Graphic editor - this is what? Raster and vector graphics editors and their tools

Graphical editor is a special program designed for viewing and processing images on a computer. In addition, this software allows you to make your own drawings. For the first time the presentation of data in a graphical form on a computer was realized in the 50s of the last century. It was at that time that graphic programs for computers used in the military and scientific spheres were developed. At the moment there are three main types of graphic editors - raster, vector and hybrid.

Basic functions of graphic editors

The main functions of graphic editors include:

• Create a picture. The image in the editor can be created either manually or using special tools (stamps, curves, etc.).
• Converting an already finished image. Photos and pictures can be moved, rotated and scaled. Also, such programs provide the ability to work with individual parts of the image. For example, a function such as deleting a fragment of an image is usually available. Pictures can also be copied in full or in parts, and even glued and painted.
• Enter text into the picture. To use this, you can usually use a variety of fonts - both modern and stylized "antiquated."
• Work with external devices. The drawn or edited image can be printed on the printer without leaving the program if desired. Of course, the file can be saved to any folder on a hard or external drive.

Raster editors

A raster graphic editor is a tool designed primarily for processing already finished images. This software ensures the most accurate transmission of tones and halftones. There is a bitmap image of a set of points called pixels. Raster images are very realistic. The quality is determined by the number of pixels, as well as by their ability to transmit color. The more points of different shades the image contains, the clearer it is. Raster graphic editors have one small drawback. Free scaling of images with their use without loss of quality is impossible. The fact is that each picture contains a strictly fixed number of points. Therefore, for example, if the image is enlarged, the points will simply become larger. That is, the picture will lose its clarity.

Most often, the bitmap image is saved in jpeg format. However, most editors also support such common formats as bmp, gif, tif, etc.

Vector Graphic Editors

Vector graphic editor is a program designed to create high-precision images. This can be, for example, drawings or diagrams. Such images are much more clearly than raster images. All elements of the vector image are described mathematically. Therefore, an increase in such a picture can be performed absolutely without loss of clarity. However, such a realistic image, as a bitmap editor, vector can not provide.

Graphic editors of vector graphics allow not only to execute drawings manually, but also to convert raster images into schemes. For this purpose, the so-called tracing method is used. Thus, for example, an ordinary photo can be converted into a stylish poster. The files in which vector drawings are saved are small in comparison with raster files.

Hybrid graphics editors

In a hybrid graphics editor, you can use both raster and vector tools to create an image. The main drawback of such programs can be called complexity in use. Therefore, they have not yet been particularly widespread.

Paint Raster Editor

So, the graphics editor - what is it? This is very convenient software, an indispensable tool in the work of artists, photojournalists, engineers, architects, etc. Today there are editors as very sophisticated, intended for professionals, and more simple, used by ordinary people. The latter can be attributed and Paint - a single-window bitmap editor, which is available on almost every home computer. Most of the window of this program is the drawing area. A set of tools in Paint is on the left. The program allows you to freely draw, scale images, change their color, erase unnecessary details, and also in one click to undo all these actions.

Adobe Photoshop Raster Editor

Like all raster graphic editors, Adobe Photoshop is designed to work, primarily with digital photos. The program was developed as a tool for professionals, but very quickly gained popularity among fans. Its main distinguishing feature is a truly unlimited list of tools. With this program it is easy to cut out individual parts of images, create masks, change the proportions of pictures and their individual parts. If desired, you can apply a variety of effects to a photo or picture, change their color, brightness, saturation, contrast, etc.

Vector Corel Draw editor

The tools of the graphic editor Corel Draw are, first of all, geometric figures that can be converted into any other images, as well as curves. With the use of the latter, it is easy to bring to perfection a hand-drawn picture. You can paint the resulting images in a variety of ways. If desired, it is allowed to use both simple colors and different kinds of patterns and textures.

Drawings in the program Corel Draw are created on the worksheet placed in the center of the window. The toolbar is located on the left side.

A graphic editor is a thing that can be useful in a variety of situations. Learning to use even the simplest is definitely worth it. With this software you can turn any nondescript photo into a real work of art, make a caricature or draw an interesting picture and send it to friends.