Vector graphics use mathematical descriptions to determine the position, length, and direction of lines in an image. An illustration in vector graphics is composed of objects, which contain paths made of line segments and anchor points. Anchor points define the position and curve of line segments and may have control handles. Objects can have properties like strokes (weight, color, style) and fills (color, pattern, texture). Common vector formats include SVG, AI, CDR, and DXF. Vector graphics are resolution independent and objects can be placed over each other with transparency, but they are not suitable for realistic imagery and lose features if converted to raster.