Encoding a graphical element for processing can utilize an edge pair format in which the graphical element is divided into multiple objects, where each object contains exactly two edges which do not cross or self-intersect. Another format is a run-length encoding (RLE) format in which the graphical element is divided into multiple lines, where the RLE format includes an X start position, a Y start position, a length of a first of the lines, and, for each subsequent line, indications of right and left edge steps relative to the immediately proceeding line.