Beta Version 1.0 by Bill Cameron & D.M. Gorski with contributions from the devotees of alt.binaries.clip-art 1999 - - --For the full-featured HTML version of this FAQ with working links-- http://www.crosswinds.net/~endtrans/index.htm A PDF version can be downloaded at the same location
Bitmap vs Vector What’s the difference?
Introduction There are two basic image types, that you will encounter in
alt.binaries.clip-art. Bitmap, and Vector or Meta. Here we will briefly touch, on the
basics of each type, their common uses, and their advantages.
Bitmap
Bitmap images are best thought of as a bunch of different colored dots, called pixels,
arranged next to each other in a way to form a picture. Each pixel in the image has its
own color. It is this structure that makes them ideal for things like photographs. The gif
& jpg files you see posted in alt.binaries.clip-art, are bitmap images. You should use
a bitmap format when you need lots of detail, and colors. Here is a list of extensions
that identify bitmap files: BMP, GIF, IFF , IMG, JIF, JPG, KDC, LBM, MAC, MSP, PBM, PCD,
PCT, PCX, PGM, PIC, PNG, PPM, PSD, PSP, RAS, RAW, RLE, SCT, TGA, TIFF, WPG
Vector
Vector or Meta images are made up of geometric shapes put together to form an image. They
are stored as mathematical formulas. Vector images are not capable of producing
photo-realistic images, but they can be resized without getting the jagged edges or loss
of detail that bitmaps suffer. This makes them ideal for things like business logos. You
make one logo, and use it on your letterhead, envelope, and label, resizing it as needed,
while retaining image quality. Here is a list of extensions that identify vector files:
AI, CDR, CGM, CMX, DRW, DXF, EMF, EPS, GEM, PCT, VSD, WMF, WPG & others