What is Image?

An image, in the realm of visual arts and communication, refers to a

representation of something in visual form. It can take various forms such
as a photograph, painting, drawing, digital graphic, or even a sculpture.
Images are powerful tools for conveying ideas, emotions, and messages.

When we look at an image, we engage with it visually, perceiving the

colors, shapes, lines, textures, and composition that make it up. Images
have the ability to evoke emotions, spark imagination, and communicate
complex concepts in a concise and impactful manner.

Images are created through various mediums and techniques. For instance,
artists may use pencils, paints, cameras, or digital software to create or
capture images. Each medium has its unique characteristics, allowing
artists to express their creativity and convey specific meanings.

Images play a significant role in visual communication. They are employed

in various fields such as advertising, graphic design, marketing, journalism,
and art. In these contexts, images are used to attract attention, tell stories,
convey information, and create visual identities.

Understanding images involves analyzing their visual elements,

understanding their composition and design principles, and recognizing
the context and intent behind their creation. As a teacher, I encourage
students to develop visual literacy skills, which include the ability to
interpret and create images effectively.

By fostering a deep understanding of images, their creation, interpretation,

and use, students can develop their artistic and communication skills. They
can become visually literate individuals who can appreciate, critique, and
create meaningful images that have an impact in our visually driven world.
What is Pixel?
Pixels are fundamental building blocks in various digital mediums,
including computer screens, cameras, and graphic design software. When
we look at a digital image or watch a video on a screen, what we see is an
arrangement of countless pixels forming a coherent visual representation.

Each pixel has specific properties, such as color, intensity, and position,
which determine its appearance in an image. The combination of pixels
creates the illusion of continuous shapes, colors, and textures.

In a digital image, pixels are arranged in a grid-like structure, forming rows

and columns. The resolution of an image refers to the number of pixels in a
given area. Higher resolutions have more pixels per unit of measurement,
resulting in a sharper and more detailed image. For example, a high-
definition (HD) image has more pixels per inch compared to a standard
definition (SD) image.

Understanding pixels is crucial for several reasons. It helps us comprehend

image quality, screen resolution, and digital image manipulation. As
teachers, we can explain to our students how pixels influence the clarity
and sharpness of images and how they affect the file size and storage
requirements of digital media.

In summary, pixels are the building blocks of digital images, representing

the smallest units of display or representation. By understanding pixels,
students can gain insights into digital media and enhance their visual
literacy skills in our increasingly digital world.
What is DPI?

DPI stands for "dots per inch," and it refers to the number of dots (or pixels)
that can be printed within one inch of physical space. DPI is a term
commonly used in the context of printing, specifically when preparing
images for print.

When an image is printed, it is made up of numerous tiny dots that

combine to form the visual representation. The DPI value indicates the
density of these dots within a given inch of printed space. A higher DPI
value means more dots are packed into each inch, resulting in greater
detail and clarity in the printed image.

For example, an image with a resolution of 300 DPI means that 300 pixels
are printed within every linear inch. This higher pixel density allows for
sharp and detailed prints. On the other hand, an image with a lower DPI
value, such as 72 DPI, contains fewer pixels per inch and may appear less
sharp and detailed when printed.

It's important to note that DPI is relevant primarily for printing purposes
and doesn't directly affect the digital image itself. Digital images are
measured in pixels, while DPI is a specification used to determine the print
quality based on the output size.

When preparing images for print, it's essential to consider the desired print
size and the recommended DPI for the printing process. Different printing
devices and requirements may have specific DPI recommendations. It's
generally recommended to use a DPI value between 300 and 600 for
high-quality print results, while lower DPI values may be suitable for large-
format prints viewed from a distance.

It's worth mentioning that changing the DPI setting of a digital image does
not alter its pixel dimensions or overall quality. Adjusting the DPI value in
image editing software typically changes the print size but not the inherent
resolution of the image. The pixel dimensions remain the same, and the
software recalculates how the pixels will be distributed when printed.

In summary, DPI refers to the number of dots (or pixels) printed within one
inch of physical space. It is a specification used in printing to determine the
print quality and level of detail. Higher DPI values result in sharper and
more detailed prints, while lower DPI
values may lead to a loss of detail. DPI is
specific to the printing process and doesn't
directly affect the digital image itself.
What is PPI?

