Quickdraw Digital
When it comes to computer graphics, there are plenty of programs available to create, manipulate and save image files. Although images can be created and recorded in different programs and may have different file types or extensions, when it comes right to the end, all digital images are classified images vector or bitmap images.
In very general terms, the difference between vector and bitmap is in how the computer reads and displays the image. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. What format will work best depends on how it is to use the picture.
The Bitmap images:
The most common type is the bitmap image. All scanned images and digital camera images are bitmaps. Web images are usually the bitmaps.
Bitmaps, sometimes called rastor images are based on individual pixels that are assigned to a grid. The total size of the network is determined by the resolution of the image.
So what is a pixel? A pixel (or picture element) is simply a colored dot. When you put all the pixels (or dots of color), well, you get the picture. A 100 x 100 pixels of the bitmap image now consists of 10,000 individual pixels that, when seen together as a whole, forms the image.
Since dependent bitmap the solution is difficult to increase or decrease its size without losing image quality. For example, by reducing the size of a bitmap, essentially throwing pixels away. When you increase the size of a bitmap image by increasing the scale, only the pixels (or dots of color) larger and easier to see — which can lead to a jagged appearance.
Bitmap images are best suited for photographs and images with complex color variations. They are not easily scalable and often require more memory for storing computer files (ie, which often are larger files).
Vector graphics:
Vector graphics are composed of well-defined geographical shapes, lines and curves, in essence, points connected by lines of various shapes and sizes that can be filled with color. Vector images are mathematically obtained by the team and not on the basis of pixels. Vector images are best suited for logos and illustrations, especially those that require precise measurements.
Because vector images are highly scalable, are often used to create logos. A vector logo can be easily scaled down to fit a business card, or scaled to fit on one screen at a fair, next to a van or bus, or larger without losing quality. Vector images can also have transparent backgrounds, making them easy to place layer above or other graphics. Vector images can be easily converted to bitmaps, but the bitmap image can not be easily turned into a vector image.
Some graphics programs work primarily with raster images, some with vector images, and some can work with both (or a combination thereof).
Common Program and File Types bitmap and vector images are:
- Adobe Photoshop (. PSD Files) (bitmap)
- Quickdraw Macintosh (. PCT. PICT Files) (bitmap)
- PNG (. Png) (bitmap)
- Targa Bitmap (TGA archivos.) (bitmap)
- TIFF Bitmap (TIF, TIFF files ..) (bitmap)
- Windows Bitmap (. Bmp) (bitmap)
- Adobe Illustrator (. Ai,. EPS files) (vector)
- AutoCad (. Dwg,. DXF) (vector)
- AutoDesk Draw (. DWG) (vector)
- Corel Draw (. Cdr files) (vector)
- Windows Metafile (. Wmf) (vector)
About the Author:
Caryl A. Clippinger is a graphic designer / developer and a founder of Charlotte’s Web Studios, L.L.C., a Virginia graphic design company. For more information about Charlotte’s Web Studios and additional graphic design tips and resources, please visit http://www.CharlottesWebStudios.com.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Bitmap Images vs. Vector Images — Understanding Graphic Types
Quickdraw Digital
Quickdraw Digital
