Types of computer graphics

What are the types of computer graphics? There are two main classes of graphics used in the computer industry: two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D). 2D graphics, in turn, are divided into vector and bitmap graphics. Let's try to figure out what these types of computer graphics are different from each other.

Raster graphics

Let's start with the raster format. For the sake of justice, it should be noted that the basics of computer graphics were laid by raster images. This method of forming a picture using a grid of pixels, where each element has a set of parameters (brightness, color code, transparency level) has significant advantages, as well as the continuation of these pluses, no less significant disadvantages.

The simplicity of the principles of grid formation turns out to be impossible to increase or decrease the resulting picture. If it is significantly reduced, details will be lost, if increased, monstrous pixelization will appear. Want to check it out? Download any image from the Internet and zoom it to the maximum permissible value that the graphics editor will provide you . If you open it in the usual Paint - then there is a maximum approximation of 800%, just what you need.

Interestingly, the main disadvantage of "raster" has become its main plus, the raster image does not need to be calculated every time. It's enough to put it in a computer once, and then it will be stored there unchanged, which can not be said about the vector graph, which we will get acquainted with in the second part of this article.

Raster graphics are used everywhere: in polygraphy, on television, in computer games and cinema, well, and, of course, on the Internet.

Vector graphics

The creation of computer graphics with the help of vector processing algorithms gives the artist great opportunities. Images can be scaled and rotated without limits, without any distortion or deterioration in the quality of the resulting work. But such indicators are achieved at a fairly high cost. Each time the picture is changed, it is recalculated, so that with a large number of different vector elements on the screen, a large amount of processing power may be required for their simultaneous redrawing.

Because of its specifics, vector graphics are mainly used in the development of logos, in fonts, when drawing cartoon characters for serials, in advertising, in designing, etc.

Three-dimensional graphics.

About such types of computer graphics as raster and vector, you can talk endlessly, but there is an even more interesting type - three-dimensional graphics.

If in the previous, two-dimensional versions, any element of the image is described by only two coordinates, then in 3D three coordinates are needed to describe the position of each point. Thus, in order to make a cube out of a square drawn on a piece of paper, only one additional one needs to be added to its existing parameters.

If you saw the famous film "Avatar", then you will be interested to know that it was completely created on a computer with the use of three-dimensional graphics. And almost all appearing on the screens of PCs and consoles games are similarly created in the editors of three-dimensional models. 3D graphics require huge computing power to calculate the parameters of the displayed image, so it does not stop even for a minute search for opportunities to optimize and speed up the work with this format. But, unfortunately, the extensive method of development still prevails over the intensive one. The power of graphics cards for processing graphics increases, memory and processor frequencies are increasing.

Conclusion

All kinds of computer graphics are used everywhere. So studying this field of human activity is a very useful and promising activity.