What is a Bitmap?

Understanding a Bitmap

A bitmap, also known as a raster graphic, is a type of image that represents a picture as an array of individual pixels. Each pixel in the grid corresponds to a single point of color in the image. Bitmaps are commonly used in digital graphics and photography, where each pixel is assigned a specific color value to create the overall image.

How Bitmap Images Work

Bitmap images are composed of rows and columns of pixels, and the quality or resolution of the image depends on the number of pixels. The higher the pixel count (resolution), the more detailed the image. Bitmap files store image data in formats such as BMP, PNG, JPEG, and GIF. Unlike vector graphics, which use mathematical formulas to represent images, bitmaps are fixed at a certain resolution, which can cause pixelation when resized.

Common Bitmap Formats

• BMP (Bitmap): The standard format for storing bitmap images, often uncompressed and large in file size.
• PNG (Portable Network Graphics): A lossless format that supports transparency.
• JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group): A compressed bitmap format commonly used for photos.
• GIF (Graphics Interchange Format): A bitmap format that supports simple animations and limited colors.

Bitmap vs. Vector Graphics

Bitmap images are pixel-based, meaning they are resolution-dependent and may lose quality when scaled up. On the other hand, vector graphics are resolution-independent and can be resized without losing quality. Bitmaps are best suited for detailed images like photographs, while vector graphics are ideal for designs and illustrations that require scaling.