Graphics creation

What is a vector image?

Vector images are graphics created using shapes and coordinates, mathematical formulas
and calculations are used to draw the image, fill areas with colour, define lines, curves, and
shapes, allowing them to be resized without losing quality. This makes them ideal for logos,
icons, and illustrations.

Example: SVG & PDF

Why Vector Images Are Used

Vector images are used for logos, icons, typography, and illustrations that need to be used across a
wide range of formats, from small icons on websites to large billboards or print materials. Since
the resolution of vector images does not aJect their quality or file size, they are ideal
for branding, advertisements, and corporate identity where consistency and scalability are key.
Formats like SVG, AI, and PDF are commonly used for creating designs that must remain sharp and
clear at any size. Vector images are also great for animations and interactive web designs, as they
can scale according to diJerent screen sizes without losing detail.

What is bitmap images? (Aka Raster images)

Bitmap images are made up of tiny pixels, forming a grid-based composition. Each pixel
consists of one colour. By enlarging the pixels you pixelate an image and it goes blurry.

Example: BPM, GIF, JPEG, PNG & TIFF

Why Bitmap Images Are Used

Bitmap images are primarily used for photographs, digital art, and any visual content that requires
detailed colour and shading. They are ideal for images that need to capture complicated details,
such as photos in web graphics, print media(e.g., magazines, posters, brochures), and social
media content. Bitmap images are commonly used in photo editing, image manipulation, and digital
painting. The resolution of bitmap images determines their quality: higher resolutions (like 300 DPI/
dots per inch for print) produce sharp, detailed images but result in larger file sizes. Lower
resolutions (like 72 PPI) are typically used for web images, making file sizes smaller and helping with
faster page loading. Images with too large a file size might take longer to load on the web or slow
down a website, while images with too low a resolution might look blurry or pixelated when
displayed. However, bitmap images are resolution-dependent, meaning that if resized too much,
they can become pixelated (blurry) or lose quality.
 Feature Vector Images Bitmap (Raster) Images
Advantages • Scalable without losing quality • Ideal for detailed and realistic
(resolution-independent). images like photographs.
• Smaller file size for simple • Supports complex shading,
graphics. textures, and gradients.
• Ideal for logos, icons, and • Wide compatibility with image
illustrations. editing software like photoshop.
• Editable and easy to manipulate • Suitable for web use, social
in vector-based software like media, and digital art.
illustrator
Disadvantages • Not suitable for complex images • Resolution-dependent (loses
like photographs. quality when resized).
• Limited shading and texture • Larger file sizes at high
capabilities. resolutions.
• More diJicult to create highly • DiJicult to edit individual
detailed artwork. elements.
• Complex vector files can be large • Pixelation occurs when zooming
and slow to render. in too much.
DiJerence Composition – Bitmap images are made of pixels, while vector images are
made of mathematical equations.
Scalability – Bitmap images lose quality when resized, but vector images can
be resized infinitely without losing quality.
File Size – Bitmap images have larger file sizes at high resolution, while vector
images usually have smaller file sizes unless highly complex.
Resolution – Bitmap images are resolution-dependent (measured in PPI/DPI),
while vector images are resolution-independent and always stay sharp.
Detail & Use – Bitmap images are best for photographs and detailed artwork,
whereas vector images are ideal for logos, icons, and scalable designs.
Editing – Bitmap images are harder to edit as they consist of fixed pixels,
while vector images are easier to edit since they are made of shapes and
paths.
Shading & Textures – Bitmap images support complex shading and textures,
while vector images have limited shading capabilities.
Common Formats – Bitmap images use formats like JPEG, PNG, and BMP,
whereas vector images use formats like SVG, AI, and EPS.

The Need for DiFerent Image Resolutions

Image resolution refers to the number of pixels in an image, usually measured in pixels per
inch (PPI) or dots per inch (DPI). DiJerent uses require diJerent resolutions to ensure
images appear clear and detailed. For example, screen displays (such as websites and
social media) need lower resolutions to reduce file sizes and improve loading speed,
while printing requires high resolutions to maintain sharpness and quality. Choosing the
correct resolution is essential to balance quality, performance, and file size.

Impact of Low and High Resolution on Screen and Print

Too Low Resolution: When an image has a low resolution, it appears pixelated, blurry, or
unclear, especially when enlarged. On screens, this can make graphics look
unprofessional, and in printing, low-resolution images may print with jagged edges or poor
detail. For example, a 72 PPI image may look fine on a screen but will print poorly, as
printers require at least 300 DPI for high-quality output.

Too High Resolution: Using a resolution that is too high increases file size and processing
time without necessarily improving quality. On screens, extra pixels may not be visible,
wasting storage and slowing down loading times. In printing, extremely high resolutions
(above necessary DPI) do not provide noticeable improvements but can make files harder
to handle. For example, an unnecessarily large 600 DPI image for standard printing will take
up excessive space without significant quality gain.

