Vector Graphic, BitMap Editors, CAD Software

[GrayBeard Phil]

To Bob D:

Past few days there have been 2 threads on Corel Draw, A vector graphic computer program.

There have been several threads where PSP or PhotoShop have been recommended for Photo editing to make patterns.

Just asking, in your opinion, does the average person on this site, or readers of SSW&C, have a clue on what the difference between a BitMap editor, a Vector Graphic, and a CAD software program is (are)?

Or just how many readers are aware that there will be more and more users of Vector Graphic software programs in the future? The Vector graphic file formats are needed as input to other software to generate the commands for small CNC machines. Is that growth potential useful for most scroll sawyers?

Maybe you published an article already on the subject? Or maybe someone knows of a link? It is a very long and technically complex subject.

Phil

[BobD]

It's an article that I am working on. As you said, Phil, it is a complex subject, and my main sticking point is making it interesting and relevent to the average reader...so the best I can say is that it is underway, but I can't really put a time frame on it...

Bob

[Jediscroller]

I'm not sure that most folks really care much about this level of detail. If you know that a vector graphic is needed to run oh, let's say a laser vs. a .bmp then most scrollsaw designers probably would stop offering vectorized patterns, hehehehe. I think the majority of folks designing patterns merely want the tool to get it done. Sort of like the Carrier commercial that's been running as of late where the guy has a blank look on his face when they say he's going to explain how it works. He doesn't much care, as long as when he turns it on it works. I think for most scrollers (designers included) the same analogy applies. As long as they know that a vector image can be enlarged with virtually no loss to resolution then they pretty much know all that is needed to create some terrific patterns. The latest version of PSP also creates vector patterns (actually I think it always had the capability, it's just easier with the new one).

[GrayBeard Phil]

Bob:

Good enough. I will wait for the publication. Then I hope you add the article to this site's Scroll Saw Tips area for future references.

Kevin:

Good points. However, I do think the public should be at least aware of the difference between an air conditioner and a heat pump system, or whatever the consumer is weighing one vendor against an other vendor. If they choose Carrier over another brand because of the lower running cost in energy, that is good. You are correct, the why it runs more energy efficient when compared to the competition may be beyond the average consumer's interest to learn. But the consumer should have a bench mark for comparison, the energy rating.

Phil

[Rick H]

Guess I will throw in my 2 cents. I feel that a bitmap is normally a blurred edge as you try to enlarge it. Sometimes even from the start. A vector is a defined line, maybe .003 wide. And you can enlarge that pattern to 1000 times larger and that line will still be .003 wide. On bitmap or jpeg type images it would be so blurred under normal circumstances that you might not even be able to detect the real line. Now if you are cutting some of the portriat type cutting you are following the edge of the dark area, so it may not matter. But if you are doing an intricate fretwork pattern, or something that need to be cut exact to size, you could run into problems with those wide possibly blurred lines. Example a fretwork clock or box where the tabs need to fit a slot. So it really comes down to what type of patterns are you trying make.
Looking at any pattern , if it is a very crisp defined line it was probably a vector drawing, but if it is a jagged or fuzzy line it was probably a bitmap.

[CanadianScroller]

When I first started with computers I only used bitmap programs. I found vector too hard to learn.
I know use both, each one has its merits. Sometimes I will sketch, scan the sketch as a bitmap then convert it to vector, or trace around it manually.
I like the flexibility vector gives me, allowing me to change everything globally or independently, and most times allowing me to get back to the original if I make a mistake.
I agree with Rick on the styles and functions of each. But I do like the finish of the smooth lines even on portraits. I also like to fill portrait patterns with a slight tint, That way I know what to cut out and don't waste all the ink.

I am sure Rick could also go into great detail, the uses of vector images for CNC....I sure want to try that someday

[Jediscroller]

Hehehe, ok, I stand corrected. After reading the replies both here and elsewhere, now I'm more interested than I was.

[Andy]

Very long and techy for sure Phil. My interest in scrollsaw patterns actually started as a result of looking for a way to express myself with something I enjoyed more than the work I was doing. I've been doing vinyl signs and screen printing graphics for quite some time now. All in vector graphics. For scrollsaw patterns, it's Photoshop all the way for me. For vectorizing graphics I use FlexiSign. Do a google search on that one and you'll find it for just over $3000.00 USD. YIKES EH? but it puts Corel draw and Adobe Illustrator to shame as far as functionality.

Anyway, if you're seriously interested there really is a ton of info available over the net. All the years I've got into vector graphics and I still learn something new, even subtle nuances, that increase productivity. There's no way to know it all but you can get proficient. For scrollsaw patterns, I'll stick with my Photoshop and they're good enough to print with fine detail as large a format as what we can possible cut.

Just food for thought but the appetite for knowledge in various forms of graphics software never ends ... and it's all fun.

Andy

[Buzz]

Originally Posted by Andy

Very long and techy for sure Phil. My interest in scrollsaw patterns actually started as a result of looking for a way to express myself with something I enjoyed more than the work I was doing. I've been doing vinyl signs and screen printing graphics for quite some time now. All in vector graphics. For scrollsaw patterns, it's Photoshop all the way for me. For vectorizing graphics I use FlexiSign. Do a google search on that one and you'll find it for just over $3000.00 USD. YIKES EH? but it puts Corel draw and Adobe Illustrator to shame as far as functionality.

Anyway, if you're seriously interested there really is a ton of info available over the net. All the years I've got into vector graphics and I still learn something new, even subtle nuances, that increase productivity. There's no way to know it all but you can get proficient. For scrollsaw patterns, I'll stick with my Photoshop and they're good enough to print with fine detail as large a format as what we can possible cut.
Just food for thought but the appetite for knowledge in various forms of graphics software never ends ... and it's all fun.

Andy

What version of Photoshop do you use? Also, are you having trouble with your web site address for Email or are you just behind in answering Emails?

[Andy]

Hey Buzz,

Right now I'm using Photoshop CS2. As for the web site address for Email, apparently that's a hint that you sent something I missed? LOL I did go for a couple of weeks where the server was automatically putting emails from "unknown senders" into a junk folder that I didn't even know existed. Since I put in the new hard drive and imported email addresses from an old computer I don't think I've missed any but I just did the import a couple days ago. Please, please, please resend the email if you would and I'll let you know when I got it. I'm heading out for work and won't be back until quite late tonight but I'll check and reply when I get it to let you know it's back up and working properly.

Sorry for any inconvenience. I know the "projects" we've been working on together are pretty important.

Andy