What types of computer graphics are there? There are two main classes of graphics used in the computer industry: two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D). 2D graphics, in turn, is divided into vector and raster. Let's try to figure out how these types of computer graphics differ from each other.
Raster graphics
Let's start with the raster format. In fairness, it should be noted that the basis of computer graphics was laid precisely by bitmap images. This method of forming a picture using a pixel grid, where each element has a set of parameters (brightness, color code, transparency level) has significant pluses, as well as the continuation of these pluses, no less significant minuses.
The simplicity of the principles of grid formation results in the inability to increase or decrease the resulting picture. If it is significantly reduced, details will be lost, if increased, monstrous pixelation will appear. Want to check it out? Download any image from the Internet and bring it closer to the maximum allowable size that a graphic editor will provide you . If you open it in regular Paint, then there the maximum approximation is 800%, just what you need.
Interestingly, the main minus of the “raster” has become its main plus, the raster image does not need to be calculated every time. It is enough to enter it once into a computer, and then it will be stored there without changes, which cannot be said about the vector graphics, which we will meet in the second part of this article.
Raster graphics are used everywhere: in printing, on television, in computer games and cinema, well, and, of course, on the Internet.
Vector graphics
Creating computer graphics using vector processing algorithms gives the artist great opportunities. Images can be scaled and rotated without restrictions, while no distortion or degradation in the quality of the resulting work occurs. But such indicators are achieved at a rather high price. Each time you change the picture, it is recounted, so that with a large number of different vector elements on the screen, it may take a lot of processing power to redraw them simultaneously.
Because of its specificity, vector graphics are mainly used in logo design, in fonts, in drawing cartoon characters for TV shows, in advertising, in designing, etc.
Three-dimensional graphics.
One can talk endlessly about such types of computer graphics as raster and vector graphics, but there is an even more interesting type - three-dimensional graphics.
If in the previous two-dimensional variants any image element is described by only two coordinates, then in 3D three coordinates are already needed to describe the position of each point. Thus, in order to make a cube from a square drawn on a sheet of paper, you need to add only one additional to its existing parameters.
If you saw the famous movie "Avatar", then you will be interested to know that it was completely created on a computer using three-dimensional graphics. And almost all the games that appear on the screens of PCs and consoles 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 the search for opportunities to optimize and speed up work with this format does not stop even for a minute. But, unfortunately, the extensive development method still prevails over the intensive one. The power of video cards for graphics processing is increasing, the memory and processor frequencies are increasing.
Conclusion
All types of computer graphics are used everywhere. So studying this area of human activity is a very useful and promising activity.