Graphic Designs
Using Adobe Photoshop
I
will going to explain all the basics, intermediates and advanced techniques on
how to manipulate, edit and enhance bitmap graphics. Also, I will be dealing
with some of the basics of vector graphics for you to understand the importance
of both bitmap and vector for graphic designs.
Vector vs. Bitmap
One
of the most popular ways of editing graphics is by using Adobe Photoshop. The capabilities
of this software are not limited in editing Bitmap graphics alone. Vector
graphics can be created or edited using Photoshop especially the latest version
of Adobe Photoshop. But the most common misunderstanding between Vector and
Bitmap graphics among people, and unfortunately many designers, is the
difference between Vector and Bitmap (also known as raster graphics). Vector
editors are better and more capable for designing sharp-edged graphic designs,
page layout, logos, clip art and complex geometric patterns like floor plans. Bitmap
editors are more capable in photo editing, retouching, processing, collage and
photorealistic illustrations. It is important to mention that when we are
talking about Vector and Bitmap we are not referring to any of the file format
or extension names.
Vector
Vector
graphics are consists of small dots, points, lines and curves which when
combined can be form a complex objects. These objects composed of solid colors,
or patterns, or even gradients. Programs that are used to create vector
graphics are mathematically programmed to define particular measurements,
length, diameter, width and height. There are many vector graphics software
available in the market nowadays like Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw, Freehand,
Flash and more. Far from the other software it is deliverable in their unique file
format such as .ai (adobe illustrator), .cdr (Corel Draw), .fh (Freehand), .fla
and .swf (Flash).
Bitmap
Bitmap
graphics are the most common file format used in web and computers. It is
composed of pixel, each bitmap graphics contains hundreds or thousands of pixel
defending on the file size. Pixel is a picture element which is the physical
point of a raster image. Most common bitmap file formats includes .jpg, .bmp,
.tff, .png, .gif and many more. Some of the most popular bitmap graphics software
available in the market includes Adobe Photoshop, Corel Paint Shop Pro, Adobe
Fireworks and Corel Painter.
Since
you know now the difference between Vector and Bitmap graphics we are going to
start explaining the GUI (Graphical User Interface) of Adobe Photoshop. Different
versions have slightly different GUI but in general it has similar locations
and functions. The good news is that the higher the version the greater the
improvements and it has new features for editing, enhancing and manipulating
graphics.
Graphical User Interface
- Click on File menu and then new.
- By default it has a name “Untitle-1” and unit is in “pixels” (click pixels to change from one unit to another), change the name accordingly. Change width and height based on the size you needed. The higher the resolution the higher the quality of design. Recommended to use RGB or CMYK for Color mode with White background.
- Be familiarize to some of the most common tools and toolbars.
This is
the first part of the series about Adobe Photoshop Tutorials. Make sure that
you understand the difference between Vector and Bitmap and impart to your
knowledge the most common file format using vector and bitmap editors. On the next part of this
tutorial we will start with the basics and I will give you some tips and tricks
(like keyboard shortcuts).
If you
have any questions, suggestions, comments or reactions regarding this tutorial feel
free to post comment.
