There are two ways in which computer graphics can be generated by a computer: as vectors or as bitmaps. Bitmapped graphics consist of a series of tiny squares called pixels, while vector graphics are essentially instructions to a computer to create a series of geometrical shapes each with a given set of attributes. Bitmapped images are typical continuous tone images such as photographs. Vector based images are typical flat artwork designs such as logos, charts, symbols and illustrations.
Vector graphics can be generated in a number of programs. Firstly, there are the specialist drawing programs like AutoCad. Then there are general purpose drawing tools such as Adobe Illustrator and CorelDRAW. And, finally, there are any number of regular programs which inlude a set of drawing tools. This last category includes all the various programs in Microsoft Office.
Since vector images are essential mathematical formulas, the quality of such images is not fixed but, rather, depends on the environment in which the image is created. If an image is displayed on the screen, it will be rendered at screen resolution; if it is printed on a high resolution printer, it will be printed at high resolution; and so on.
In contrast to vector images, bitmapped images are often acquired rather than created from scratch. Photos are typical loaded onto a computer via a digital camera or a scanner. As far as manipulating bitmapped images, the king of the arena is definitely Adobe Photoshop which is available in a few different flavours such as Photoshop Elements as well as the main program: Photoshop CS4. Other contenders are Corel PHOTO-PAINT and Paint Shop Pro.
The quality of bitmapped images is determined when the image is acquired: when the photograph is taken or when the print is scanned. Although the quality of a bitmap can be reduced (a process known as down-sampling), it is not possible to improve the resolution or quality of a bitmap.
As regards conversion from one graphic type to another, converting a vector image to a bitmap is far easier than doing the reverse. The process of converting vectors to bitmaps is called rasterization and is usually very successful and most software will allow you to specify the quality of the resulting bitmap. To convert a bitmap into a vector, you will normally use a utility to trace the lines and filled areas of the bitmap. However, the resulting vector image is normally difficult to manipulate. Adobe Illustrator contains a utility for tracing bitmaps.
So, which one is easier to learn, vector drawing programs or bitmap editing programs? Well, when we run Adobe training courses, we have noticed that most delegates seem to find bitmapped images easier to work with. This may of course just be because they find working with rich media more visually appealing. However, we will normally advice delegates who plan to take Adobe Creative Suite training to start with a Photoshop course before tackling Adobe Illustrator. - 16738
Vector graphics can be generated in a number of programs. Firstly, there are the specialist drawing programs like AutoCad. Then there are general purpose drawing tools such as Adobe Illustrator and CorelDRAW. And, finally, there are any number of regular programs which inlude a set of drawing tools. This last category includes all the various programs in Microsoft Office.
Since vector images are essential mathematical formulas, the quality of such images is not fixed but, rather, depends on the environment in which the image is created. If an image is displayed on the screen, it will be rendered at screen resolution; if it is printed on a high resolution printer, it will be printed at high resolution; and so on.
In contrast to vector images, bitmapped images are often acquired rather than created from scratch. Photos are typical loaded onto a computer via a digital camera or a scanner. As far as manipulating bitmapped images, the king of the arena is definitely Adobe Photoshop which is available in a few different flavours such as Photoshop Elements as well as the main program: Photoshop CS4. Other contenders are Corel PHOTO-PAINT and Paint Shop Pro.
The quality of bitmapped images is determined when the image is acquired: when the photograph is taken or when the print is scanned. Although the quality of a bitmap can be reduced (a process known as down-sampling), it is not possible to improve the resolution or quality of a bitmap.
As regards conversion from one graphic type to another, converting a vector image to a bitmap is far easier than doing the reverse. The process of converting vectors to bitmaps is called rasterization and is usually very successful and most software will allow you to specify the quality of the resulting bitmap. To convert a bitmap into a vector, you will normally use a utility to trace the lines and filled areas of the bitmap. However, the resulting vector image is normally difficult to manipulate. Adobe Illustrator contains a utility for tracing bitmaps.
So, which one is easier to learn, vector drawing programs or bitmap editing programs? Well, when we run Adobe training courses, we have noticed that most delegates seem to find bitmapped images easier to work with. This may of course just be because they find working with rich media more visually appealing. However, we will normally advice delegates who plan to take Adobe Creative Suite training to start with a Photoshop course before tackling Adobe Illustrator. - 16738
About the Author:
The The writer of this article is a training consultant with Macresource Computer Solutions, a UK IT training company offering Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator training courses in London and throughout the UK.
