bitmapkuvan

A bitmap image is a raster graphics image composed of a grid of individual picture elements called pixels. Each pixel stores color information, and when the pixels are arranged in a grid and displayed at a specific resolution, they form the visible image. Bitmap images are therefore resolution-dependent and rely on a fixed sample of color data at each point.

The structure of a bitmap image depends on its color depth and dimensions. The width and height define the number of pixels, while color depth determines how many bits are used to represent each pixel. Common depths include 1, 8, 16, 24, and 32 bits per pixel. In true color images, 24 bits (8 bits per channel for red, green, and blue) are typical, with 32-bit variants adding an alpha channel for transparency.

Bitmap data can be stored in various file formats. The classic Windows BMP format often contains uncompressed pixel data with a header describing dimensions and color depth. Other formats apply compression or color models, such as PNG and GIF (often lossless or limited palettes) or JPEG (lossy compression). TIFF and other formats support multiple color depths and compression schemes. While the underlying bitmap concept is universal, file formats influence file size, compatibility, and rendering behavior.

Rendering and editing a bitmap image involve manipulating the individual pixels. Scaling a bitmap to larger sizes can reveal jagged edges or blur, because new pixels must be interpolated from existing ones. This makes bitmaps well suited for detailed, pixel-level editing and photographs, but less suitable for scalable graphics. Bitmap images are widely used in photography, textures, screen captures, and many consumer image-creation workflows.