Corel Paint Shop, what is a layer and what is a vector?

Question

I read the users manual (from the downloaded version) and I just don't understand. I sometimes get lucky and figure things out when using this program, but I would like to know what the difference between a layer and vector. If someone could explain in plain english (or in semi-blonde terms) I would sure appreciate it, thanks.

Seven · Accepted Answer

Sure - a layer is a level that something is drawn on.  Think of it as a transparent piece of paper.  Each time you make a new layer, and draw on it - you are putting that piece of paper on top of your base paper (or base layer) and drawing on it separately.  This means that if you have two items on separate layers, you can move them around, independently of one another.  This is useful if you were to put yourself in a picture of landscape, when you were not actually there.  You would just put yourself on a new layer, and put that layer on top of the layer of the landscape.

Now.  Vector is a completely different thing.  Vector is a term used to define a type of computer graphic.  There are two main types.  Vector, and Raster (or bitmap).  Vector is a series of lines on the screen defined by mathematical equations that is filled with a specified color.  In short - vector is a flexible type of graphic, while raster, or bitmap, is a defined set of pixels.  Pixels are the little tiny dots of color that pictures are comprised of.  Vector graphics are usually characterized by their ability to maintain crispness, even after being scaled up in size.  

Here is an example of the different types of graphics: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/b4/VectorBitmapExample.png

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Corel Paint Shop, what is a layer and what is a vector?

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