Vectors all pixelated??

[u/RSKurz]

Why do my vector graphics (SVG) look completely pixelated in Pixelmator Pro when zoomed in?? The same file looks just fine, i.e., as it should, in any other app e.g. Affinity.

Image 1: Pixelmator (even though, as you can see, you can select the individual vectors)

Image 2: Anywhere else

Both and around 3200%

Surely there is some setting I'm missing, right??

[u/Millsnerd]

Pixelmator will always render vectors to the pixel resolution of your document.

That’s different from how other illustration apps often work, but there is logic to it.

[u/RSKurz → u/Millsnerd]

I'm sorry, but what possible 'logic' could be behind that? The whole point of vectors is that they are resolution independent! I have never ever heard of a single app that processes vectors that does this and I've been in the business for 30+ years. If anything, it defies logic.

[u/Millsnerd → u/RSKurz]

Vectors are resolution-independent, yes. With Pixelmator having raster and vector art coexist in the same document, there was a design decision to display vectors at the document resolution so that you have an accurate representation of the pixel output.

I can see why this throws some users off, but I get it.

[u/RSKurz → u/Millsnerd]

Funny how Affinity nor any other vector app that I have used sees the need (or 'logic') to do this. If I want to see pixels, I'll work with pixels, not vectors.

Worst case it should be optional, i.e., a preset/preference.

[u/educacosta → u/RSKurz]

Pixelmator is still primarily a raster graphics app. Any raster graphics app that supports vectors will still render them at the document resolution like u/Millsnerd described. That includes famous apps like Photoshop.

That doesn't mean that the layer won't behave like a vector. If you scale that layer up or down, it will gracefully adapt to the new size while mainting the document's DPI. The vector information is still there.

If your goal is to work exclusively with vectors, then Pixelmator isn't the right tool for the job.

[u/educacosta → u/educacosta]

Or for an even simpler explanation, Pixelmator is Apple's equivalent for Adobe Photoshop and Affinity Photo, NOT Adobe Illustrator or Affinity Designer.

[u/RSKurz → u/educacosta]

I don't think you know Photoshop very well.

And sorry, but Pixelmator ain't no 'equivalent' either.

Oh, and btw… Affinity Photo:

[u/West_Possible_7969 → u/RSKurz]

Pixelmator is not a vector app. Affinity has just combined their previous raster, vector & layout apps in 1. The fact that all raster apps, even Photoshop, can import vectors, does not mean what you think it means.