GRAPHICS REPORT

PIXELS
TA PIXEL IS A SINGULAR POINT OF AN IMAGE OR ON AN ELECTRICAL SCREEN. THE TERM PIXEL IS SHORT FOR 'PICTURE ELEMENT'. AN IMAGE IS MADE UP OF
MILLIONS OF PIXELS THAT ARE CLUSTERED TOGETHER. A PIXEL IS A VERY SMALL SQUARE, WHEN THE PIXELS ARE CLUSTERED TOGETHER, THEY FORM A GRID
WITH HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL ROWS. THE MORE PIXELS THAT MAKE UP AN IMAGE, THE HIGHER THE IMAGES RESOLUTION IS. THE PIXELS THAT MAKE

UP AN IMAGE WILL ALL BE THE SAME SIZE BUT THEIR COLOUR WILL BE DIFFERENT. PIXELS THAT ARE NEAR EACH OTHER ARE LIKELY TO BE SIMILAR SHADES
SO THAT THE IMAGE HAS MORE DETAIL. HOWEVER, ONE PIXEL IS ONE COLOUR/SHADE. A PIXEL NEVER HAS MORE THAN ONE COLOUR.
AS TECHNOLOGY HAS PROGRESSED, THE NUMBER OF PIXELS THAT ELECTRONICS CAN SHOW HAS ALSO IMPROVED. THIS HAS LED TO IMAGES WITH
BETTER AND HIGHER RESOLUTIONS. IN TURN, THIS MEANS THAT IMAGES CAN CONTAIN MORE DETAIL. THIS IS ESPECIALLY NOTICEABLE WITH GAMES. THE
GRAPHICS IN GAMES HAVE BECOME MORE DETAILED WITH THE PROGRESSION OF TECHNOLOGY. THE INCREASED NUMBER OF PIXELS ALLOWS THE
GRAPHICS (AND IN TURN THE GAME) TO HAVE MORE QUALITY.
PIXELS ARE USED IN RASTER IMAGES.

PICTURE ELEMENT IMAGE RESOLUTION INTENSITY

A pictures quality is effected by the number of pixels The resolution of an image is the number of pixels with in the image. The
Intensity means the amount of the for a pixel.
that are used and the resolution. The more pixels that resolution of an image will also determine the quality and the detail with

are used the better the quality of the image will be.
This is because there will be more pixels for the
colours to be transferred across. The number of pixels
that are in the image is also called the resolution. A
picture with a high resolution has a better quality than
an image with a low resolution.
If the picture was to be uploaded onto a website, then
it would be important to consider the file size of the
picture. An image with a high resolution would take up
more file space than an image with a low resolution.
On a website, an image that has a big file space may
not load properly or at all if the user has a poor or
weak internet connection. So, when the picture element
is created for the purpose of being used on a website,
then the creator of the image must balance image
quality with file size.
in the image. Resolution is measured in PPI which stands for Pixels Per Inch. The intensity ranges between 0 and 255. The
An images resolution can depend on the device that it was made or
captured on. Every device will have a maximum number of pixels that it lowest value 0, is black, and the highest value
can display, so in turn, this will affect the detail on the image and the size 255, is white. Before an image is captured,
of the image. The higher the resolution of a device is, the higher the
number of pixels it has, this means the device can produce images with the user can change the intensity of an
more detail and quality.
image. If they set the intensity to 0, then the
If you were to try to distinguish between individual pixels on an image image will be extremely dark. If they set the
with a high resolution, you would have to zoom in more than if you were
trying to do so with an image which had a low resolution. This is because intensity to 255, then the image will be
the image with the high resolution would have smaller pixels and there
would be more of them. Distinguishing between individual pixels can also
extremely light. The intensity of an image can
be done by making an image bigger. The more the image is stretched, the be measured on a graph called an ‘Intensity
larger the pixels will become.
Histogram’. The graph shows the number of
When creating images, the resolution should be set considering where the
image will be finally placed. For example, if the image will be uploaded
pixels that are in an image and the value of
onto the internet or onto a website, the recommended resolution would be the intensities used within the image.
between 72PPI and 96PPI.
RASTER IMAGES

