Graphics Basics

Operating Systems An operating system is an interface between the user and the computer. It allows a person to easily communicate with the computer. Our laptops have a different operating system than the Macs.

Computer Programs A computer program is a set of instructions for the computer. Often, a program allows the user to define some of those instructions. Examples: Microsoft Word Adobe Photoshop PowerPoint

File Extensions Any time you save a file, it needs to have a file extension. A file extension is what comes after the dot in a file name. The extension tells the computer what type of file it is and which program it should use to open it: Collage.jpg HistoryReport.doc

Image Files JPG or JPEG – a file type that compresses an image, making the file size smaller. This file type supports millions of colors – good for photographs, art. GIF – another compressed image file type, frequently used on the web. Only supports 256 defined colors – good for graphics.

Image Files PSD – stands for PhotoShop Document. This is a file type that can only be opened in Adobe PhotoShop, GIMP, and a few other select programs. PSDs are large in size, but allow you to create complicated images.

Naming Your Files When naming your files to turn into me, your file name should follow this format: LastNameFirstInitial_ProjectName.jpg Example: HallS_Collage.jpg I will almost always ask for a JPG file. Why?

Pixels A pixel is the smallest unit of an image. When you zoom in really far on a picture, you can see its individual pixels.

Image File Size Aside from file type, an image file’s size is determined by two things: Dimension (in inches or cm) – the physical size of the image Example: 8 x 10 inches Resolution (pixels per inch or cm) – the quality of the image. Example: 300 ppi

PPI The greater the PPI, the more pixels are crammed into a square inch. A higher PPI means the image will look nicer when it prints. I will usually ask for 300 ppi in your projects. Why?