Graphics and CAD

Graphics and CAD

LO: Understanding graphics formats, manipulation, and the benefits of using CAD software.Learning Outcome: Define key words and answer GCSE-type questions about graphics and CAD.

Key words:Bitmap, Raster, Vector graphics, clipart, resolution, resize, distort, crop, CAD

A Bitmap Image

A bitmap image shows individual pixels when you expand it

Vector graphics

A vector image is not stored as pixels, it is stored as a series of lines and length, therefore it can be expanded without pixelisation.

A bitmap image Bitmap images are the most common type of

image which you use and download from the internet.

Bitmap images are often made with painting software

The images are made up of pixels (or points).

The resolution is given in dpi (Dots Per Inch).The HIGHER the resolution, the better the quality.

A Vector graphics Vector images are created in specialist

Drawing Software or CAD applications.

Clipart graphics are usually stored as vector images

The images can be expanded without losing resolution.

Bitmap (raster) images

Quick and easy to create (digital camera, scanner, screenshots)

Loses resolution when expanded

Usually a bigger file size

Easy to change, software readily available.

A painting program

Inserting graphics

Use the Handles to resize the image. The corner handles enlarges or shrinks the image in the original proportions.

Use the Handles to resize the image. The corner handles enlarges or shrinks the image in the original proportions.

The handles at the side can be used to distort the image.

This is an example of distorting the image.

Vector images

Can be expanded without losing resolution

Takes longer to create in CAD software

CAD software needs to be learnt, and can be expensive

3D images can be rotated

Drawing software

CAD =ComputerAidedDesign

File Formats - Bitmaps

JPEG Used especially for photographs. JPEG compresses the file so it takes a lot less space compared to BMP files

Less storage space.

Can lose quality because of compression.

BMP = BITMAP Plain bitmap files, each pixel is stored as a separate byte/bytes.

Easy to make and store.

Takes up a lot of storage space.

File Formats – Vector graphics

Clipart = A type of Vector graphics Stored as points, lines and length.

Can be enlarged without losing resolution

File size is usually quite small.

Needs specialist software to create

Limited use, not suitable for photographs