@jkwchui said in Getting my head around abstractions:
preset
style
symbol
clone
Overall description of these features across programs that support them:
Preset
Definition: A preset is a predefined collection of settings that can be applied to objects in your design.
Example: When you choose a preset for a shadow effect, the program automatically applies the desired settings, such as the specific size, color, and opacity of the shadow.
When it's useful: Presets are great for saving time and ensuring consistency in your design. If you frequently use the same effect or style, you can quickly apply a preset without having to manually adjust the settings each time.
Style
Definition: A style is a defined way of formatting an object, which can include various attributes like color, outline, shadow, pattern, etc.
Example: If you create a text style for headings in your designs, you can use the same style on all your headings, making them uniform in appearance with a single click.
When it's useful: Styles are ideal for maintaining a cohesive look across multiple elements in your design. When you change a style, all objects using that style update automatically.
Symbol
Definition: A symbol is a graphic element that can be reused in multiple places in your design. When you modify the symbol, all copies automatically update. Example: A logo or icon used on several different pages in a brochure or web design. If the logo needs to be updated, you change it once, and all instances are updated automatically.
When it's useful: Symbols are perfect for elements that appear in many places in your design and need to stay consistent. This saves time and ensures visual uniformity.
Clone
Definition: A clone is a copy of an object, but unlike regular copying, the clone is linked to the original, so changes to the original automatically update in the clone.
Example: If you have a shape that needs to be repeated multiple times in a pattern, you can use clones so that you only need to change one shape to update them all.
When it's useful: Clones are extremely useful when you need to create many repetitions of the same element but still want the flexibility to change the design later without manually updating each copy.
In other words
Preset and style are best for keeping your design settings consistent and save time with repetitive tasks.
Symbol and clone are perfect for repeated elements where you want changes in one place to automatically update all instances.
If you come from Circus Serif and Affinity
If you have used Affinity, note that graphic styles in Affinity are simple, static, primitive presets because the company doesn't understand the terms behind what they are trying to implement.
Vectorstyler has true styles, and they are genuinely useful, just as styles are useful in all other design programs, word processors, and websites. Styles are extremely valuable for professional and structured, organized graphic designers.
