Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
First of all, we need to re-formulate the concept that vector graphics can be scaled
at our wish with no quality loss.
Though it is true that vectors can be scaled, when the size of an icon is less than
48x48 pixels, some weaknesses of the vector based approach emerge. If you create
a 24x24 pixel vector image and scale it down to 16x16 pixels, some blurring will oc-
cur, as there is no way to match the proportions between the two sizes.
As you may notice in the following figure, the first line of icons, created as separate
files, are far more detailed and crisp than the second line of icons, obtained by scal-
ing a single vector file.
Whenever you need to create small sized icons, the best thing to do is to design
separate bitmaps, scaled to match every required size. Even if it takes a little more
time to achieve, it prevents the poor results obtained when scaling a single vector to
different icon sizes.
On the other hand, you just need to worry about it for small, very detailed icons. If
the size of your icons is more than 48x48 pixels and/or your icons are not filled with
many fine details, you won't have to worry about the vector scaling problem.
