Multimedia Elements –Graphics

Graphics in Multimedia Applications

Graphical images - used to add emphasis, direct attention, illustrate concepts, and provide background content Two types of graphics : 1) Draw-type graphics or vector graphics – represent an image as a geometric shape 2) Bitmap graphics – represents the image as an array of dots, called pixels

Draw Type Graphics Draw type or vector graphics  Geometric shape stored as set of instructions  Smaller than bitmap  Resize, rotate, no distortion  No photo quality

Draw-type Example Scanned image: from Multimedia Concepts – James Shuman

Bitmap Graphics Bitmaps – array of dots or pixels Color depth per pixel High quality pictures Photo realistic Larger than draw-type File size = pixels x color depth / 8

Graphic Image File Sizes Image file sizes can become large, you must balance the need for quality images with the need for small file sizes

Graphics Software Drawing programs – used to create draw- type graphics Paint programs – used to create bitmap images Image editing programs – useful in making changes, or applying textures or patterns to existing images

Graphics Software Programs Drawing programs – Adobe Illustrator Paint programs – Paint Shop Pro Image-editing programs – Photoshop (does the work of all 3)

Graphics Programs Features Graphics types Compatibility Graphics files – tiff, jpeg, bmp, gif … Layers Image enhancement Selection tools Color adjustments

Graphics Programs Features (Cont.) Image manipulation Filters Antialiasing  Smoothes edges by blending colors Text support Hardware support Open architecture

Using Graphics on the Internet Techniques to speed transfer times  File compression – reduces the file size of a graphic  Load images in stages  Use thumbnails  Use image editing programs

Graphic Image Sources Alternative image sources  Clip art  Stock photographs  Video images  Still images  Scanned images  Photo CD’s  Screen-capture programs

Other Resources Some of the sources for font shopping EyeWire ( garageFonts ( LetterSpace ( BitStream ( MyFonts ( T26 ( P22 ( FontHaus (

The End University of North Texas Dr. Vicky Cereijo