Bitmap vs. Vector

1. Objective 1 Bitmap vs. Vector

2. Bitmap vs. Vector Graphics • Computer graphics falls into two main categories: • Bitmap images • Vector images

3. Bitmap images • Created using a square or rectangular grid of colored squares called pixels. • Pixels: tiny dots of individual color that makes up what you see on your screen. Tiny dots come together in the form of the images you see. • When the image is enlarged, you can see each individual square dot of color. • The number of pixels in a given inch are referred to as the image’s resolution.

4. Bitmap images • Bitmap images are resolution dependent. • Resolution: # of pixels in an image. • Stated in: • Dpi (dots per image) • Ppi(pixels per image) • Its difficult to increase or decrease the size of an image without sacrificing a degree of image quality. • Reducing the image: throws away pixels. • Increasing the image: creates new pixels.

5. Common Bitmap formats • .bmg • .gif • .jpg • .tiff • .psd

6. Popular Bitmap imaging software • Microsoft Paint • Abobe Photoshop • Corel Photo-Paint

7. Bitmap images • All scanned images are bitmap • Digital camera images are bitmap • Images can be converted from one format to another.

8. Vector images • Graphics created in Adobe Illustrator are vector graphics. • Made up of many individual, scalable objects. • Objects indentified by mathematical objects rather than pixels. • Always render the highest quality. • Objects consist of: • Lines • Curves • Anchor points/paths • Shapes with editable attributes: such as color, fill, and outlines.

9. Vector images • Changing the attributes of a vector object does not affect the object itself. • Freely change any # of object attributes without destroying the basic object. • Vector images are resolution independent. • Increase or decrease the size to any degree and your lines will remain crisp and sharp on screen and print.

10. Vector images • Fonts are a type of vector object. • Vector images are not restricted to a rectangular shape like bitmap images. • Used to create logos • Disadvantage of vector images: unsuitable for producing photo-realistic imagery. • Vector graphics are termed resolution-independent • This means that any graphic that you create in Illustrator can be output to fit on a postage stamp or on a billboard.

11. Vector image formats: • AI (Adobe Illustrator) • CDR • CMX

12. Popular Vector Drawing Software • Adobe Illustrator • CorelDRAW • XaraXtreme • Serif DrawPlus

13. Two categories of Graphic Software • Image editors (pixel/bitmap based) • Illustration software (vector-based)

14. Image Editors • Most popular type of graphics software • Also known as paint applications • Allows you to create bitmap-based images from scratch using a variety of painting tools intended to mimic natural painting tools. • Most image editors include features for photo enhancement and retouching • Advantage: you can get a great deal of detail, as much as a photograph. • Disadvantage: confined by the pixel resolution of the image.

15. Illustration software • Because they consist of points and objects rather than pixels on a grid, they are free from the confines of pixel resolution. • Cannot contain the high level of detail as bitmapped images so they often have a cartoon-like appearance. • Most often used to create stylized, cartoon-like images, logos, maps, and other design elements that need to be output at any size.