• Raster images are made up of pixels. The pixels are built up in a grid to form the image. Each pixel will have
one individual colour. Because raster images are made up of pixels, if you tried to make the image bigger by
increasing its size then the pixels become clearer to see because their size is also being increased. This means
that any smooth or curved edges in the image will become more pointed and will lose quality. This would
reduce the overall quality of the image. So, for a raster image to look very smooth, a higher resolution is
required. The raster format is used when photographs are taken and on graphics that are used on websites.
• A raster image can contain a lot of detail in the colour and the texture of the image. Also, a raster image is
easier to edit more accurately. However, this detail is lost when the image is made bigger.
• Images made in the raster format can have large file sizes which can make the images slower to edit. Also,
raster images are difficult to convert into another image forms such vector.
• The software, Photoshop, is most commonly used to create raster images.
COMPRESSION
LOSSY
• Lossy file compression results in a loss of quality because data is
lost form the original version when it is compressed. This type of
compression often happens with JPEGs. This could cause an image
to look slightly pixelated in some areas. However, the data that is
lost means the file takes up less space. The loss in the quality cannot
always be noticeable. Once a file has been compressed via lossy
compression, the lost data cannot be recovered.
• Lossy compression works on images by erasing the data that is not
needed. For example, colour details can be erased since the human
eye cannot see the difference between the colours very well. By
getting rid of this information the file size can be reduced.
• With JPEG files, by using lossy compression, the file may only take
up 20% of file space that the original took up.
• Lossy compression can also be used on bitmap images.
LOSSLESS
• This form of compression reduces the file size of something without effecting the
quality in any way. Lossless compression makes a file more efficient be re-
righting all the original data so that the file takes up less file space. This means
that no data is actually lost. However, after lossless compression has been done,
it can be undone.
• Lossless compression is most commonly used on word documents or spread
sheets. This is because losing words or data would create problems. Lossless
compression can also be used on GIFs. When lossless compression is used on
images, the final file size is often much bigger than the file size of the image file
if it had been compressed via lossy compression. By using lossless compression,
the compressed file size is very likely to be only half of the original file size.
Lossless compression can be used on the image format PNG.
• Since no data is lost during lossless compression, the resolution remains the same.
This means that the quality and detail of the image remains the same. However,
to keep the resolution the same, the colour value on some of the pixels are
changed. But this is not usually noticed by the human eye.
FILE EXTENSIONS
• gif:

The file extension '.gif' stands for 'Graphics Interchange Format'. This file extension uses lossless compression and uses less colours than a '.jpg', so in turn, it has a smaller file size. When a '.gif'
is created, one colour can be chosen to be transparent.

Gifs can be animated. They are created using several images that are played in succession.

The maximum amount of different colours that can be used on a '.gif' is 256. This makes it a very good file extension for simple images with basic blocks of colour.

Gifs are most commonly used for web graphics, animations, and simple images. Gifs are also good for creating logos, icons, buttons, and clip art.

• tiff:

The file extension, '.tiff', stands for 'Tag Image File Format'. The '.tiff' file extension is used for graphics that are of a high quality. It is used on images that have lots of colours such as
photographs.

Both lossless and lossy file compression can be used on Tiffs.

This file extension will only support bitmap data.

• jpg:

The file extension '.jpg', stands for 'Joint Photographic Experts Group'.

Jpg file extensions use lossy compression. This means quality is lost when the file is compressed. However, the '.jpg' file extension can be compressed down to five times the size of the original
file size without losing any quality.

The Jpg file extension uses 24-bit graphic format.

• psd:

The file extension '.psd', stands for 'Adobe Photoshop Document'. When an image is created, and saved from Photoshop, the default file extension that it is saved in is '.psd'. When the image
that has been created in Photoshop is saved, if the image was created with layers, then when the saved file is opened, the layers are still available to be edited. However, this file extension
can be converted into another file extension such as JPEG and a GIF.
VECTOR IMAGES

