Looking for clip art or just looking for ways to make your images better? Find answers to your questions about using pictures in desktop publishing in this series of questions and answers about graphics.
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What Are Graphics?
Is it a font or is it a graphic? © J. Bear
It would be easy to say that anything that is not text is graphics. But what about graphics that are pictures of text characters and words? In desktop publishing we use many different kinds of graphics. Learn more about what graphics are.
Where Can I Find Graphics for Desktop Publishing?
© J. Bear
Some software comes with its own clip art and photos. You can also buy collections of stock photography and illustrations on CD/DVD. But the Web is also a great source of images and image collections for use in desktop publishing, graphic design, and Web design.
- Where Can I Find a Picture of... ?
Finding a specific image when you want it can be a daunting task. Discover where and how to find specific images. - What is the Best Source of Free Images?
Our readers choose their favorite image resources including Flickr, morgueFile, and others. Find where to get the best free images. - What is the Best Source of Commercial Images?
Getty Images, iStockphotos and others get the nod from our readers. Look at who sells the best stock photos and illustrations.
What is the Best Graphics Software for Logo Design?
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X5 contains both bitmap & vector software; © Corel Corp.
Photoshop is great for many kinds of graphics, but not necessarily for designing logos. Find out what other software is not for logo design (despite some people trying) and which ones are. If you're looking for logo design sofware, look here.
Why is it Not OK to Rotate, Resize Images in Page Layout Software?
Rotating objects in InDesign; Image by E. Bruno
Do it in your graphics software instead (usually). It's a guideline more than a rule but find out why graphics manipulation is best done in graphics software even though many desktop publishing software programs (and word processing software too) offer a number of graphics manipulation tools.
Is Posterization Good or Bad in a Photograph?
Does your image look splotchy or have distinct bands of color instead of smooth transitions. That could be from posterization. Posterization can be intended or unintended. Get the pros and cons of posterization.
What is the Difference Between Drop Shadows and Cast Shadows?
Get to know your shadows. © J.Bear
Drop shadows and cast shadows are common devices used to add interest to graphics and text used in page layout. They aren't the same. Learn how to differentiate types of shadows.
What is Aliasing, Opaque, Vector, and... ?
Get to know your graphics terms; Image © J. Bear
Graphics have a language that is sometimes a little confusing. From A to Z (or actually A to V), learn about file formats, graphic styles, and other terminology in the Graphics Glossary.
Frequently Asked Questions
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