Vector vs. Raster Images

November 16th, 2009 by Lee Fitler

Sometimes computer graphics seem to have been invented to confound and annoy. Have you ever been told by one of us that we couldn’t output a 6-foot-wide trade show display with the 5MB photo file you sent us, but somehow the logo file that’s a tenth of the size is just fine? When you asked why, did we speak in three letter file extensions until you pretended to understand us just so we would stop?

Hopefully we can clear this up once and for all — right here, right now.

The reason we can’t enlarge the photo but can enlarge the logo? The photo is a raster file. The logo is a vector file.

What’s the difference? The short answer is that a raster file is made of pixels while a vector file is made of math descriptions.

To elaborate:

Raster

Photos and many other graphics are raster images, also called bitmaps. Raster images are constructed from a fixed grid of pixels. The file stores information about each individual pixel. Considering that an 8-1/2″ x 11″ image with bleed at 300 pixels per inch (print resolution) has 8,859,375 pixels, you can see why these files are often too big to email.

If we enlarge a raster image, we’re telling the computer to represent the same image using more pixels. The image becomes fuzzy or jagged because the computer doesn’t actually know what detail is being added to the image; it’s just guessing what the color of each additional pixel should be based on the color of the pixels next to it. This “guessing” process is called interpolation, and while there are better and worse ways to do it, it cannot replace having the detail there to begin with. However, raster images can be reduced without any visible loss of quality.

Vector

Logos and some illustrations typically originate as a vector image. A vector image is made up of lines, curves or shapes defined by a mathematical formula. This mathematical formula enables a vector image to be scaled to any size and printed at any resolution without losing detail or clarity. Since these formulas can describe the image in much fewer characters, the file sizes are often much, much smaller.

Not every kind of image can be created as a vector. The image must be relatively simple, such as a logo or line drawing that can be expressed as groups of lines, curves or shapes. If you tried to represent a photo using vector data, it would be unmanageably large.

The example below shows the difference between a vector image and a raster image when viewed close up.

One of the odd things is at some point ALL image files end up as raster, its just where in the process that happens. Vector images get “rasterized” at the last stage by the platemaker or the when the films are output by the printer. This process (which includes all the type as well) is handled by the RIP, or the Raster Image Processor. So if you hear someone say “its going to RIP” or “that’s been RIPped already”, it doesn’t mean they are tearing the files up. It means they are processing all the images and turning the mathematical descriptions into dots on film or plates.

Any questions? Just want to see how long you can withstand our graphics technobabble? Give us a call.

Wishing Helene Speer well in her new job

September 4th, 2009 by Steve Miller

After 14 years growing as a designer, programmer, family member and friend, Helene has decided to continue her growth in the non-profit world of Thomas Jefferson Hospital. It has been a joy to have been able to count Helene as one of the team for so long. We all at MDW have enjoyed being part of her life as she and Jim have been raising their three boys and balancing their band, work and family.

While at Miller Designworks, Helene became a key programmer on many websites and interactive projects. Just a few of these clients and projects included SunGard, CertainTeed VinyLink color selector, INTEX Millwork QuickQuote estimator and the Colonial Theater website. Miller Designworks loss will be Thomas Jefferson Hospital’s gain and we wish her success at her new home. If anyone is interested in contacting Helene, please find her on Linkedin.

The Show Goes On…

July 17th, 2009 by Scott Sharadin

Shooting for the documentary on the Colonial Theatre is nearly finished. Helene Calci and I have had the opportunity to meet some great folks with a real passion for this Phoenixville treasure. We’ve also had the chance to shoot at some great concerts, like Southside Johnny, Jake Shimabukuro, and the Cowboy Junkies. While Southside Johnny and the Cowboy Junkies might be more well known, I have to let you know how incredible Jake Shimabukuro was. He’s called the Jimi Hendrix of the ukulele, and with good reason. Take a look at a clip from what we shot at his recent concert at the Colonial (thanks to Jake, for letting us post it) and then check out his website for more. Just amazing!

