Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
PROJECT: COFFEE SHOP SIGN
Unlike bitmap images, vector images retain their crisp edges when you en-
large them to any size. You can draw vector shapes and paths in your Pho-
toshop images and add vector masks to control what is shown in an image.
About bitmap images and vector graphics
Before working with vector shapes and vector paths, it's important to understand
the basic differences between the two main categories of computer graphics:
bit-
map images
and
vector graphics
. You can use Photoshop to work with either type
of graphic; in fact, you can combine both bitmap and vector data in an individual
Photoshop image file.
Bitmap images, technically called
raster images
, are based on a grid of dots known
as
pixels
. Each pixel is assigned a specific location and color value. In working
with bitmap images, you edit groups of pixels rather than objects or shapes. Be-
cause bitmap graphics can represent subtle gradations of shade and color, they are
