Images

Image media is a visual representation of objects, people, or scenes, created and stored in a digital format. They are a powerful communication tool used to convey complex information, engage audiences, and enhance storytelling. The quality, file size, and application of an image are determined by its file format and type.

Image media types

Image media is divided into two primary categories:

• Raster images are composed of a grid of colored dots called pixels. When a raster image is enlarged, its individual pixels become visible, and the image may appear blurry.

• Vector images are created using mathematical equations to define geometric shapes, lines, and curves. They can be scaled to any size without losing quality, making them ideal for logos and illustrations.

Common image formats

Different file formats are optimized for specific uses on the web or for print. 

Web formats

• JPEG (or JPG): A lossy format that compresses data to create smaller file sizes, ideal for photographs and complex images on the web. Repeated compression, however, leads to a loss of image quality.

• PNG: A lossless format that supports millions of colors and transparency, making it suitable for logos, graphics, and images with text. PNG files are typically larger than JPEGs.

• GIF: A lossless format limited to 256 colors that supports animation. It is commonly used for simple graphics, memes, and banner ads.

• WebP: A modern format from Google that offers superior compression for both lossy and lossless images. It provides high quality with smaller file sizes for faster web performance, though it may not be compatible with all older browsers.

• SVG: An XML-based vector format for graphics that can be scaled infinitely without losing quality. It is widely used for web design elements like logos, icons, and interactive graphs.

How image media is created

Image media can be created using several methods:

• Digital cameras and smartphones: A camera's digital sensor captures light and converts it into an electrical signal, which is stored as pixels.

• Scanners: An input device that optically translates physical images, such as a drawing or photograph, into digital data.

• Digital art and design software: Programs like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator allow artists and designers to create or manipulate images directly on a computer.

• Graphics tablets: A device with a pressure-sensitive surface that lets an artist use a stylus to draw and create digital images

The importance of image media

• Enhances communication: Visuals can reinforce information provided in text, improve comprehension, and capture attention more effectively.

• Boosts engagement: On social media and websites, posts with images receive significantly more views, likes, and shares than text-only content.

• Conveys emotions: Images can evoke emotions and tell a story in a way that text cannot, which helps create a deeper connection with the audience.

• Enhances aesthetics: High-quality visuals can improve the overall design and user experience of a website or marketing campaign.