Understanding vector graphics and bitmaps

Understanding vector graphics and bitmaps

There are two main types of computer graphics. They are vector graphics and bitmaps.

Vector graphics

Vector graphics are made of lines and curves. They are generated from mathematical descriptions. These graphics are ideal for logos and illustrations. As they are resolution-independent graphics, they can be scaled to any size, or printed and displayed at any resolution, without losing detail and quality.

Bitmaps

Bitmaps are also known as raster images. They are composed of small squares called pixels . Each pixel is mapped to a location in an image and has numerical colour values.

As Bitmaps reproduce color gradations well, they are excellent for photographs and digital paintings.

Bitmaps are resolution-dependent images which means that they represent a fixed number of pixels. They look good at their actual size, but they appear jagged or lose image quality when scaled, or when displayed or printed at a resolution higher than their original resolution.

By using CorelDRAW you can create vector graphics. You can also import bitmaps(raster images) such as JPEG and TIFF files into CorelDRAW and add them to your drawings.

If you enlarge a bitmap in your page layout package, you may lose resolution and it may appear jagged. If you shrink a bitmap in your page layout package, the result will look good.

CorelDRAW Terms

Before getting started with CorelDRAW you should be familiar with the following terms.

Term : Description

Object : An object is an element in a drawing such as an image, shape, line,text, curve, symbol, or layer.

Drawing : Drawing is the work you create in CorelDRAW, for example, custom artwork, logos, posters, and newsletters.

Vector graphic : Vector graphic is an image generated from mathematical descriptions that determine the position, length, and direction in which lines are drawn.

Bitmap : Bitmap is an image composed of grids of pixels or dots.

Docker : Docker is a window that contains available commands and settings relevant to a specific tool or task.

Flyout : Flyout is a button that opens a group of related tools or menu items.

List box : List box is a list of options that drops down when a user clicks the down arrow button.

Artistic text : An Artistic text is a type of text to which you can apply special effects, such as shadows.

Paragraph text : Paragraph text is a type of text to which you can apply formatting options, and which can be edited in large blocks.

Combo boxes : Combo (short for combination) is a num box with a clickable selection button for access to preset values. You can either a specific value in a combo box by typing or choose a value from the selector.

Spinners : These are similar to combo boxes, in that they can be used to specify values by typing or using mouse actions.

Pop-up menus : To access pop-up menu commands and options, click your right mouse button on any given point.