set a smaller grid, while for large designs, increase the grid size.

Optimizing for Touch Gestures on the iPad

Vectornator on the iPad offers powerful touch gestures that make the workflow even more efficient:

● Pinch to Zoom: Zoom in and out of your artwork quickly by pinching the screen.

● Double-Tap Undo/Redo: Double-tap with two fingers to undo your last action, and double-tap with three fingers to redo it.

● Apple Pencil Shortcuts: You can set up custom shortcuts for the Apple Pencil’s double-tap feature, allowing you to switch between tools seamlessly.

Advantages of Vectornator Over Other Vector Software

● Cost: Unlike Adobe Illustrator, which requires a subscription, Vectornator is entirely free. This makes it accessible to a wide range of users, from beginners to professionals.

● Touch Optimization: For iPad users, Vectornator is optimized for touch, providing a seamless and intuitive experience when working with the Apple Pencil.

● Cross-Device Integration: Vectornator supports a seamless workflow between your iPad, iPhone, and Mac, making it easy to start a project on one device and continue on another.

● Lightweight and Fast: Vectornator is lighter than other vector apps like Illustrator, meaning it runs smoothly on iPads without using up excessive resources or causing lag.

Best Practices for Exporting and Sharing Your Artwork

After finishing your artwork, you’ll likely want to export it for sharing, printing, or further editing. Here are a few best practices:

● Choose the Right Format: If you’re exporting for the web, use SVG or PNG. For print, export your file as PDF, EPS, or AI for the best results.

● High Resolution: When exporting raster formats like PNG or JPEG, ensure you export at a high resolution (300 DPI or higher) to maintain quality in print.

● Use Export Presets: Vectornator offers export presets based on the platform you’re exporting for (social media, print, etc.). Use these to simplify the process.

Vectornator is a versatile and powerful app for vector-based digital art, offering a range of professional features for both beginners and experienced artists. Its flexibility, scalability, and ease of use make it a fantastic tool for anyone looking to improve their digital artwork, whether you’re focused on illustration, graphic design, or UI/UX projects. If this post has kindled your interest in vector conversions and you desire to explore further, don't hesitate to contact us.

By taking full advantage of its robust toolset—particularly the Pen Tool, Auto Trace, and layer management features—you can streamline your workflow, produce more professional results, and elevate your artistic skills. With its seamless cross-device integration and touch-optimized interface, Vectornator offers a highly accessible yet feature-rich platform for creating stunning vector artwork.