1. Home
  2. Computing & Technology
  3. Desktop Publishing

Jaggies

By Jacci Howard Bear, About.com Guide

Jaggies in a Bitmap Image

Example of Jaggies in a Bitmap Image

© J. Bear
Definition: The jagged edges on curves and diagonal lines in a bitmap image are commonly called jaggies. Because bitmap images are made up of square pixels on a grid, a curve or a diagonal line has stair-stepped pixels. Enlarging a bitmap image accentuates the effect or appearance of jaggies.

The jaggies can be minimized with a smoothing process called anti-aliasing which adds additional pixels to make the edges appear less jagged.

Also Known As: aliasing | jagged edges
Examples:
In the photo, the inset shows original bitmap image. Enlarged image shows aliasing or jaggies along curved lines.
Explore Desktop Publishing
About.com Special Features

Stay connected and entertained with reviews on tips on the latest HDTVs, cellphones and more. More >

Easy ways to connect two computers for networking purposes. More >

  1. Home
  2. Computing & Technology
  3. Desktop Publishing
  4. Page Layout Tutorials
  5. Glossary / Mini-Tutorials
  6. J
  7. Jaggies - Definition of Jaggies as Used in Desktop Publishing>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.