Bitmap (Raster) and Vector Graphics

In Flash you can work with both bitmap and vector graphics.  It is important to understand the differences between them to understand the way some of the tools work in Flash.

Bitmap, also called raster, images are based on pixels - that is one tiny square of the image. Information is stored about the exact colour of each tiny pixel of the image and you can change each pixel individually if you want to. Bitmaps are commonly used for photo type images where colours are very complex and detailed.

Vector images are produced using mathematical equations that describe the shapes and curves of the image and the colour they should be.

Do some research of your own on raster and vector image formats. Create a table that shows the main attributes of each.  Find a small example of each type and insert them into your table.

To import your own bitmap images into Flash from the menu choose File > Import > Import to Stage (or Import to Library)

Import your own bitmap graphic (eg a photo of your own) into Flash.

This page has been produced by Margaret Meijers.  Questions or feedback may be directed by email to mmeijers at ictmindtools.net

 
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 2.5 License.
Attribution should include the statement: "This has been adapted from a resource originally created by Margaret Meijers at http://ictmindtools.net"