Intriguing Ambigrams

July 15th, 2009 by Laura Schetzsle

John Langdon is the undisputed master of ambigrams, delightful graphic logotypes that can be read the same if they are reversed or flipped upside down. Ambigrams are the enchanting typographical palindromes featured in the novel Angels & Demons, the prequel to Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code. Brown even honored John Langdon by giving the book’s main character Langdon’s surname. Robert Langdon shares his namesake’s personality quirks and fondness of symbols and puzzles.

While attending Drexel University I studied typography under John Langdon. His love and passion for hand rendered fonts and attention to subtle intricacies in typography quickly captivates all who come in contact with him or see his work. His play on words, influenced by what Dali and Escher did with images, consistently challenges the mind to look at concepts from entirely new perspectives. He taught me how to find the harmony within the details, and that the space between objects is just as important as the objects themselves.

Keep a lookout for the amazing ambigrams featured in this summer’s film version of Angels & Demons and visit Langdon’s website at www.johnlangdon.net for a more in-depth look at the artist and philosopher who has already influenced so many.

Trail Towns

July 10th, 2009 by Scott Sharadin

I recently attended the Trail Towns conference, put on by the Schuylkill River Heritage Area at the Pottstown campus of Montgomery County Community College. This day-long conference brought together leaders and stakeholders in the communities that lie along the Schuylkill River and Perkiomen Trails. The conference was really well done, with speakers from municipal, environmental, economic and business perspectives discussing how towns along these bike and river trails can work together to promote their areas. An example presented of this regional perspective was the Trail Towns program of the Great Allegheny Passage, a 150 mile long bike path from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, MD. By providing greater access and visibility to the trails and the surrounding businesses and communities, economic development and sustainable recreational opportunities are reachable goals that everyone can get behind. So get on your bikes and ride!

Colonial Theatre Documentary

June 18th, 2009 by Helene Calci

This October, The Colonial Theatre, located in downtown Phoenixville, will celebrate ten years since reopening its doors to the public. To commemorate this momentous event, Miller Designworks offered to create, pro bono, a 15-20 minute film on the Colonial’s long history of community involvement.

Built originally as a stage house, The Colonial Opera House opened its doors in 1903, quickly following with movies and performers, including Houdini in 1917. The Colonial went on to serve the people of Phoenixville through two world wars, a depression and a diverse series of dedicated owners.

The film will tell the theatre’s story by focusing on its architecture, programs and commitment to the Phoenixville area. It will show The Colonial’s rich heritage through the voices of the people who have shaped and are touched by The Colonial Theatre’s presence in the community. The people involved with The Colonial at every level will make up the film through interviews and stills. Filming starts in June.

If you are from Phoenixville, or have some connection to the Theatre, we’d love to hear from you. If you have any old Colonial photos, video, film or memorabilia, we’d REALLY love to hear from you! (and it might even make it into the film)

This blog will follow this film’s development into a documentary on a community treasure.

A Great all around Feed Reader: My Yahoo!

April 24th, 2009 by Marshall Oram

There are many Feed Readers out there for both Macs and PCs. Some are desktop programs and others are web-based. I prefer the latter because once you set up your customized page it’s always just the way you like on any computer you use.

Let’s focus on my personal favorite web-based RSS reader, My Yahoo!. It is easy to use, highly customizable, styled in the theme of your choice, more visual than most with the inclusion of images, and available on any computer you use (as well as your iPhone through the free Yahoo! App [iTunes Link]).

If you don’t already have one, you can create a yahoo account for free. After setting up your Yahoo! Id and logging into yahoo, click the My Yahoo! link in the header. You can now customize your page by adding content (click the “+ Add Content” button shown right) from their vast stores of Feeds and Applications (commonly referred to as “Widgets”). You can also add feeds from the sites that you enjoy most by doing the following:

1. On the site you want to add, Click the RSS logo and copy the feed url to the content you want.
2. Then back in My Yahoo! click “+ Add Content” (shown in the above image)
3. Then, click “Add RSS Feed” (shown highlighted in red below)
4. Then paste the link in to the text field to add it.

