I started using vector graphics applications such as Freehand and Illustrator while developing web and computer-based training.

In my experience very few technical authors are able to produce their own graphics with industry standard drawing tools, despite the fact that well produced graphics can be of great value in the transmission of technical information.

If you're not familiar with vector graphics, click the link then resize the displayed window. These are vector images in Flash files so they resize with none of the pixelation you'd get with a bitmap image.