Identifying Design Elements When Preparing Images

DOMAIN 2 Identifying Design Elements When Preparing Images OBJECTIVES Upon completion of this domain, you should be able to: Demonstrate knowledge of image resolution, image size, and image file format for web, video, and print. Demonstrate knowledge of design principles, elements, and image composition. Demonstrate knowledge of typography. Demonstrate knowledge of color correction using Photoshop CS5. Demonstrate knowledge of image-generating devices, their resulting image types, and how to access resulting images in Photoshop. Understand key terminology of digital images. VOCABULARY aspect ratio background bitmap Camera Raw CMYK cropping document size downsampled dpi field of view foreground gamut high dynamic range (HDR) image composition interpolation line screen frequency lpi pixel raster image readability resolution RGB screen frequency screen ruling typography upsampling vector visual hierarchy PS 15

PS 16 PHOTOSHOP Domain 2.0 Identifying Design Elements When Preparing Images Domain 2 focuses on design elements and image composition; it is similar to the second domain in the Web Communication (Dreamweaver CS5) and Rich Media Communication (Flash CS5) certification objectives. Objective 2.1 Demonstrate Knowledge of Image Resolution, Image Size, and Image File Format for Web, Video, and Print Resizing an Image pixel resolution downsampled upsampling interpolation When working with images in Photoshop, the dimensions are measured in pixels. A pixel, short for picture element, is a single point in a picture laid out in rows and columns. Resolution is measured in pixels per inch (ppi); the higher the resolution, the more pixels per inch. The resolution on a computer display is also measured in pixels. You should create an image so it will display well on a monitor with low resolution. In Photoshop, the Image Size dialog box displays the image data, which includes the number of pixels in an image, the size of the image in inches, and the resolution, as shown in Figure 2 1. Pixels Document size in inches Pixels per inch FIGURE 2 1 Image Size dialog box Scaling an image to resize it does not change the image data. To change the image data, which affects the resolution and file size, you must resample the image, which increases or decreases the number of pixels contained in the image. When the number of pixels is decreased, image data is removed, or downsampled. Increasing the number of pixels is referred to as upsampling, and usually results in inferior image quality because of a loss of detail. To resample an image, click Image on the Application bar (Win) or Menu bar (Mac), and then click Image Size. In the Image Size dialog box, Photoshop provides various options for resampling in the Resample Image pop-up menu. Photoshop uses a method called interpolation to resample an

DOMAIN 2 Identifying Design Elements When Preparing Images PS 17 image, using existing pixel colors to create new color values. Table 2 1 displays the various interpolation methods. You can also crop an image to resize it. Cropping allows you to remove the outside portion of an image to correct its focus. By default, cropping does not resample an image, so the image data remains unchanged. (Note: You can set resample options on the options bar when cropping an image.) Photoshop also offers the option to view a Rule of Thirds overlay. cropping dots per inch (dpi) screen frequency screen ruling line screen frequency lines per inch (lpi) document size TABLE 2 1 Interpolation methods FILE FORMAT Nearest neighbor Bilinear Bicubic Bicubic smoother Bicubic sharper DESCRIPTION The most basic and quickest method duplicates the nearest pixel, which makes the pixel appear larger; this method may produce jagged edges Results are of medium quality; pixels are added by averaging color values from the surrounding pixels Produces a better quality than either nearest neighbor or bilinear; the processing time takes a little longer, and a more complex method is used to determine the color of new pixels that are added based on a larger area of surrounding pixels Uses a method based on the bicubic method; creates a smoother result when enlarging an image Uses a method based on the bicubic method; it enhances sharpening and is used to reduce the size of an image Printer Resolution The resolution on a printer is measured in ink dots per inch (dpi). The more dots per inch, the higher the image quality. In laser and commercial printing, you also need to determine the number of dots per inch for grayscale images or color separations. This actual number of printer dots is referred to as screen frequency, screen ruling, or line screen frequency and is measured in lines per inch (lpi). Newsletter and grocery coupons are often printed with 65 lpi, while newspapers normally use 85 lpi. An lpi of 177 is used for print projects that require greater detail. When preparing your image for print, it is often easier to specify your image in the printed dimensions, often referred to in inches, as well as the image resolution; this is referred to as the document size. A minimum of 200 ppi is suggested when you want to produce a high-quality photo on an inkjet printer.

