Graphics Software

Every aspect of traditional graphic design can now be accomplished on the computer using graphics software. Graphics software includes a number of different types of software:

• Illustrators create vector-based graphics, which are computer objects made up of lines and curves described by a mathematical equation. Vector graphics can be scaled and manipulated without degrading the quality of the image. Illustration programs are usually used to create original illustrations and images for print media such as books as magazines.
• Image editors create bitmap images (also called raster images), which are comprised of dots (called pixels). Resizing a bitmap image can cause degradation of the image quality, sometimes resulting in jagged edges. These programs offer a wide range of special effects to create sophisticated images. Image editors are widely used for manipulating photographic images.
• Animation programs compile bitmap images into a series of frames creating an animation which can be played back on the computer. Animation programs are popular for creating animations for the Web.
• 3-D design programs create three dimensional shapes, using special lighting techniques and textures to create realistic objects. 3-D programs can be used to create realistic landscapes and environment or complex engineering models. These objects can be exported as still images or as animations.

Many software companies offer graphic software suites. These suites combine several types of graphics software into one package. Suites cost less than if you bought each application individually. Examples include:

• Adobe Design Studio
• CorelDraw Graphics Suite

One issue to consider when creating digital graphics is resolution. Resolution is the number of pixels per inch. (Pixels are the dots that make up the digital image.) Most computer monitors can only display 72 dpi (dpi = dots per inch). That means each pixel is 1/72 of an inch wide. So, if you're creating images for on-screen display only, there's no sense in using a dpi higher than 72. It will only increase the file size, but the image won't look better on the monitor. If you are creating graphics for print, however, 300 or 600 dpi is the normal resolution. This results in a much larger file size, but also a much better print quality.

Illustrator programs:
• Adobe Illustrator
• Corel Draw!
• Macromedia FreeHand
  
  Image editors:
• Adobe Photoshop
• Corel Photo-Paint
• ULead Photo Impact
  
  Animation programs:
• Macromedia Flash
• Adobe ImageReady
• ULead Gif Animator
  
  3-D design programs:
• 3D Studio
• Bryce
• ULead Cool 3D