Jan's Computer Basics:2-5 Graphics

Computer Basics

2 - Applications: Graphics

Graphics programs deal with pictures, either static or moving, flat or 3D. There are an amazing number of different formats for images in the world and no one program can handle them all.

Adobe Photoshop is the most widely used graphics program for professionals. PaintShopPro is popular because it offers most of Photoshop's features at a lower cost and with a friendlier interface. There are many other programs. Some specialize in handling photographs or animations or creating logos.

Purpose: To create and edit images

bitmap art of bird and sunset Paint programs work with pictures on a pixel-by-pixel basis, where a pixel is the smallest dot on the screen. Such programs handle photographs and most clipart. MS Paint is this type of program.

Advantages:	Control over each dot in the picture
Disadvantages:	Angled lines are jagged stair steps, especially if enlarged.

Vectors art - bluebird, box with star, shaded rectangle Drawing programs, on the other hand, define images in terms of vectors, that is, equations that describe geometric shapes. Fortunately, the user doesn't have to do the math! Drawing objects in MS Office are vector images.

Advantages:	Does not get as fuzzy or jagged when the size is changed. The file size is smaller. (For the web, the original vector picture at right had to be converted to a bitmap format.)
Disadvantages:	Can't change the color of a dot in the middle of a shape.

Where you are: JegsWorks > Lessons > Computer Basics
	1. Computer Types
	2. Applications Intro Word Processing Desktop Publishing Spreadsheet Database Graphics Presentations Communications Browser Web Pages Email Project Management PIM Integrated & Suites Quiz
	3. Input
	4. Processing
	5. Output
	6. Storage
	7. Computer to Computer
	8. System Software
	9. Programming

	10. What You See
	11. Hands On!
	12. On Your Own

	Search Glossary Appendix

Animation and video programs put a set of still pictures into a sequence. When the sequence of images is run, the change from one picture to the next fools the eye into seeing motion. This is how movies and television work. An individual image in an animation is called a cel. (Yes, there is just one l in that word!)

The animation of eyes above was made with just 2 cels. The animation below from Microsoft GIF Animator takes 56 cels!

animation of folding and flying a paper airplane - from Microsoft GIF Animator

Features/Terms

bitmap image	a picture defined as a series of dots
vector image	a picture defined as a set of geometric shapes, using equations
animation	a sequence of images that are shown rapidly in succession, causing an impression of movement
pixel	a single picture element, the smallest dot on the screen. A period (.) is made of 4 pixels in a square.
palette	a set of choices, such as colors or shapes
brush	a tool for drawing lines. May give the effect of using a pencil, a paint brush, an airbrush spray, chalk, charcoal, felt-tip marker...
handles	shapes on a selected object that allow you to change the shape by dragging the handle
fill	colors an enclosed area with one color or pattern
cel	a single image in an animation sequence

Teachers: Request permission to use this site with your class

Download lessons
Want to help?

~~ 1 Cor. 10:31 ...whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. ~~

Last updated: 22 Jan 2008