Vector vs. Bitmap

What exactly is a bitmap? Why is it different than a vector graphic? What is 'rasterization'? This post will help clear up some confusion about these digital formats.

Vector Graphics (SVG)

Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) or more commonly 'vectors' are digital images that use mathematical and geometric formulas to control how the image is displayed on a computer screen. Basically a vector graphic uses points and curves instead of pixels when rendering an image. The advantage of vector graphics are that they can be scaled down or up to any size desired without loosing any integrity or producing artifacts like seen in raster images. Vector graphics can only be created and resized in programs that support it. Common programs include Adobe Illustrator and Inkscape.

Use of Vector Programs:

• Create an image to be viewed and printed at different sizes. (Bussiness logos, Website banners)
• Create a poster or other large scale image to print for smooth crisp edges.
• Create a 3D image. (MAYA, 3ds Max)
• Create sprites for flash animations.

Some Vector File Formats:

• .svg
• .ai - Adobe Illustrator
• .pdf (If created using a vector program)
• .cdr - CorelDRAW
• .odg - OpenOffice Spreadsheet
• .swf - Shockwave/Adobe Flash

Bitmap/Raster Graphics

Bitmap/Raster images are based on pixels rather than mathematical or geometric formula. Because bitmaps are based on pixels, they cannot be scaled without loss of integrity. Remember when you last zoomed in on a .jpg image it just looks like a bunch of squares? That is because the image is made of squares originally formed by pixels on a grid. When the image is displayed at 100% it may be hard to see because the pixels are small, but when scaled up to 400% it is easy to see. This shows that resizing an image does not rasterize (pixelate) an originally lossless image, but rather it has always been like that. I like to compare it to a painting, when viewed at a close distance you can see the brush strokes and small nuances, but when viewed stepping back a considerable amount you just notice the image painted and not the small details and marks.

Use of Bitmap/Raster programs:

• Edit bitmap images. (Adobe Photoshop)
• Create images to be viewed at one size. (Digital paintings)
• Scan and save document files for quick and easy use.

Some Bitmap/Raster File Formats:

• .jpg or .jpeg
• .png
• .tiff or .tif
• .gif
• .bmp
• .RAW

Useful Links and Additional Information:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vector_graphics

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raster_graphics

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image_file_formats

http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/V/vector_graphics.html

http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/B/bit_mapped_graphics.html

Inkscape: Scalable Vector Application

I have been using Inkscape for a few years now, and I have to say it is the best open source program I have ever used, not to mention that it is powerful enough to compete with Adobe Illustrator in terms of the functionality most users expect from a vector graphics program.

What is so great about Inkscape? I already own/have access to Illustrator.

One of the most powerful things about Inkscape is the ease of use. If you do a lot of work rendering and drawing in vector, this program will save you much time, even if you are new to digital art programs, the learning curve with Inkscape is much more gentle than that of any Adobe Creative Suite program. Creating line art in Inkscape is as easy as using the Pen tool to place points on the canvas then using the Edit Paths pointer to drag the line appropriately. A line can be moved by using the Edit Paths tool on any part of the line, not just on a specific point only using bézier handles. That feature alone saves me tons of time, and offers the most tangibility of digital shape that I have ever experienced with any other graphic program.

Inkscape can also save in a few different formats (.svg .ai .pdf .plt .tex .dxf .glp) and export as a PNG if desired.

Is there anything that Inkscape cannot do?

While being a very solid program Inkscape does fall short in a few areas. The Fill tool is a bit of a disappointment. While you do not need to mark any paths to be a live paint group to be able to fill a shape, the filled color does not fill the space all the way to its borders. This can be fixed by either adding stroke to the fill shape, or using the Edit Paths tool to drag the points of the fill shape to cover the desired area. if you have access to Illustrator I would suggest doing the line work in Inkscape, grouping all objects then saving it as an .ai file under Save As..., and opening it in Illustrator to live paint fill the desired areas.

Overview

Inkscape Strengths:

• Open source program (free).
• Strong easy to use interface and tool bar.
• Superior control of line work and editing with the Edit Paths tool.
• Can save in a variety of formats including .svg and .ai making it a great companion for working side-by-side with Illustrator, InDesign, and Flash.

Inscape Weaknesses:

• Fill tool a hassle to work with at times.
• Has a tendency to shut down or freeze at times. (Save your work frequently and after making big changes, regardless of the program!)

Here are some examples of projects that can be done using Inkscape:

• Create a digital scalable graphic of a drawing you made on paper. Using the Import tool under File you can import a scanned image and trace over it with the pen tool to digitalize it!
• Create a logo that needs to be put on items that are different sizes.
• Create sprites for a flash animation to import into Adobe Flash.
• Make banners for websites and blogs.

Links:

Download Inkscape for Windows, OSX, or Unix based programs (Linux).

Wikipedia: Vector Graphics

Qwiki

The website Qwiki is an interesting approach to "experiencing information." Give it a try. . . I think you will find the interface intriguing. You will notice that the narration is automated and has some pronunciation discrepancies. The site has a social element wherein you can help to improve the wiki.

http://www.qwiki.com/

Manage, Edit, and Share your Photos

Zoner Software offers a great little program for organizing, editing and sharing your photos. Zoner Photo Studio Free is free and compatible with Windows OS. Paid versions are also available and offer more options. . .

Zoner Photo Studio Free

New "Getting Started" Page on the Center's website

We've completely revamped our "Getting Started" page on the Student Multimedia Design Center's website. The site goes through the different steps of the multimedia design process, from pre-production, production, to post-production. There are helpful links, tutorials, and other resources that will help you at any stage of the multimedia design process.

stock.xchng

Here's another "free" photo website. Check it out . . . stock.xchng

Be aware that not all of the photos are "free." Some on them belong to iStockPhoto. Simply note which results heading you are under to view the free photos.

GoPro Cameras

For all you adventure sports enthusiasts-- we now have two GoPro cameras available for three day checkout at the Student Multimedia Design Center. GoPro cameras are wearable waterproof digital cameras for sports-- you can take some pretty amazing footage with them.

Here's one example (just hope you don't have this experience...):