Description of bitmap images
There are many different formats of images. The bit map is one of them with the extension .BMP. In order to store the data computers use bits (1 and 0). (“What is a Bitmap Image?”) The bitmap is the collection of bits, each of them stores the data in order to display the particular color on the screen. Altogether, our eyes perceive it as a full image. In order to understand the nature of a bitmap it is necessary to understand how the display works. The display is a mix of rows and columns. (WBI) The tiniest section of the display is a pixel. Pixels have square equal form, placed vertically and horizontally throughout the screen. (WBI) The combination of pixels makes a grid, pixels within the grid differ in color and can be seen in a big zoom. Pixels are characterized not only by the color but also by the brightness. The curved shapes on the screen are made of pixels as well. The creation of the curve with the help of the square blocks helps to understand the nature of the bitmap picture and the screen work.
The main characteristic of the bitmap image is that it is static. (“Bitmap and Vector Images: Understanding the Difference”) Each pixel is assigned one bit of information which defines what color the pixel would be: in case it is black and white color – bits will be 0 – 1, in case there are advanced settings of color (shades, lightening), the picture might have from 16 – 48 bits of information. (WBI)The more bits the image contains, the larger is file. In addition, it is important to mention that the quality of the picture is directly dependable on the resolution (amount of pixels per inch, for example) and it cannot be increased by the increase of resolution, however, if one lowers resolution, the quality will be decreased accordingly along with its size. (Chastain)
The example of enlarged bitmap image. Each square shade represents a pixel:
Bitmap images are the most widely used among people nowadays.
Description of vector images
Vector images are dynamic, they can be easily transformed or adjusted in the special programs. As a rule, they are made of curves and lines. The instruments of transformation the objects are control handles and anchor points:
The main advantage of the vector images is that they can be printed out in big and small size without losing the quality of the image.
Vector images are not very photorealistic and can hardly develop each of the detail we can spectate in the real world. Nonetheless, in vector graphic images are more precise that in the bitmaps, individual elements can be grouped easily, vector images take less memory than bitmaps. (“Bitmaps Vs Vectors”) Vector graphics if frequently used in the cartoons, illustrations, backgrounds, covers etcetera:
In conclusion, both bitmap and vector graphics are important for designers as each has a special set of functions that help to create the desirable project. Bitmap images are larger in size, harder to adjust but more precise in details. Vector images are lower in size, easier to adjust, however, vector graphics can hardly depict small details of the real world.
Works cited:
“Bitmap and Vector Images: Understanding the Difference”. hiland.com. hiland.com, n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2016. <http://www.hiland.com/knowledge-base/bitmap-and-vector-images-understanding-the-difference/>
“Bitmaps Vs Vectors”. teach-ict.com. teach-ict.com, n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2016. <http://www.teachict.com/as_a2_ict_new/ocr/AS_G061/316_present_communicate_data/bitmaps_vectors/miniweb/pg4.htm>
Chastain, Sue. “Vector and Bitmap Images: Two Types of 2D Graphics: Vector and Bitmap Explained and Compared”. Abouttech. 18 Oct. 2015. Web. 30 Jan. 2016 <http://graphicssoft.about.com/od/aboutgraphics/a/bitmapvector.htm>
“What is a Bitmap Image?”. wisegeek.com. wisegeek.com, n.d. Web. 30 Jan 2016. <http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-bitmap-image.htm>
