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