PPI stands for "pixels per inch," and it refers to the number of pixels that are
displayed within one inch of screen space in a digital image. PPI is a term
commonly used in the context of digital displays, such as computer
monitors, smart phones, tablets, and other electronic devices.

Unlike DPI, which pertains to the physical printing process, PPI is related to
the resolution of digital images and how they are displayed on screens. PPI
determines the density of pixels and affects the level of detail and clarity in
the visual representation of an image.

A higher PPI value means more pixels are packed into each inch of the
screen, resulting in a greater level of detail and sharpness. On the other
hand, a lower PPI value indicates fewer pixels per inch, which may lead to
a loss of detail and potentially visible pixelation.

For example, a screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and a

physical size of 15 inches will have a PPI value of approximately 127. This
means that within each linear inch of the screen, there are 127 pixels
displayed horizontally and vertically.

When viewing images on high-resolution displays with higher PPI values,

such as Retina displays or high-density screens, the images appear
sharper and more detailed. The increased pixel density allows for finer
details to be rendered accurately.

It's important to note that PPI is relevant for screen viewing and doesn't
affect the intrinsic resolution of the digital image file itself. Digital images
are measured in pixels, and their resolution remains the same regardless
of the PPI setting.

When preparing images for digital display, it's useful to consider the
recommended PPI values for the intended screen or device. Higher PPI
values are generally desirable for devices with high-resolution screens to
ensure optimal image quality.

In summary, PPI refers to the number of pixels displayed within one inch of
screen space in a digital image. It determines the pixel density and affects
the level of detail and clarity when viewing images on screens. Higher PPI
values result in sharper and more detailed images, while lower PPI values
may lead to a loss of detail and potential pixelation. PPI is specific to digital
displays and doesn't alter the intrinsic resolution of the digital image file.
8 Bit vs 16 Bit vs 32 Bit
When we talk about "8-bit," "16-bit," or "32-bit" images, we are referring to
the color depth or bit depth of the image. The color depth determines the
number of bits used to represent each pixel in an image and impacts the
amount of color information that can be stored.

1. 8-bit Image:
An 8-bit image uses 8 bits per pixel, allowing for a total of 256 different
colors (2^8 = 256). In an 8-bit image, each pixel can be represented by a
value ranging from 0 to 255. This limited color palette is often used in
indexed color images or when the image contains a limited range of colors,
such as simple graphics or icons. The file size of an 8-bit image is relatively
small because it requires less storage space to represent the color
information.

2. 16-bit Image:
A 16-bit image uses 16 bits per pixel, which provides a significantly larger
color space compared to 8-bit. With 16 bits, it can represent 65,536
different colors (2^16 = 65,536). In a 16-bit image, each pixel can have a
value ranging from 0 to 65,535. This increased color depth is commonly
used in applications where a higher level of color fidelity is required, such
as professional photography or medical imaging. The larger color space
allows for smoother gradients and more accurate representation of subtle
color variations.

3. 32-bit Image:
A 32-bit image uses 32 bits per pixel and provides the highest color depth
among the three options. With 32 bits, it can represent over 4 billion colors
(2^32 = 4,294,967,296). In a 32-bit image, each pixel can have a value
ranging from 0 to 4,294,967,295. This color depth is often used in
applications where precise color representation is crucial, such as high-
quality digital imaging or video editing. Additionally, 32-bit images can also
store additional information, such as an alpha channel, which allows for
transparency effects.

It's important to note that the bit depth refers to the amount of color
information per pixel and does not directly correspond to image quality or
resolution. Image quality is determined by various factors, including
resolution, compression, and the quality of the original image source.

In summary, the difference between 8-bit, 16-bit, and 32-bit images lies in
the number of bits used to represent each pixel, which directly affects the
color depth and the number of possible colors that can be displayed in an
image. Higher bit depths provide a larger color space and more accurate
color representation but also result in larger file sizes.

https://www.bwillcreative.com/8-bit-vs-16-bit-vs-32-bit-in-photoshop/