Integrating Images and External Materials
Integrating or inserting pictures in your document is fun and it improves the impression of your document.
Embedded Files
A. Kinds of Materials
1. Pictures
Generally, these are electronic or digital pictures or photographs you have saved in any local storage device.
There are three commonly used types of picture files (JPEG, PNG and GIF).
Pictures can be identified by the extension on their file names.
a. .JPG/JPEG
This is pronounced as “jay-peg“ and is the short form of .jpeg or Joint Photographic Experts Group.
Like all the rest of the image file extensions, it identifies the kind of data compression process that it uses to make it more compatible and portable through the Internet.
This type of image file can support 16.7 million colors that is why it is suitable for use when working with full color photographic images.
Unfortunately, it does not support transparency and therefore, images of this file type can be difficult to integrate in terms of blending with other materials or elements in your document.
b. .GIF
This stands for Graphics Interchange Format.
This type of image file is capable of displaying transparencies.
Therefore, it is good for blending with other materials or elements in your document.
It is also capable of displaying simple animation.
Apparently, this may not be too useful on a printed document but if you are sending documents electronically or through email, or even post documents into a website, then this could be quite impressive.
c. .PNG
This is pronounced as “ping“. It stands for Portable Network Graphics.
It was built around the capabilities of .GIF. Its development was basically for the purpose of transporting images on the Internet at faster rates.
It is also good with transparencies but unlike .GIFs, it does not support animation but it can display up to 16 million colors, so image quality for this image file type is also remarkably improved.
2. Clip Art
This is generally a .GIF type; line art drawings or images used as generic representation for ideas and objects that you might want to integrate in your document.
3. Shapes
These are printable objects or materials that you can integrate in your document to enhance its appearance or allow you to have some tools to use for composing and representing ideas or messages. If you are designing the layout for a poster or other graphic material for advertising, you might find this useful.
4. Smart Art
These are predefined sets of different shapes grouped together to form ideas that are organizational or structural in nature. If you want to graphically represent an organization, process, relationships, or flow for infographic documents, then you will find this easy and handy to use.
5. Chart
This is quite useful when you are preparing reports that correlate and present data in a graphical manner.
6. Screenshot
Sometimes, creating reports or manuals for training or procedures will require the integration of a more realistic image of what you are discussing on your report or manual. Nothing can get you a more realistic image than a screenshot. (shortcut key: Windows Icon + PrtSc SysRq)
Page updated
Report abuse