Bitmap Vs Vector

Bitmaps and Vectors

Bitmap/Pixmap:

A Bitmap or AKA Pixmap is a type of memory organization or image file format used to store digital images. The term Bitmap comes from the programming terminology, literally meaning just a map of bits, a plotted array of bits. Along with Pixmap, it commonly refers to the similar concept of a plotted mapped array of pixels. Raster images in general may be referred to as Bitmaps or Pixmaps, whether synthetic or photographic, in files or memory. Bitmap images are made up of pixels in a grid. Pixels are picture elements; tiny dots of individual colour that make up what you see on your screen. All these tiny dots of colour come together to form the images you see. Most computer monitors display approximately 70 to 100 pixels per inch the actual number depends on your monitor and screen settings this is the main distinction between bitmaps and vectors.

Vector/Raster:

Vector graphics formats are corresponding to raster graphics, which is the representation of images as an array of pixels, as is typically used for the representation of photographic images. There are instances when working with Vector tools and formats is the best practice and instances when working with Raster tools and formats is the best practice. There are times when both formats come together. An understanding of the advantages and limitations of each technology and the relationship between them is most likely to result in efficient and effective use of tools.

Differences:

A vector image uses geometrical formulas to represent images. The other way of representing graphical images is through bitmaps in which the image is made up of a pattern of dots. Programs that allow you to create and manipulate vector graphics are called draw programs and programs that manipulate bitmap images are called paint programs. Vector graphics are more flexible than bitmaps because they can be easily resized. In addition, images stored as vectors look better when displayed on high resolution printers and monitors. Bitmap images look the same, regardless of the resolution of the display. Another advantage of a vector graphic is that they often require less memory than bitmaps do.

Animated GIFs:

I have created an animated GIF file in Photoshop, my GIF shows all of the tools in the toolbar in order using the animation tool in Photoshop, using a different layer to label each tool.

I drew the toolbar in Adobe Illustrator then exported it into Photoshop, from there I added all the labels and then saved for web devices and made it into a GIF file from there I uploaded it to my blog and the link to see the finished toolbar is below.

http://kylesblogzzz.blogspot.com/2011/05/animated-gif.html