Bitmap vs. Vector

How computers work withphotographs and drawings

What are images?What are images?

Photographs (scanned, downloaded)Pictures (drawn, painted)Movies (videos, animation)

What are our options?What are our options?

BitmapsVector-based

Definition: BitmapDefinition: Bitmap

Bitmapped images:Photographs, computer paintings, videosSpecific number of dots (or pixels) across and down

(160 x 120, 800 x 600, 1400 x 1050)Dots spread out or squeeze together as image size

changesNumber of dots remains the samePhotoshop, Paint, QuickTime

“Maps” of Dots“Maps” of Dots

“Maps” of Dots“Maps” of Dots

“Maps” of Dots“Maps” of Dots

Bitmap ExamplesBitmap Examples

Making Bitmaps BiggerMaking Bitmaps Bigger

100%

(900 x 983 dpi)

500%200%

Warning! Warning!Warning! Warning!

DPI is critical!Printers: 300 dpi, 600 dpiMonitors: 72 dpi (Internet pictures)If you download a picture from the Internet to

print out, make sure it’s BIG!

Definition: VectorDefinition: Vector

Vector-based image:Drawings, animationPoints, lines, fill, shapesInstructions to computer Quality remains same as image size changesIllustrator, Word “draw”, Corel Draw

Points, Lines and FillPoints, Lines and Fill

Vector ExamplesVector Examples

Vector ImageVector Image

100% 500%200%

Bitmap vs. VectorBitmap vs. Vector

BitmapPhotographsDots (pixels)Photoshop

VectorDrawingsPoints, lines, fillIllustrator