Common Terms and Definitions

Here are some basic terms you may hear in regard to photomanipulations.  I admit, these are
very beginner level, but some of you may just be beginning.

File types:  There are four common file types used for images:  .jpg, .gif, .tif, and .bmp.  These are all 
               versions of bitmap images.  Most web browsers can view .jpg and .gif images, so these are most
               commonly used for image sharing over the internet.
     .tif:    This is the most widely used file type for transfering between different programs.  It's a large
               file type, due to its generic nature, and it is not readable by most web browsers.
     .bmp:  These files are huge!  Many people like to use them when working on an image, and then convert
               the image to .jpg or .gif when it's done.
     .jpg:   A raster file much like a .bmp, but using much less memory.  That's why these files are so commonly
               used for websites.  (These are pretty much all I use.)
     .gif:   These files are limited in the number of colors they can have, but in return, they are much smaller
              in memory.  These are popular for quick loading logos and buttons on websites.
Bitmap Image:  Also called a raster image.  These pictures are composed of many tiny dots so close together,
              that they blur into a solid picture.  The more and smaller the dots, the smoother the picture is.
Resolution:  Also refered to as "dpi" or "dots per inch."  This is a measure of how many dots or pixels are
               within an inch of the image.  The higher the resolution, the smoother the image.  Keep in mind, 
               however, that a higher resolution makes for a larger file size.  A high resolution is important for
               working with a picture and for printing it from a printer, but makes little difference for viewing
               it on your browser.  Many artists will work with the picture at a 300 dpi resolution, and then 
               reduce it to 100 dpi or even 75 dpi for website viewing.  This makes for much faster download
               time on websites.
Export or Save As:  Most programs will allow you to save an image file as a different file type by using
               one of these commands.



     

           

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