Rasterigrafiikka

Rasterigrafiikka, also known as raster graphics or bitmap graphics, is a type of digital image that is composed of a grid of individual pixels. Each pixel contains information about its color and brightness, which together form the complete image. This is in contrast to vector graphics, which use mathematical formulas to create lines and shapes.

Raster images are commonly used in digital photography, digital painting, and image editing. They are also the standard format for displaying images on computer monitors and televisions. Common file formats for raster graphics include JPEG, PNG, GIF, and BMP.

The quality of a raster image is determined by its resolution, which is the number of pixels per unit of length, typically measured in pixels per inch (PPI). Higher resolution images have more pixels and therefore more detail, but also require more storage space. When a raster image is enlarged, the individual pixels become more visible, a phenomenon known as pixelation, which can degrade the image quality.

Raster graphics are created and edited using software such as Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, and Corel PaintShop Pro. These programs allow users to manipulate individual pixels, apply filters and effects, and perform other operations to enhance or alter the image.

One of the main advantages of raster graphics is their ability to represent complex images with a high degree of detail and realism. However, they also have some limitations. For instance, they can become pixelated when scaled up, and they typically require more storage space than vector graphics. Additionally, editing raster images can be more time-consuming and complex than editing vector graphics, as changes often need to be made at the pixel level.