Use of Image Editing on Society

Image editing is extensively used in various fields, including advertising, media, politics,
social media, and the arts. It allows for the enhancement of photographs, graphics, and
advertisements to make them more visually appealing and engaging. On social media,
image editing is commonly used by individuals to curate their online presence, enhance
their personal photos, and create idealized versions of their lives. In marketing, companies
rely on image manipulation to create impactful and attractive product images and
advertisements. In politics, image editing is often used to shape public perception,
whether in political campaigns or public relations eJorts, allowing politicians to present an
image that appeals to voters. However, the use of image editing in political contexts can
also lead to the distortion of facts and the creation of misleading visuals. This becomes a
powerful tool to sway public opinion, sometimes with the intent to mislead or deceive
voters.

Impact of Image Editing on Society

The impact of image editing on society is broad and complex, with both positive and
negative aspects. On the positive side, it fosters creative expression by allowing individuals
to manipulate visuals and share them in unique ways. It has improved communication,
especially in advertising, journalism, and media, by making it easier to convey ideas
visually. In politics, image editing is used to influence voters and shape the political
narrative, for better or worse. On the downside, the manipulation of images in the media
and politics can lead to misinformation, where doctored photos or deepfakes are spread to
deceive the public, confuse voters, or damage the reputation of political opponents.
Furthermore, image editing has a significant eJect on personal body image and mental
health, particularly among young people. The constant exposure to unrealistic beauty
standards, often created by editing photos in advertising or social media, has contributed
to body dissatisfaction and low self-esteem. The pressure to conform to these altered
standards can negatively aJect psychological well-being, leading to anxiety, depression,
and unhealthy social comparison.

Additionally, image editing can negatively impact certain individuals who have not given
consent for their images to be altered or used. This is particularly harmful when images are
taken out of context, manipulated, or misused to create misleading narratives, whether in
the media, social media, or even in political campaigns. People who have their images
altered without consent may face damage to their reputation or personal life, especially
when the edits are done in a way that misrepresents them. This kind of non-consensual
editing can have severe emotional and social consequences for the aJected individuals, as
they may have no control over how their image is used or how it is perceived by others. This
further raises ethical concerns about the responsibility of image creators and the power of
visual media in shaping perceptions without proper consent or accountability.

What is compression?

Compression is the process of reducing the file size of data by encoding it more eJiciently.
It is commonly used for images, audio, video, and documents to save storage space and
improve transmission speed. Compression works by removing unnecessary or redundant
data while maintaining the essential information.

What is lossy and lossless compression?

Lossy compression is a technique used to reduce file size by permanently discarding some
data that is considered less important. This method significantly reduces storage space
and allows for faster transmission of files, making it widely used in web images, streaming
audio, and video formats such as JPEG, MP3, and MP4. Since data is lost, repeated
compression or high compression levels can cause noticeable quality degradation, leading
to artifacts like pixelation in images or distortion in audio and video. Despite this drawback,
lossy compression is highly eJicient for applications where perfect quality is not
necessary, such as online media, social media uploads, and streaming services, where
reduced file size improves loading speed and bandwidth eJiciency.

Lossless compression, on the other hand, reduces file size while preserving all original
data, allowing the file to be restored to its exact original form when decompressed. This
method works by identifying and removing redundant data rather than permanently
deleting any information. Formats like PNG, FLAC, and ZIP use lossless compression,
making them ideal for archival storage, professional photography, medical imaging, and
documents, where maintaining high quality is essential. While lossless compression does
not achieve as much file size reduction as lossy compression, it ensures that no detail is
lost, which is critical for data accuracy and professional use. In IT applications, lossy
compression is preferred for fast transmission and storage eJiciency, while lossless
compression is used when quality preservation is crucial, such as in high-resolution
images and uncompressed audio files.

EFects of DiFerent Methods of Compression on Images

Lossy compression significantly reduces image file size by permanently discarding some
data, which may lead to a loss of detail and quality. This method works by simplifying
colors, reducing the number of pixels stored, and removing fine details that are less
noticeable to the human eye. As a result, lossy compression is highly eJective for web
images, social media, and online storage, where smaller file sizes improve loading speed
and save bandwidth. However, excessive compression can cause visible artifacts, such as
pixelation, blurriness, and color banding, making the image appear distorted or lower in
quality. The most common lossy format is JPEG, which allows adjustable compression
levels to balance quality and file size. While useful for sharing and quick access, lossy
compression is not suitable for professional photography or graphic design, where high
detail and precision are required.

