What Is Clip Art? Definition, History, File Formats & Usage Guide #3609466 (License: Personal Use)

This infographic defines clip art as pre-made images used to illustrate or support information in digital or printed media, highlighting the two dominant formats-bitmap (rasterized, e.g., JPEG, PNG, GIF) and vector (geometric, e.g., SVG, EPS). It traces the term’s origin to physical image cutting for publications and outlines widespread usage across presentations, magazines, school books, logos, app icons, and seasonal marketing materials.

Used on educational or design resource websites to explain foundational graphic design concepts; ideal for students, teachers, marketers, and content creators seeking quick, visual learning about clip art. Matches user intent for “what is clip art,” “clip art history,” or “bitmap vs vector clip art.”