A bitmap image file may be saved in a format which embeds a layer of vector information, and vector image file may include imported bitmap images.Įxample of a digital illustration made on a mobile phone and personification art. Drawing tools typically create precise lines, shapes and patterns with well-defined edges and are superb for working with complex constructions such as maps and typography.ĭigital illustrations may include both raster and vector graphics in the same work.
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Many vector graphics are readily available for download from online databases which can then be edited and incorporated into larger projects. Vector paths are constructed of anchor points and path segments by using the pointing device to click and drag. With vector-based tools, the content is stored digitally as resolution-independent mathematical formulae describing lines (open paths), shapes (closed paths), and color fills, strokes or gradients. Painting tools allow the easy creation of "fuzzy" imagery, including effects such as glows and soft shadows, and textures such as fur, velvet, stone and skin, and are heavily used in photo-retouching. When the pointing device moves over an area of the image, new colors and values are applied to the underlying pixels. A bitmap image contains information about each pixel's hue (color), luminance (brightness), and saturation (intensity of color). With a bitmap application, the content is stored digitally in fixed rows and columns of pixels, which can be created in separate layers for more easily isolating and manipulating different parts of the image. These terms reflect the difference in look-and-feel between the images created in each type of program. Bitmap applications are commonly called "painting" programs, such as Adobe Photoshop, while vector applications, such as Adobe Illustrator, are called "drawing" programs.
There are two main types of tools used for digital illustration: bitmapped (also known as "raster") and vector applications.
Note the precise edges of shapes and even width of lines that are typical of a drawing program. Example of an original vector drawing in Illustrator.