New
New
Year 8

Using vector tools to draw and modify shapes

I can use software to draw and modify vector shapes.

New
New
Year 8

Using vector tools to draw and modify shapes

I can use software to draw and modify vector shapes.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Vector graphics are made from shapes described by coordinates, not pixels.
  2. Vector illustrations are built using simple shapes.
  3. Vector graphics use z-order to show which shapes are in front and are visible.

Keywords

  • Vector graphic - an image made up of lines and shapes

  • Z-order - the order of overlapping objects

  • Layer - the level on which an object (e.g. text, shapes and photos) can be placed relative to other objects

Common misconception

Vector graphics are made from pixels and can lose quality when resized.

Vector graphics are made from lines and shapes. They do not lose quality when resized.


To help you plan your year 8 computing lesson on: Using vector tools to draw and modify shapes, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

You need to be familiar with the basic tools and features of vector editing software. The Inkscape tutorials may be useful — oak.link/inkscape-tutorials
Teacher tip

Equipment

Inkscape software

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), 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

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
What is a pixel?

Correct answer: a small square of colour
a type of computer virus
a button on a keyboard
a sound made by a computer

Q2.
What is a bitmap image made up of?

only lines
text
Correct answer: many small squares
circles

Q3.
What do you call the up-and-down direction on a grid?

Correct Answer: y-axis, y axis, y

Q4.
Which of these would you use to change the colour of a shape in drawing software?

move tool
Correct answer: fill tool
crop tool
text tool

Q5.
When you click and drag a corner handle of a shape, what happens?

the computer shuts down
the shape disappears
the shape changes colour
Correct answer: the shape is resized

Q6.
Match each term to its description:

Correct Answer:pixel,smallest part of a digital image

smallest part of a digital image

Correct Answer:handle,used to move or resize shapes

used to move or resize shapes

Correct Answer:x-axis,runs left to right on a grid

runs left to right on a grid

Correct Answer:fill tool,adds colour inside a shape

adds colour inside a shape

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
What do we call an image made up of lines and shapes, not pixels?

Correct Answer: vector graphic, vector image, vector

Q2.
What is the main difference between a bitmap and a vector graphic?

bitmaps are always black and white
vectors can only be used online
Correct answer: bitmaps use pixels, vectors use shapes
bitmaps are smaller files

Q3.
Why do vector graphics not lose quality when resized?

Correct answer: They are described using mathematical formulas.
They use high-resolution photos.
They have more pixels.
They are saved as text files.

Q4.
Match each keyword to its meaning:

Correct Answer:vector graphic,an image made up of lines and shapes

an image made up of lines and shapes

Correct Answer:z-order,the order of overlapping objects

the order of overlapping objects

Correct Answer:layer,a level for placing objects

a level for placing objects

Correct Answer:pixel,a single square of colour in a bitmap image

a single square of colour in a bitmap image

Q5.
Arrange these steps for changing a shape’s appearance:

1 - select the shape
2 - open the appearance or fill menu
3 - choose a new colour or style
4 - apply the changes

Q6.
Which statement about vector graphics is correct?

Vector graphics are made from pixels and become blurry when resized.
Vector graphics use only photographs and colours.
Vector graphics are always black and white.
Correct answer: Vector graphics do not lose quality when resized.