Aug 08 2009
Computer Training On Vector And Bitmapped Images
There are two principal ways in which computer graphics can be generated by a computer: as vectors or as bitmaps. Bitmaps (or bitmapped images) 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 usually continuous tone images such as photographs. Vector based images are mainly flat artwork designs such as logos, charts, symbols and illustrations.
Vector images can be generated in a number of programs. Firstly, there are the specialist graphics programs like AutoCad. Then there are general purpose drawing programs such as Adobe Illustrator and CorelDRAW. And, finally, there are any number of non-graphic programs which nevertheless inlude drawing tools. This last category would include 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 graphics, bitmapped images are often acquired rather than created from scratch. Photos are typical loaded onto a computer from a digital camera or scanned in. As far as manipulating bitmapped images, the most widely used software 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 programs include 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 is easier to learn, vector drawing programs or bitmap editing programs? Well, on our Adobe training courses, we find that most delegates seem to find bitmapped images easier to work with. This may of course simply be because they find working with rich media more visually appealing. However, we normally advice delegates who plan to undergo Adobe Creative Suite training to begin with a Photoshop course before tackling Adobe Illustrator.
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