In computer graphics, raster primarily refers to raster images, which are composed of a grid of individual pixels.
Understanding Raster Images
Raster images are a fundamental type of digital image format. Based on the provided reference, they are the kind of images typically produced when scanning or photographing an object. Unlike vector graphics which use mathematical equations, raster images build a picture using a collection of tiny colored squares known as pixels.
How Raster Images are Formed
The reference explains that raster images are compiled using pixels, or tiny dots. Each of these individual pixels holds unique color and tonal information. It's the combination of all these pixels, arranged in a grid, that comes together to create the complete visual image we see.
Key Characteristics of Raster Images
A crucial characteristic stemming from their pixel-based nature is that raster images are resolution dependent.
Here are the core attributes:
- Pixel-Based: Composed of a grid of pixels.
- Color and Tone Information: Each pixel contains specific color and tonal data.
- Creation Method: Often created through processes like scanning or photography.
- Resolution Dependent: The quality and size of the image are tied to the number of pixels it contains.
This resolution dependency means that if you enlarge a raster image too much, the individual pixels become visible, leading to a blocky or blurry appearance, a phenomenon often called "pixelation."
In summary, when we talk about "raster" in computer graphics, we are generally referring to this type of image constructed from a grid of colored pixels, commonly produced by cameras and scanners, and inherently tied to a specific resolution.
