The document discusses various types of digital graphics files including raster graphics like JPEGs which are best for photographs, vector graphics like those in AI files which can be scaled without quality loss and are best for logos, and other formats like TIFF, PSD, and 3DS. It provides details on features and advantages and disadvantages of each file type for different uses.

1. Unit 54 digital graphics
Megan Hughes

2. Raster Graphics
• Raster graphics are digital images created or captured (for example, by scanning in
a photo) as a set of samples of a given space. You Use raster graphic in designs
where photography is required, they are also ideal for web design. As well as this
you can use raster graphics when you want to add an effect to an image such as a
blur, texture, or other image manipulation is required. The advantages of raster
graphics are that raster files handle the subtleties of photographs very well as a
general rule; also raster can handle other effects such as adding textures or blur
effects very well. The disadvantages of raster graphics are that raster files are
highly dependent on image resolution to reproduce accurately in print. As a
general rule it is a bad idea to enlarge raster images due to pixilation.
• Also, raster files can be very large if there is a large amount of detail and pixels in
an image which can make storing and sharing them more difficult and raster
conversion to vector is difficult.

3. Vector Graphics
• Vector Graphics are constructed of lines (also called paths) and are created by
software programs that use mathematical calculation to determine size, shape and
colour of each line. By combining paths that are straight or curved and various
colours and shading very detailed illustrations can be created. You would use
vector graphics when you are designing something for large scale like banners,
signage, vehicle wraps and other large format items. Vector graphics are the best
choice for business identity print work, logos, promotional posters, and major
illustrations. The advantages of vector graphics are that the files sizes are usually
much smaller than raster files making them easier to store and share. As well as
this it is easy to convert a vector graphic to raster if needed as the resolution is
independent. You can make them larger or smaller without a loss of image quality.
The one disadvantage of vector graphics is that vector files simply do not handle
photographic imagery as well as raster files.

4. JPEGs
• JPEG stands for Joint Photographs Experts Group. It is commonly used to
print stuff on the web. It is a far smaller file than the classic BITMAP image
and far greater quality. It cannot be edited by itself, however, in
computing, JPEG is a commonly used standard method of compression for
photographic images. The advantages of the JPEG Format are large
compression ratios, shorter file transfer time, full-colour information,
great for photographs, graphic artwork, banner ads, etc. The
disadvantages are loss of image quality, sharp edges tend to come out
blurry and longer page load time than the GIF Format.

5. Tagged Image File Format
• TIFF is a computer file format for storing raster graphics images,
popular among graphic artists, the publishing industry and both
amateur and professional photographers in general. TIFF also
supports various types of file compression, which is advantageous
for conserving storage space when archiving large volumes of data.
The principal disadvantage of TIFF is file size. A single TIFF file can
take up 100 megabytes (MB) or more of storage space, many times
more than an equivalent JPEG file, and so multiple TIFF images
consume hard disk space very quickly.

6. PSD
• A PSD file is a layered image file used in Adobe Photoshop, PSD, which
stands for Photoshop Document, is the default format that PhotoShop
uses for saving data. PSD is a proprietary file that allows the user to work
with the images’ individual layers even after the file has been saved. The
advantages are that the layers are preserved when a file is saved using the
PSD file format. Also, you can go back, at any time, to make changes to the
layers. The disadvantages are that you should not distribute PSD files
unless you are doing a Photoshop tutorial or something. Photoshop files
are large. As well as this they can be compressed (RLE encoded) but often
this compression does not yield a file that is much smaller.

7. AI (Adobe Illustrator)
• Adobe Illustrator is a program used by both artists and graphic designers to create vector images. These images
will then be used for company logos, promotional uses or even personal work, both in print and digital form. The
possibilities with Adobe Illustrator are endless, just download it and see what a new dimension all your layouts
and designs will take. Once you master the drawing tools and the basics there is no looking back. And if you have
worked with Photoshop in the past, it will be even easier since the palates and commands are quiet similar. The
advantages are that it allows you more flexibility with customizing the workspace. It comes with a user interface
that allows custom viewing and enables space saving.
• Illustrator gives more control over text and its formatting with options like paragraph composing and Open Type
fonts Also, using illustrator increases productivity as it allows for in-panel editing and use of multiple art boards at
a time. As it is a vector based program it allows the creation of graphics that are scalable to any extent without
losing resolution, with crisp and sharp lines that are perfect for print. Illustrator files are comparatively small in
size so allow easy sharing, mailing and use. On the other hand the disadvantages are that since it is design
software some amount of skill or training is requires mastering it. A good idea is to check out the numerous
tutorials that are available by adobe itself or spend some time with the tools this program is loaded with to master
it. As well as this, to create photo realistic drawing the user must have oodles of patience and a keen eye for
detail..

8. 3DS
• 3DS is one of the file formats used by the Autodesk 3ds Max 3D modelling,
animation and rendering software. There is a large vary of advantages it
holds, for example: Great Library of Games, nice exterior design, better
battery Life with XL, control stick, friend's list, street pass plaza, swap note,
eShop, play games in 3D, interior/exterior cameras and Mii Maker. There is
also a big vary in disadvantages such as: short battery life with original
3DS, bad U/I, no Gamer tags (Miiverse will take care of that), no party chat
or proper messaging system, no Achievement System, no GBA games in
eShop, a lot of overpriced games in eShop, limitations with folder system
Game saves tied to game cartridges (physical copies) and no linked
account system.

9. Antialiasing
• In computer graphics, antialiasing is a software technique for
diminishing jaggies - stairstep-like lines that should be
smooth. Jaggies occur because the output device, the monitor
or printer, doesn't have a high enough resolution to represent
a smooth line.

10. Resolution
• Resolution is the quality of being determined or resolute.

11. File format
• A file format is a standard way that information is encoded for
storage in a computer file. It specifies how bits are used to
encode information in a digital storage medium. File
formats may be either proprietary or free and may be either
unpublished or open.

12. Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe Photoshop is a raster graphics editor developed and
published by Adobe Systems for Windows and OS
X. Photoshop was created in 1988 by Thomas and John Knoll.
Since then, it has become the de facto industry standard in
raster graphics editing, such that the terms "photo shopping"
and "Photoshop contest" were born.

13. Adobe InDesign
• Adobe InDesign is a desktop publishing software application
produced by Adobe Systems. It can be used to create works
such as posters, flyers, brochures, magazines, newspapers and
books. InDesign can also publish content suitable for tablet
devices in conjunction with Adobe Digital Publishing Suite.