• Vector images use mathematical formulas to create perfectly straight lines and perfectly
curved lines. Vector images do not depend on resolution to keep its quality when its size is
changed. This is because the mathematical equation that is used to create the image is
recalculated when the image's size is changed. This means that vector images have infinite
resolutions. Also, since vector images don't use pixels and have infinite resolutions, they keep
their quality when they are printed out. A software that creates vector images is Adobe
Illustrator. Vector images take have smaller file sizes than raster images since the image is not
constructed via pixels but is instead constructed by mathematical formulas. However, vector
images can be converted in to raster images. But, raster images have a limited colour depth.
Also, vector images also have limited detail and effects. Vector images are mainly used to
create logos and illustrations.
• Points:
Points are used to map out where the lines are connected. For example, two points will be connected
by a line. The positioning of the points will determine where the lines are joined and the points will
also determine the length of the line. Points can be used to plan the outline of an image and the
features in the image. The points can be referred to as control points. The two points that create a
path for the line is known as anchor points. Points mark out the parts of the image where the direction
of the line will change its direction.
• Lines:
Lines make up an image. Lines are joined using points (also known as anchor points). The lines can be
curved to create shapes and features in images. Lines are part of the simple geometrical shapes that
make up vector images.
• Curves:
Curves are produced by mathematical formulas. When creating a curve, as long as the position of
the two control points are known, then the curve can be calculated and then drawn.
• Polygons:
When a path is closed (when the lines are all joined to form one shape), if the number of lines that
are used to close the path is over three, then this is referred to as a polygon. This is usually when part
of the image or the whole image is completed.
FILE EXTENSIONS
ESP
The file extension '.esp' stands for 'Encapsulated
PostScripts'. This file extension can hold bitmap
images, text, and two-dimensional vector
graphics. The Esp file extension is most often used
for transferring images between two different
operating systems. It is considered to be one of
the most versatile file formats. The images saved
in this file extension can be scaled to different
sizes without losing any quality. The Esp file
extension will support transparency within the
image.
AI
The file extension '.ai', stands for 'Adobe
Illustrator' file. Any images or graphics
that are created in the software, Adobe
Illustrator are saved in this file extension.
This is the default file extension on Adobe
Illustrator.
FLA
The file extension '.fla', stands for 'Adobe
Flash Animation'. When an animation is
created using the Flash software it is saved in
the '.fla' file extension. FLAs are also often
saved as SWFs. The '.fla' file extension will
allow saved projects to be re-opened and
edited. When the '.fla' file extension is saved
as a '.swf', then the animation can be viewed
through a web browser using a plug-in.
BIT DEPTH:
BIT DEPTH IS THE NUMBER OF BITS THAT IS NEEDED TO DISPLAY THE COLOUR OF ONE PIXEL. THE HIGHER THE BIT DEPTH OF AN IMAGE IS, THE MORE
COLOURS THAT THE IMAGE CAN DISPLAY.
• Sampling:
Sampling is a way of processing digital images and graphics.
• Bits Per Pixel (BPP):
BPP is a measure of the number of bits that there will be per pixel. The more bits that a pixel has, the more colours that will be shown in the image.
This will also increase the quality of an image. The bigger the BPP is, the larger the file size will be.
• Monochrome:
The term, monochrome, is used to describe an image that only has one colour with a neutral background. Black and white are ether colours that are
usually associated with monochrome images. However, a monochrome image is just an image that has only two colours at a maximum. The colours
are displayed using pixels within the image. A monochrome image is also one that uses greyscale.
• 256:
256 refers to an 8-bit image. It means that the image can use 256. Usually, the bigger the bit depth, the more colours the image can use.
• Highcolour:
Highcolour is a way of storing an image in the hard drive (the memory) of a computer, so that every pixel is only presented as two bytes. Normally,
colours are represented by 15 to 16 bytes.
• Truecolour:
The term, truecolour, is used when refereeing to an image that has a large array of colours and is saved into the memory of a computer. This may
be a 24-bit image or a 26-bit image.
COLOUR SPACE
GREYSCALE
• The term greyscale is used to describe the different
shades of grey that is used to create an image.
• The darkest shade of grey is black and the lightest
shade is white.
• Greyscale uses 256 different shades of grey. These
include black and white.
• For each pixel, less information is needed.
RGB (RED, GREEN, BLUE)
• RGB are primary colours.
• They rerefer to the three hues of light.
• These colours can be mixed together to create any colour.
This is why they are referred to as the primary colours,
because they are the primary features of every other
colour.
• White light is created when the highest intensity of all the
colours are mixed together.
• Black is created by mixing together the colours when their
hue is set to zero.
• All electronic screens use RGB to create the colours that
are on the screen.
IMAGE CAPTURE:
• Scanners:

Scanners are used to capture a hand drawn image. These images can then be opened up in software such as Photoshop to edit and adjust it. The resolution of scanners can be different. More expensive scanners tend to have higher resolution
then cheaper scanners. A scanner with a higher resolution is more desirable since a scanner with a higher resolution is will capture an image that is of a better quality. Also, the captured image will be more like the original. If the scanner has
a high resolution then the image will be easier to edit.

