Not sure whether to use Pixel, Vector, or Live brushes in Adobe Fresco? Let's break them down.

Have you ever wondered why your digital artwork in Adobe Fresco appears different to the original when comparing it on another device, or when printed, or when scaled up or down? Chances are, you didn't use the right brush, so the final product doesn't emulate what appeared on-screen during the creation process.

Different brushes use different technology, and so the result is often not the same. Adobe Fresco offers Pixel, Vector, and Live brush technology, but what exactly is the difference between them, and how do you know which to use? Keep reading to find out.

Pixel brushes use a technology called raster graphics, which is why you often find that they are referred to as raster brushes. Raster graphics is also used for things like photography and videography. As of June 2022, Adobe Fresco offers 12 categories of pixel brushes, with 125 subtypes, and all are customizable.

Pixel brushes are brushes that use pixels (a cluster of small, colored squares) to create one big picture. The number of pixels determines how good or bad the quality of the image is. When few pixels are used, the resolution will appear to lack substance, and the image will look low-quality. This is what people often mean when they say something looks pixilated.

However, if there are many pixels, the image quality will be high. You can often determine the quality by zooming in on the picture. Do you need to zoom in a lot to see the pixel squares? If yes, then the image quality is likely good. Are you able to see the individual squares without much zoom? If this is the case, then the quality is probably bad.

Pixel brushes are best used when creating digital illustrations that require pixel-based precision. Many digital artists choose to use pixel brushes for paintings and illustrations because they are easily editable with abundant possibilities, and most can be accessed with basic image software.

Raster graphics are typically large in file size, and because it is dependent on resolution, it can easily lose quality if you try scaling down the image. Additionally, it can appear blurry or overly sharp if you're viewing it on a device that does not have the correct density display.

Vector brushes use vector graphics: a mathematical approach to digital art.

Vector brushes operate by using mathematic equations that outline where each point exists relative to another. Calculations determine what properties the brush has and how that translates digitally on a screen. For example, the formula will dictate the direction of flow, density, depth, and so forth.

Vector graphics can theoretically be scaled up or down infinitely without losing quality, and this is why an artist may decide to use vector brushes, particularly if they need to modify the size significantly. Where each pixel block is a different color and may interfere with the blending process, vector brushes will always have sold edges even when significantly zoomed in.

Vector brushes are typically preferred for making things like fonts, logos, and icons, because the image won't lose quality when printed or scaled. Some illustrators, particularly those who draw Manga, also prefer vector graphics as it makes for effortlessly clean lines.

Additionally, vector graphics have become fairly popular nowadays for doing simple illustrations and line art.

Vector brushes do not always offer the greatest range when it comes to textures and gradients, so drawings can end up looking unrealistic due to lack of depth. The limitations of vector graphics mean that possibilities are limited too, and often the artworks created with vector graphics end up a bit dull and flat when done too simply.

Live brushes in Adobe Fresco use pixel-based technology as well, but they work slightly differently to the regular pixel-brush range.

Live brushes use Adobe Sensei, an AI tool that combines with the Adobe Experience Cloud. If you want to know more about the technology, check out this article on Adobe Sensei and how it helps creators.

Live brushes emulate real-life painting, so the medium you use will flow, blend, and mix like it would if you were painting on canvas. With various styles of watercolor and oil, and customizable features, you can create a digital artwork that replicates the properties of authentic painting.

Live brushes are great for artists who want to create pieces that look more realistic, but don't necessarily want to get their hands dirty with the real thing. It's also a great starting point for artists who want to switch from real-life painting to digital art but feel intimidated by the limitations.

The Live brushes in Adobe Fresco only work with raster graphics, so you'll be met with the same limitations you find using Pixel brushes. Moreover, if you've only been a digital artist, you might find it difficult to get control over the Live brushes since they function like real-life painting, and it can take some practice to get a solid grasp on it.

The brushes do not end there. Adobe Fresco also offers a wide variety of Smudge Brushes such as Charcoal, FX, and Lettering that allow you to further alter your artwork. However, these brushes only work with Pixel.

Adobe Fresco also allows you to download your own brushes to add to the collection, and in May 2022, it launched two new features: the Magic Wand Tool and the Liquify Tool, which allow you to modify your artwork even more, so the possibilities are truly endless!

Adobe Fresco gives you the creative freedom to choose the right brush for your project, with Pixel, Live, and Vector brushes each having their own applications and drawbacks.

Not to mention, Adobe Fresco frequently undergoes updates, so you're never left wanting more. You can always look forward to new and exciting features when you use this great software.

Shannon began freelancing as a content writer in 2020 and obtained her BA in Creative Writing the following year. She has collaborated on various projects of a broad spectrum. Outside of work, Shannon dabbles in music production, digital illustration, and photography.

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