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      Creating images using vector graphics

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can create a vector drawing by combining shapes.

      Key learning points

      1. Different shapes can be combined to create a drawing.
      2. All the elements added to a vector drawing are editable objects.
      3. Duplicated objects can be changed.

      Keywords

      • Move - to change where an object is placed on the canvas

      • Resize - to make an object bigger or smaller

      • Handle - a small square or circle on the edge of a shape that you can click and drag to resize or rotate the shape.

      • Rotate - to turn an object around a point

      Common misconception

      Vector drawings cannot be edited.

      Each element added to a vector drawing is an editable object.

      Teacher tip

      Use familiar objects like faces or animals to help pupils break down images into shapes, supporting creativity and helping them understand how vector drawings are constructed.

      Equipment

      Pupils will need access to a device with drawing software. Examples in this lesson use Google Drawings https://oak.link/google-drawings

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What are vector drawings made up of?

      pixels
      Correct answer: shapes
      colours
      layers

      Q2.
      How are vector drawings different from paper-based drawings?

      They are made with pencils.
      They cannot be changed once drawn.
      Correct answer: They use shapes and lines on a computer.
      They are always black and white.

      Q3.
      What is a "shape" in vector drawings?

      a tool used to erase parts of a picture
      a type of line used in drawings
      a way to colour pictures
      Correct answer: a flat object like a square or circle used to build pictures

      Q4.
      What does the "line tool" do?

      Correct answer: draws straight or curved lines
      colours shapes
      erases lines
      moves shapes

      Q5.
      Which of these is an example of a vector drawing?

      a hand-drawn sketch
      a photograph
      Correct answer: a computer image made up of shapes
      a painting

      Q6.
      Which tool would you use to draw a circle in a vector drawing?

      line tool
      eraser tool
      move tool
      Correct answer: shape tool

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What is a vector drawing made up of?

      Correct answer: editable objects
      pixels
      layers
      colours

      Q2.
      What happens when you duplicate an object in a vector drawing?

      It becomes uneditable.
      Correct answer: It can still be changed.
      It disappears.
      It merges with the original object.

      Q3.
      What is the small square or circle on the edge of a shape used to resize or rotate it?

      Correct Answer: handle, a handle, handles

      Q4.
      Match the tool to its purpose:

      Correct Answer:move tool,changes the position of an object

      changes the position of an object

      Correct Answer:resize tool,adjusts the size of an object

      adjusts the size of an object

      Correct Answer:rotate tool,turns an object around a point

      turns an object around a point

      Correct Answer:eraser tool,removes parts of the drawing

      removes parts of the drawing

      Q5.
      Why are vector drawings different to paper-based drawings?

      Correct answer: They are made of editable objects.
      They cannot be changed once drawn.
      They are always black and white.
      They are made of pixels.

      Q6.
      What is the purpose of resizing an object?

      to change its colour
      to duplicate it
      to rotate it
      Correct answer: to make it bigger or smaller

      To help you plan your 5 computing lesson on: Creating images using vector graphics, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...