Key Terminology

Before we start exploring Photoshop, we need to understand some key terms.

Resolution

Resolution refers to the amount of detail an image holds, usually measured in pixels per inch (PPI) or dots per inch (DPI). Higher resolution means more detail and sharper image quality.

Image Size

It is the dimensions of an image in pixels (width x height). It determines the amount of detail an image contains and its file size.

File Types

File types refer to the various formats in which an image can be saved. Common Photoshop file types include:

• PSD: Photoshop Document, retains layers and other editable features;
• JPEG: common format for photos, compresses image data to reduce file size;
• PNG: supports transparency, useful for web graphics;
• TIFF: high-quality image format, often used for print;
• GIF: limited to 256 colors, supports simple animations;

Pixel

A pixel is the smallest/building unit of a digital image, representing a single point of color. Images are made up of millions of pixels arranged in a grid.

Raster

Raster graphics are images composed of pixels. Each pixel has a defined color and position, creating a complete image when viewed together. Examples include photos and scanned images.

Bitmap

Bitmap refers to the way a raster image is stored. It maps out pixels in a grid, with each pixel having a specific color value. Bitmap images are often used interchangeably with raster images.

Vector

Vector graphics use mathematical equations to create shapes and lines, which can be scaled infinitely without losing quality. Commonly used for logos, illustrations, and typography.

Path

A path is a vector outline that can be used to create shapes, selections, or masks. Paths are made up of anchor points connected by lines or curves.

Rasterizing

Rasterizing is the process of converting vector graphics or text into a raster image made up of pixels. This makes the image or text uneditable as a vector but allows for pixel-level editing.

Resampling

Resampling changes the pixel dimensions of an image by adding or removing pixels. This process can affect the image quality, making it sharper or blurrier.

Resizing

Resizing changes the dimensions of an image without altering the total number of pixels. This can be done by adjusting the physical dimensions (inches/cm) or resolution (PPI).

Rendering

Rendering is the process of generating a final image from a 2D or 3D model by applying effects, lighting, and textures to produce a realistic or stylized image. In terms of sizes, there are two types:

• Image Size in Pixels: the dimensions of an image expressed in pixels, determining the level of detail and overall size of the image file;
• Document Size in Inches/Centimeters: the physical dimensions of an image when printed, often used in conjunction with resolution (PPI) to determine the print quality and size.

Now let's get a little bit technical.

Color Mode

Color mode defines the color model used to display and print images. It determines how colors are combined based on the number of channels. Common color modes include:

• RGB (Red, Green, Blue): used for digital displays. It works by combining red, green, and blue light in various intensities to create a broad spectrum of colors;
• CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black): used in color printing. It works by combining these four ink colors to produce a wide range of colors on paper;
• Grayscale: a color mode that uses only shades of gray, ranging from black to white. Each pixel is a shade of gray, with no color information.

Bit Depth

Bit depth refers to the number of bits/information used to represent the color of a single pixel. Higher bit depth means more colors and finer gradations (more shades). Common bit depths include 8-bit, 16-bit, and 32-bit.

Gamut

Gamut is the range of colors that can be displayed or printed by a device or color space. Different devices and color spaces have different gamuts, which can affect color accuracy and consistency.

These definitions should help you understand key concepts and terminology in Photoshop. Don't worry if you get too confused. I understand that they seem very complicated, but as we go through the course, you'll be able to understand them right away! You can always come back to this chapter at any time if you ever feel lost.

Now let's dive in!