KNOWLEDGE & FUN ZONE

Image modes can be defined as the combination pattern of the colors which leads to the
creation of a particular shade. Some of the popular image modes are noted as CMYK, RGB,
Bitmap, Grayscale and LAB color. While creating a new file, the mode can be set from color
mode in the new dialog box. The present color can be changed by clicking on the option Mode
in the Image menu.

The RGB mode comprises of primary colors like Red, Green and Blue. The three main primary
colors combine within themselves ranging between values from 0 to 255. The three primary
colors combine themselves in the additive mode and produce white after reaching their highest
value that is 255. The RGB mode is used for monitor display.

The CMYK mode on the other hand is a subtractive mode. CMYK is used in Print media and it
comprises of secondary colors like Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black. The secondary colors have
a range of 1-100 and produce the white color when the color values are reduced to zero.

The Grayscale mode is yet another image mode which produces images with shades of grey.

Bitmap images:

Bitmap images are formed by coloring the pixels. Pixels are the primary building blocks of an
image. Pixels comprise of minute dots of individual color that form the image or picture that is
displayed on the screen.
Bitmap images are resolution dependent which means that the creation of a bitmap image
depends on the number of pixels present per inch in a computer screen. This is the reason why
a bitmap image tends to be distorted if the user tries to magnify or enlarge it. A bitmap image
has a rough appearance. The most well known extensions for bitmap files are GIF, JPEG, PNG,
BMP, PICT, TIFF, PCX, PSD etc.

Vector graphics:

Vector graphics are more advanced than the bitmap images and create much more smoother
and distinct images or pictures. Vector graphics are mathematically created by joining the co
ordinates of a graph. Vector graphics are not pixel dependent. They create images which are
accurate and superior in quality. As such, vector graphics do not face the problem of distortion
even if stretched. For the creation of vector graphics, software like Illustrator and CorelDraw
are used. The extensions for them are AI, CDR, CMX, WMF etc.

Examples of a Bitmap image (left) and a Vector graphic (right):

While using the Photoshop interface, the user comes across a stage, a Tool bar, a Menu bar, an
Option bar, a Status bar and Palettes.

Photoshop interface has a workspace or stage known as Canvas. This stage has a predefined
dimension which can be changed by the user while using it. This stage consists of a tool bar
containing a number of tools used in digital editing. The menu bar is placed just above the
option bar. At the very bottom of the interface, the status bar can be seen. Other palettes
such as swatches, layers, etc. are also available to the user if the respective palettes have
their window options turned on.

Introduction

Learning Photoshop:

Photoshop is primarily an Image Editing Software. It is a product of Adobe Systems and is one of
the most well known software used in image editing.

• As far as image-editing is concerned; it can be done in various ways with the aid of Photoshop.

• To make a picture attractive, Photoshop provides the user with a wide range of tools accompanied with visual effects.

• Photoshop is very easy to use.

• Photoshop makes learning fun for the user.

Uses of Photoshop:

Photoshop is used for UI design. Due to its varied uses, it is commonly used by the Web
Designers and graphic professionals. Pictures or images can be formatted, cropped and sized
with the aid of this software. Photoshop can also balance the tone and color of the images.