The document discusses different types of digital graphics file formats including raster graphics (bitmaps), vector graphics, and various file format types such as JPEG, TIFF, GIF, BMP, PSD, AI, FLA, and WMF. It also covers topics like image capture methods using scanners, cameras, and graphics tablets. File size, compression, optimizing images, naming conventions, and asset management are summarized.

1. Digital Graphics
File Formats
Benedict Terry

2. Raster Graphics
• Raster Graphics are made up entirely of
bitmaps, which is every pixel of the image is
based on a single colour.
• They usually do not take up a large file space.
• However, they typically cannot be zoomed in
without diminishing the resolution.

3. Vector Graphics
• Vector graphics are made up of vectors and
paths.
• These can be zoomed in without diminishing
the resolution, as the images are typically still
in software and can be edited if needs be.
• However, files tend to be larger than bitmaps,
so they take up a lot of room.

4. Raster Graphics

5. JPEG
Stands For Joint Photographic Experts Group
Used For/Example Used for website images. Websites also
automatically save images to JPEG. Can be
used by photographers, digital artists or
anyone who saves an image.
Advantage Can be easily saved to website posts due
to small file size
Disadvantage Loses quality with multiple edits due to
compression. This occurs every time it is
edited.

6. TIFF
Stands For Tagged Image File Format
Used For/Example Used for leaflets and slideshows. Used by
printers of magazines and picture books.
Advantage Files can be saved with multiple pages,
allowing for easy location of different
There is also lossless compression, making
editing a lot easier
Disadvantage TIFF has a large file size, which can be
problematic for a project that involves
multiple TIFF files

7. GIF
Stands For Graphic Interchange Format
Used For/Example Used for short digital animations. Used by
internet animators.
Advantage Ideal for short animations and are
relatively easy to create in comparison to
modular flash animations.
It can also be easily arranged into a loop.
Disadvantage Low quality video can deter viewers and
viewed negatively.
There is also a large file format that makes
online presentation difficult for some
computers.

8. BMP
Stands For Bitmap
Used For/Example Used for storing digital images. Usually
used by photographers.
Advantage It is similar to TIFF and JPEG, so it is easy
for newcomers to take up.
There is also no loss of quality in
compression, so it can be easily edited in
future.
Disadvantage It has a large file size, so is not ideal for
small hard drives.

9. Vector Graphics

10. PSD
Stands For Photoshop document
Used For/Example Storing images for further manipulation. It
is also used by digital artists and some
animators
Advantage It can save layers, with is convenient, and
page formatting.
It can also support transparency
Disadvantage It has a file size so large that most media
cannot show it without the appropriate
software.

11. AI
Stands For Adobe Illustrator
Used For/Example Like the Photoshop file, it is used for
storing images for further manipulation.
Mostly used for logos and illustrations.
Advantage Images can be scaled with no loss of
definition.
Disadvantage Its large file size means the right software
is required to open them. The software is
also complicated and difficult to learn

12. FLA
Stands For Flash
Used For/Example Used for making animations or video
games. Typically used by animators
(amateur or professional) and game
developers.
Advantage This software produces high quality
animation, unlike GIF. It also offers a small
file size and can include sound alongside
visual effects.
Disadvantage It is difficult and complicated to learn.

13. WMF
Stands For Windows Metafile
Used For/Example Similar to Adobe Illustrator, it is used to
store illustrations and logos
Advantage It can be scaled without loss in definition,
like most vector formats. Also, when in the
right hands it can be used to create high-
quality images. It can also carry both
vector and bitmap formats
Disadvantage It has a very poor reputation due to low-
quality stock image clipart.

14. File Format Capture
and Optimising

15. Compression
Definition Where the file size is reduced from
decreasing the amount of information
(e.g. number of pixels) until it is loaded
again.
Advantage File sizes are reduced, which is ideal for
small hard drives. It also helps when an
image is not being used or edited
Disadvantage Images can lose quality overtime due to
repeated compression unless saved to an
editable format.

16. Image Capture
Method Scanner
How is it used for image capture of
graphics
A scanner is used to digitalise physical
images, like illustrations. One example of a
scanner is a common office photocopier.
Method Camera
How is it used for image capture of
graphics
A camera is used to take physical pictures.
The most common method is digital
photography, which can be sent straight
through a computer.
Method Graphics Tablet
How is it used for image capture of
graphics
A graphics tablet enables a computer user
to create images by hand and insert them
straight into a digital format. This can
produce higher quality images without
reliance on vectors

17. Optimising
Why would you optimise? Optimising ensures an easy viewing of
images on the web (via compression)
How can you optimise? Optimising can be achieved by reducing
the image size, depth or resolution
Advantage to optimising Optimising allows file sizes to be reduced,
which is ideal for internet uploads.
Disadvantage to optimising Larger file sizes can takes longer to
download. There is also a limit to file size
for upload (500 pixels).

18. Storage

19. File Size
What could affect a Working Scale
(Photoshop) document file size?
Working Scale file size can be increased by
adding to the file, such as detailing to an
image. Size can be reduced by
compression.
How could you reduce the file size of a
Working Scale document without
affecting quality?
Some elements of a Working Scale image,
such as those of similar colour, can be
grouped together. This reduces the
number of layers in the file.
What is an advantage of scaling up images
before exporting?
When done correctly, the image can retain
a high quality when scaled up. In some
software, the arrangement of the pixels
can also be automatically changed to
match the scaling.
What is a disadvantage of scaling up
images before exporting?
Sometimes, the image won’t retain the
quality and can lose resolution. It can also
be overly sensitive to angle adjustment or
changes on length or width.

20. File Naming Conventions
What naming conventions could you use
when creating your assets?
• In the image development, I could start
off each file by labelling them with a
number, which determines the order in
which the image falls in the
arrangement of my illustrated book. I
can also after the number say what the
image depicts.
Why is it a good idea to accurately name
your assets?
It allows it to be easier for components or
files to be identified. This will, in turn,
increase productivity of the worker as less
time is spent searching for elements or
files due to inadequate labelling.

21. Asset Management
Why would you use folders when storing
your assets?
Different projects and side projects can
have a large amount of work. As a result,
keeping different projects in folders allows
for easy separation and location of files
based on what they revolved around.
What folders would you create and what
would you save within them
I would create a sketch folder for scanned
sketches of locations and characters, a
main illustration folder for main projects,
and a finished product folder for storing
finished works. I could also have another
folder for drafting concepts for the story.