| Trying to figure out the world of graphics | | | | and some are more popular than others. The |
| can get confusing. Knowing what to use and | | | | choices can be overwhelming if you're not |
| when to use it can give anyone a headache. | | | | familiar with image file formats. As stated |
| However, the building block of all graphic | | | | above, graphics are either Vector of Bitmap. |
| images rests on the shoulders of the Vector | | | | Below is a list of file formats that fall |
| vs. Bitmap image. Once you know the | | | | under those two headings: |
| difference between these two categories, | | | | |
| you'll be on your way to understanding all | | | | - Vector file formatso EPSo AIo WMF |
| about graphics. | | | | |
| | | | - Bitmap file formatso BMPo TIFFo JPEGo GIF |
| Graphic images basically fall into two | | | | |
| categories: vector images and bitmap images. | | | | All graphic design programs have "native |
| (Vector vs. Bitmap) If you're going to be | | | | formats". The native format is what files are |
| designing for the web or print, it's | | | | saved as in their raw form. For example, |
| necessary to know the difference between | | | | Photoshop's native format is PSD; |
| vector and bitmap. Otherwise, you may end up | | | | Illustrator's native format is AI. You should |
| wasting precious time creating files and | | | | always save a copy of your image in your |
| saving them into formats that you won't be | | | | program's native format. This enables you to |
| able to use. Here's a crash course to get you | | | | edit the image at a later date. Once the |
| going. | | | | image is saved as a TIFF, JPG, BMP, or GIF, |
| | | | it can no longer be edited. |
| Vector images and bitmap images are composed | | | | |
| of different elements. Vector images are | | | | Currently, the only formats that can be |
| composed of lines and curves. When viewed up | | | | viewed on the web are the two bitmap files |
| close, the lines appear smooth and fluid. | | | | GIF and JPEG. Considering the limitations of |
| Vector images look great in printed form. In | | | | bitmaps, the format is hardly ever used |
| fact, most printed graphics that aren't | | | | outside of website images. If you're working |
| photographs are vector images. Vector images | | | | with vector images to be printed, be careful |
| retain their clarity and crispness no matter | | | | when saving an EPS. EPS files only print |
| how often they're resized. | | | | clearly when printed using a PostScript |
| | | | printer. They can be printed to |
| On the other hand, bitmap images are composed | | | | non-PostScript printers, but the resolution |
| of pixels. Viewing a bitmap up close reveals | | | | will be low. |
| hundreds of little jagged squares. Bitmap | | | | |
| images are basically only good for web | | | | Whew...that's a lot to comprehend, and |
| graphics because they don't print clearly. | | | | there's more. In fact, there are books on the |
| The jagged pixel edges make images appear | | | | subject. If you're new to design, don't try |
| fuzzy and blurry. | | | | to learn everything at once. Just take it |
| | | | slow and learn all you can about the subject. |
| File formats | | | | You'll be creating great graphics before you |
| | | | know it. |
| There are hundreds of graphics file formats, | | | | |