After you have all the content you want on your page you can grab the top bar of any area and drag it to a new location arranging your feeds to your liking.

The (gear) icon will open the preferences dialog. This lets you change the number for articles, dates displayed, as well as the option to include images or just the headline text only. This is an option many other feed readers do not offer.

That’s the basics of customizing My Yahoo!, for more information please refer to Yahoo! Help for My Yahoo!.

In a Different Light

April 23rd, 2009 by Scott Sharadin

Here’s a bunch of shots I took using a digital infrared camera. It was loaned to me by a great photographer and our upstairs neighbor – Charles Bartholomew. Infrared cameras capture a different section of the light spectrum and are especially sensitive to plants. These shots were taken along the Schuylkill River and the French Creek.

Sojourning

April 13th, 2009 by Scott Sharadin

It’s time to register for the Schuylkill River Sojourn. The sojourn is a 112 mile paddle from Schuylkill Haven to Philadelphia. It’s a fabulous trip, well organized and expertly guided. Lee and I went for 3 days last year and we are trying to do more this year. It was wicked hot, but beautiful weather and wonderful company. We met so many interesting people, all ages and all walks of life. We learned a ton about the river as well as some early American explorers, which was the theme of last year’s sojourn. It’s hard to describe what spending that much time on the river can do for you, but it’s an amazing experience you won’t forget. The event is in June and it’s put on by the Schuylkill River Heritage Area. It’s a huge undertaking logistically and it’s handled by just a few dedicated folks including Kurt Zwikl, Tim Fenchel, Susan Fordyce, Bob Folwell and Cyndi Kott (forgive me for anyone I left out). Hope to see you there.

What is RSS and why would I care?

April 8th, 2009 by Marshall Oram

Q. What is RSS?

A. RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication, essentially it’s a way to “publish” news, articles, personal opinions, stories, blog entries, and more (e.g. content) on the web. This stream or information from your site is a Feed. Other people can subscribe to your RSS Feed and be instantly updated when you write something new, without having to remember to visit your website.

To use an example: You like gardening and while surfing the web you find a great website dedicated to gardening tips. There are a bunch of great tips and you can see that they are updated regularly, instead of having to remember to come back and see what’s new on a regular basis you can subscribe to their RSS feed. Every blog or news site has one, and so do many other site. Just look for the  logo.

Q. How do I subscribe to an RSS Feed?

A. All modern web browsers (Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer, etc.) can handle RSS Feeds. When you click the RSS logo link you will be redirected to that website’s RSS Feed. This URL (web address) is the RSS Feed you can copy it into whatever Feed Reader (see below) to  you use.

Q. What’s an RSS feed reader?

A. A program designed to capture updates to “subscribed” RSS feeds. There are lots of RSS readers, some are programs installed on your computer others are web-based customizable sites (like My Yahoo! or iGoogle) that allow you to add Feeds from their library or add your own.

Need more?

RSS resources:

1. Google Feed 101
2. Wikipedia: RSS

Feed Reader resources:

1. A Great all around Feed Reader: My Yahoo!
2. Wikipedia: RSS Feed Reader (Aggregator)

It’s not Rocket Science (but it’s similar)

March 5th, 2009 by Scott Sharadin

These images were created in the computer through a program that renders the results of math equations visually. We created this series of images for a previous holiday card.

Point of View

December 19th, 2008 by Scott Sharadin

A photographic gallery of urban archaeology. Photos taken around Phoenixville, PA. showing remnants of the turn-of-the-century industrial center. From the giant flywheel at the former steel plant to the interior of the Byrne Building knitting mill, the quadtone black and white shots show how taking a different point of view on things all around us can yield unexpected beauty.