• Digital Cameras:

There are different types of cameras. There are cameras on phones, point and shoot cameras, bridge cameras, and DSLR cameras. The type of camera can effect the quality of the image that is captured. Phone cameras have improved in
quality over the years, so sometimes they can be easier to use to capture an image then purchasing a different camera. A DSLR camera can be the most expensive camera type, but they produce the best image quality. The camera that is
on a phone is one of the most portable camera types. However, camera phones may not contain the features that are need to produce the image that is needed. A point and shoot camera is also fairly portable, they often contain more
features than a camera on a phone has

• Resolution (Pixels Per Inch):

Resolution is measured in PPI which stands for Pixels Per Inch. The higher the resolution, the more pixels that are in the image. The higher the PPI the better the quality of the image will be. However, this will mean that the image or graphic will
take up more file space. This can also have further consequences when the image is up loaded onto a website because it will take a long time. Also, if a user of the website had a poor internet connection, then the images and graphics may
not load properly. A low PPI may mean that the quality of the image is poor. This could also be negative when up loading the image onto a website since the quality of the visuals on a website may effect the over all quality of the website.

• Storage:

Memory:

The memory space on a computers hard drive is limited. Computers can have between 2GB and 8GB of memory space on their hard drive. Graphics and images usually have large file sizes so can take up large amounts of space on the
computers hard drive. Once images and graphics have been saved, their file size can be compressed using either lossy or lossless compression. Images and graphics can be saved in files onto memory sticks and external hard drives, this can
leave space on the computers memory.

File Size:

The file size of a graphic or image varies depending on factors such as resolution and bit-depth. The higher the resolution and bit depth of an image, the bigger its file size will be. Although a high bit depth and resolution mean the image has
a higher quality, it can be negative when trying to upload the image on to a website. If the image has a big file size, then it will take longer to up load on to a website. Also, if the user of the website has poor internet connection, the image
may not load properly. A file size can be reduced using compression. On a graphic, either lossy compression or lossless compression is used. By doing this, the file size can be reduced a lot, whilst keeping the quality of the graphic. However,
lossy compression can cause a loss in image quality.

Asset Management:

Asset management is when the files, data, and information on a computer are managed. For example, a file may be optimised to create more space on a computers hard drive.
OPTIMISING

• Optimising is when the performance and the efficiency of something, such as a

website, is improved. This can be done by compressing file sizes. However, in the case
of graphics and images, a balance between file size and image quality has to be
achieved. By optimising image and graphic files, they can be uploaded onto a
website much quicker. Also, if a user of the website has a poor or weak internet
connection, then the images and graphics will still load regardless.
• Optimising an image or a graphic by done by compressing its file size, by reducing
its bit depth, and by reducing its resolution.
• Target Destination:
Target destination refers to when a place is specified as to where a graphics or image will be placed on a network. Graphics and images should
be saved into one folder that is safe so that the web server finds it easier to locate the files. Also, by putting all the graphics and images in one
folder, it is easier to optimise them before they are uploaded onto a website. This in turn means the websites performance will be better since a
weaker internet connection can download the images easier.
• Bit Depth:
Bit depth is what controls the colour in the pixels of a graphic or an image. By reducing the bit depth, the file size will also be reduced. however,
this will in turn reduce the quality of the graphic or the image. However, it is considered to be better to reduce the quality of an image or of a
graphic, then to reduce the overall quality of the website.
• Resolution:
The resolution of an image or a graphic, is the number of pixels that it contains. Optimising an image can be done by reducing the resolution of the
image or graphic, however, this in turn means that the image or graphic has less pixels, so the quality of the image or graphic is sacrificed to reduce
the file size. During the optimisation of a graphic or image, a balance between the file size and the image quality has to be achieved. An image or
graphic that has a high quality is likely to have a large file size and so will not download if the used of the website has poor internet connection.
Likewise, a website that has better visuals is likely to increase the traffic that comes to the website, and so the business would benefit.
• Dimensions:
The term, dimensions, refers to the width and the height of an image or graphic. An image or a graphics dimensions can be changed for the
intended purpose for the image or the graphic. However, if the image or graphic is a raster image, then it only has a limited number of pixels. By
increasing the dimensions of raster image, the pixels become more clear and the image loses quality. However, when the dimensions of a raster
image are decreased, then the image becomes sharper and has a better quality. When an image or a graphic is optimised, if the image or graphic
was to be increased, then the resolution could also be increased to make up for the added area that the pixels have to cover. Although this would
allow you to increase the image or graphics dimensions, it would also increase the file size.
INTENDED OUT PUT

• If the graphic was to be uploaded onto a website, then it must be able to fit
onto a web page. Not only this, but the graphics need to be of a decent
quality to be put onto a website since the quality of a graphic can affect the
overall quality of a website.
• If the graphic is too big then it may not fit on to a screen. For example, a
graphic may be able to fit onto a computer screen, but it may be too big to
fit onto the screen of a phone.