Lossless compression, in contrast, reduces file size without any loss of quality by
identifying and eliminating redundant data while keeping all original pixel information
intact. This ensures that the image remains sharp and clear even after compression. PNG,
TIFF, and GIF are common lossless image formats, often used for logos, graphics, and high-
quality image storage where accuracy and detail matter. While lossless compression does
not reduce file size as much as lossy compression, it is ideal for editing and
printing because the image can be restored to its original state without any degradation.
However, the larger file sizes can take up more storage space and require more processing
power when handling large image files. In IT applications, lossless compression is preferred
for images requiring frequent editing, while lossy compression is better suited for fast-
loading web content and media sharing.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Converting a Bitmap Image into an Editable Vector

Shape

Advantages Disadvantages
 Converting a bitmap image into a vector Despite these benefits, converting a
shape allows for scalability without quality bitmap to a vector has some significant
loss, meaning the image can be resized drawbacks. One major issue is loss of
infinitely without becoming pixelated. This detail, as bitmaps contain complex
makes vectors ideal for logos, icons, and textures, shading, and color variations that
other graphics that need to be used at may not be fully retained in the vector
diJerent sizes. Additionally, vector files conversion process. This is particularly
tend to have smaller file sizes compared to noticeable when converting photographs,
high-resolution bitmaps because they which rely on detailed pixels that cannot be
store mathematical formulas instead of accurately represented with vector shapes.
individual pixels. Another key benefit The conversion process itself can also be
is easier editing, as vector shapes allow for complex and time-consuming, requiring
precise modifications, such as adjusting manual adjustments to refine edges and
individual elements without aJecting the details. Additionally, vector graphics
entire image. This is useful for graphic are not ideal for realistic images, as they
designers working with layered and struggle to replicate the depth and shading
complex artwork. Vector graphics are also found in high-resolution bitmaps. Another
better for printing, as they produce sharper limitation is software dependency, as
and cleaner prints, making them suitable working with vector images requires
for professional printing on large formats specialized programs like Adobe Illustrator,
like billboards, banners, and T-shirts. CorelDRAW, or Inkscape, which may not
Furthermore, converting a bitmap to a always be accessible to all users. Lastly,
vector removes pixelation, resulting highly detailed images can lead
in smoother and cleaner edges, which to increased complexity in vector format,
enhances the overall appearance of digital creating too many vector points, making
illustrations and line art. the file harder to edit and manipulate
eJiciently.

What is a Node?

A node is a point in a vector image that helps define the shape of an object. Nodes are
connected by paths (lines or curves) to create vector graphics, such as drawings, logos,
and illustrations.

Types of Nodes:

• Corner Nodes – Create sharp angles in vector shapes.

• Smooth Nodes – Used for curved lines, allowing smooth transitions.
• Symmetric Nodes – Maintain balanced curves on both sides.
Changing Opacity of All or Part of an Image

Opacity refers to the degree of transparency in an image. Reducing opacity makes an image
more transparent, while increasing it makes it more solid. In graphics creation, changing
opacity is essential for layer eJects, blending, and design flexibility.

Methods of Changing Opacity:

• Changing the Opacity of the Entire Image – This is done using opacity slidersor layer
transparency settings. It is useful for fading backgrounds, watermarks, or overlay
eJects.
• Changing the Opacity of Part of an Image – Using layer masks, selection tools, or
gradient transparency, users can make only specific areas of an image transparent
while keeping other parts visible. This is commonly used in image blending, ghost
eJects, and soft fades.

Understanding DiFerent Colour Systems

Colour systems define how colours are created and represented in digital and print media.
The choice of a colour system depends on whether the image is for screen display, printing,
or design consistency.

1. RGB (Red, Green, Blue) – Additive Colour Model

• How It Works: Combines red, green, and blue light in diJerent intensities to create
colours.
• Properties & Use: Used in digital screens (monitors, TVs, smartphones) because
screens emit light.
• Colour Range: Produces bright, vibrant colours with a wide range.
• Best For: Web design, digital graphics, and any on-screen images.

2. CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) – Subtractive Colour Model

• How It Works: Uses ink/toner in cyan, magenta, yellow, and black to absorb light
and produce colours.
• Properties & Use: Used in printing because printers layer ink on paper.
• Colour Range: Produces accurate, professional-quality prints but with a smaller
colour range than RGB.
• Best For: Magazines, posters, and printed designs.
3. HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness) – Alternative Colour Representation

• How It Works: Defines colours based on hue (type of colour), saturation (intensity),
and lightness (brightness).
• Properties & Use: Useful in graphic design and colour adjustments because it
makes colour selection easier.
• Best For: Colour correction, shading, and digital artwork.

4. Colour Management System (CMS)

• Purpose: Ensures consistent colours across diJerent devices (screens, printers,

and cameras).
• How It Works: Uses ICC profiles to adjust colour diJerences between devices.
• Best For: Professional photography, branding, and printed materials that must
match digital previews.