Image editing software comes in two types: vector-based and raster-based. Vector software uses geometry to create sharp images for illustration, while raster software uses pixels for editing photographs. Both types are used by professionals and amateurs, with vector software being more common for commercial illustration. Some projects may require both types of software.
There are many image editing software programs available for use by professionals and home computer users. Of these different programs, there are two basic but fundamentally different types of programs: vector-based programs and raster-based programs. Vector software uses geometry to create mathematically generated images, using lines and shapes that create sharp images that are perfect for illustration purposes. Raster imaging software uses pixels to allow the user to work with images in a very simple way that works well for photographs but is less effective for use in illustration. Different image editing software can be quite simple and intended for amateur users, or very complex, expensive and designed primarily for professional use.
Image editing software is a computer program designed and intended for use in creating or modifying graphic images. These programs can be used to create digital illustrations that can resemble different styles, as well as for photographic retouching and editing. Depending on the intended use of the software, different types of programs can be used to create varying results.
A basic type of image editing software is vector-based software which is often used to create illustrations and images for commercial use. This is because vector-based programs allow a user to create images using lines and shapes that are geometric in nature and not pixel-based. These images are very sharp and clear, even when viewed very close up or “magnified” to a very large size. This is important for an advertising image that will be used on a billboard or large poster, as the image will remain sharp and precise.
The other common type of image editing software is raster-based software, which is generally used for editing photographs and similar purposes. This type of software uses pixels or “picture elements” to create complete images that are actually made up of many small dots, the image pixels. Raster images look a lot like pointillism paintings or old newsprint and dot matrix images. Because these types of programs use small dots of color or value to create images, the resulting images can become blurry and pixelated as they grow in size.
Both of these types of image editing software are used professionally and by amateur artists and image manipulators. Cheap and simple graphics software is likely to use raster images, and this type of software is often found installed on a computer running the basic operating system (OS). Even professional photo editing programs can use raster images, while professional illustration programs used by graphic artists and commercial illustrators are more likely to be vector-based. Sometimes even two programs will be used on one project, to take advantage of the various strengths of each type of software.
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