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Here's a quick overview of the digital imaging process.

Capturing an Image
Many graphic projects begin with "analog" images such as 35mm slides, transparencies or reflective art. To produce a "digital" image, these elements are converted to digital files that can be manipulated on a computer system.

This step is usually accomplished by scanning the analog image. The scanner measures reflected or transmitted light from the analog image, assigning numerical values to the colors or tones in the image to create a digital copy.

With the image "translated" into a series of numbers, the information can be stored on a computer hard disk or other electronic media such as a removable drive, or CD/DVD.

Terms to know:

Analog - data stored in a continuous form, such as the picture shown here, if it were not being viewed on a monitor.

Digital - data processed using binary numbers through on/off impulses. Example: Here's your portrait in a digital format. Notice how it is comprised of discrete squares called pixels.

Pixel - The smallest unit of data in a digital image. Together, the small discrete elements constitute an image that can be seen on a monitor or printed on a substrate. A pixel's code contains information relating to color and placement within the larger image.

Scanner - an input device that digitizes images, creating bit-mapped copies that can be manipulated electronically.

Now that we know how to "capture" an image, let's move on to...

Design & Layout... the Digital Way!