Computer Science – 1.2 Multimedia | e-Consult

Bitmap Graphics: Bitmap graphics (also known as raster graphics) are composed of a grid of pixels, each with a specific colour value. The image is defined by the colour of each individual pixel. Bitmap images are stored as a grid of pixel data. When the image is scaled up, the pixels become visible, resulting in a loss of quality (pixelation).

Advantages of Bitmap Graphics:

• Excellent for representing complex images with subtle colour variations (e.g., photographs).
• Can store a wide range of colours.
• Relatively simple to create and edit.

Disadvantages of Bitmap Graphics:

• Scalability issues: Scaling up results in pixelation and loss of detail.
• Larger file sizes, especially for high-resolution images.

Common Bitmap File Formats:

• JPEG/JPG: Good for photographs, uses lossy compression.
• PNG: Supports transparency, lossless compression.
• GIF: Supports animation, limited colour palette.
• BMP: Uncompressed, large file sizes.

Vector Graphics: Vector graphics are defined by mathematical equations that describe lines, curves, and shapes. The image is not stored as a grid of pixels, but as a set of instructions for drawing the shapes. This means that vector graphics can be scaled up or down without any loss of quality.

Advantages of Vector Graphics:

• Scalable: Can be scaled to any size without loss of quality.
• Smaller file sizes, especially for simple graphics.
• Ideal for logos, illustrations, and diagrams.

Disadvantages of Vector Graphics:

• Not suitable for representing complex images with subtle colour variations (e.g., photographs).
• Can be more complex to create than bitmap graphics.

Common Vector File Formats:

• SVG: Scalable Vector Graphics, XML-based format.
• AI: Adobe Illustrator format.
• EPS: Encapsulated PostScript format.
• PDF: Portable Document Format (can contain both vector and raster data).