Continuous Search and Replace in Vector Graphics

Abstract

Many types of vector graphics comprise large numbers of almost identical partial shapes such as serifs in typeface design, ornaments in illustrations, and stylistic elements in icon design. As of today, later design changes of such shapes require the user to edit every instance on its own. Standard features of vector graphics software help with the automated replacement of stand-alone graphical objects, but do not cover partial shapes. Hence, a geometric search & replace function is needed, which is exacerbated by the circumstance that the repeated shapes construction from curve segments tends to vary from instance to instance, which requires a continuous approach that does not rely on a fixed division of a path into segments. This paper presents a geometric search and replace function that addresses these issues, possesses adjustable tolerance against orientation and size changes between the search pattern shape and the retrieved shapes, and is integrated with a standard vector graphics program.