Vector Tracing Vector Tracing File Formats and Export 2

Question 1

What does 'embed' versus 'link' mean for an image placed in Illustrator as a tracing reference?

Accepted Answer

Embedded images are stored inside the AI file; linked images reference an external file that must stay with the AI file

Answer

An embedded image is physically stored inside the .AI file, while a linked image is an external reference — if the linked file is moved, the Illustrator document loses access to it.

Question 2

Why might you export a traced vector as a high-resolution PNG rather than as an SVG for use in a presentation?

Accepted Answer

Some presentation applications don't fully support SVG, so a rasterized PNG ensures consistent rendering across all platforms

Answer

Many presentation tools (especially older versions) have limited or inconsistent SVG support, so exporting a high-resolution PNG from the vector artwork guarantees it displays correctly everywhere.

Question 3

What does 'bleed' refer to when exporting traced artwork for print, and what is the standard bleed size?

Accepted Answer

Extra artwork extending beyond the trim edge to prevent white borders after cutting; typically 0.125 inches (3mm)

Answer

Bleed is extra artwork extended beyond the final trim edge to compensate for small cutting inaccuracies, ensuring no unwanted white margins appear — the standard is 0.125 inch (3 mm) on all sides.

Question 4

What is the benefit of exporting traced artwork as an SVG with 'Responsive' checked in Illustrator?

Accepted Answer

The SVG omits fixed width/height attributes, allowing it to scale fluidly with CSS in a webpage layout

Answer

Checking Responsive removes fixed pixel dimensions from the SVG's root element, letting CSS control the size so the image scales properly across different screen sizes.

Question 5

What does 'minifying' an SVG file mean and why is it done after exporting traced artwork for the web?

Accepted Answer

Removing whitespace, comments, and redundant data from the SVG code to reduce file size without changing visual output

Answer

SVG minification strips unnecessary code — whitespace, comments, editor metadata — from the file, reducing its size to improve web page load performance without affecting how it looks.

Vector Tracing Practice Test

Vector Tracing Practice Test

Vector Tracing Vector Tracing File Formats and Export 2