PS 18 PHOTOSHOP File Formats There are many different file formats available for graphics. It is important to choose the correct file format for how and where the image will be used, such as the web, video, photos, print, a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation, or a Microsoft Word document. Photoshop can save a file in many file formats using the Save As command or the Save for Web & Devices command on the File menu. Table 2 2 describes some of the more popular file formats. TABLE 2 2 Most commonly used file formats used for graphics FILE FORMAT DEFINITION USE PSD (.psd) GIF (.gif) JPEG or JPG (.jpg) PNG (.png) TIFF (.tiff) Bitmap (.bmp) PDF (.pdf) Photoshop native file format, keeps the document editable and all layers intact Graphic Interchange Format, a bitmap image format for pictures with up to 256 distinct colors; navigation bars, buttons, icons and logos are often saved with this file extension; the GIF format supports transparency Joint Photographic Experts Groups supports millions of colors and can be compressed to reduce file size; often used for digital images Portable Network Group was created as a patentfree replacement for GIFs; PNG can support indexed-color, true-color images, gray scale, and transparency; PNG is also the native file format for Adobe Fireworks, and retains full editability Tagged Image File Format is the standard in the printing and publishing industry; files are much larger than JPEGs and are supported by almost all image-editing and desktop publishing applications File format used for Windows, usually a very large file; when a bitmap image is scaled larger, the image quality is reduced and often becomes pixelated Portable Document Format, created by Adobe for document sharing; ensures the layout and quality will not change when opened on a different computer Photos, commercial printing Web Photos, web Web, PowerPoint, Word Photos, commercial printing PowerPoint, Word Photos, commercial printing Photoshop provides additional file formats such as Camera Raw, large document format, and DICOM for photos. File formats for commercial printing include EPS and DCS. For images intended for use in video and visual effects, Photoshop offers the Targa file format.

DOMAIN 2 Identifying Design Elements When Preparing Images PS 19 Image Optimization The Save for Web & Devices command on the File menu provides a method to optimize images for publishing on the web and mobile devices. In the Save for Web & Devices dialog box, you can preview your image in different file formats, as shown in Figure 2 2. You can also compare more than one image with different settings to view the effects on the image, and view approximate download times for the images. Number of images to preview File format Approximate download speed Quality of image FIGURE 2 2 Save for Web & Devices dialog box Step-by-Step 2.1 1. Start Photoshop CS5. 2. Click File on the Application bar (Win) or Menu bar (Mac), click Open, select the location of your data files, click pond, and then click Open. 3. Click File on the Application bar (Win) or Menu bar (Mac), click Save As, name the file pond modified, click the Format pop-up menu, click Photoshop (*.PSD, *.PDD), and then click Save. The image is saved as a native Photoshop document. WARNING Copy the data file to the location you will be working with your files. 4. Click Image on the Application bar (Win) or Menu bar (Mac), and then click Image Size. The Image Size dialog box opens.

PS 20 PHOTOSHOP 5. In the Image Size dialog box, in the Document Size section, click the Width text box, delete any existing text, type 6, click the Resample Image pop-up menu, click Bicubic Sharper (best for reduction), as shown in Figure 2 3, and then click OK. The image size is reduced. FIGURE 2 3 Image Size dialog box Document width and height Resample Image pop-up menu 6. Click File on the Application bar (Win) or Menu bar (Mac), and then click Save for Web & Devices. 7. In the Save for Web & Devices dialog box, click the 2-Up tab, make sure the Hand tool is selected, and then drag the image so that the water and the front fence are visible, as shown in Figure 2 4. FIGURE 2 4 Save for Web & Devices dialog box Preset pop-up menu 2-Up tab Your image area may differ 8. Click the bottom image, click the Preset pop-up menu, click JPEG High, and then click Save. The Save Optimized As dialog box opens.

DOMAIN 2 Identifying Design Elements When Preparing Images PS 21 9. In the Save Optimized As dialog box, click Save. 10. Leave your Photoshop document open for Step-by-Step 2.2. Objective 2.2 Demonstrate Knowledge of Design Principles, Elements, and Image Composition As you begin laying out your graphic design project, it is important to consider the use of graphic design. Graphic design includes design elements, design principles, and image composition. It is important to understand some concepts to be able to create an attractive layout. Graphic design elements include lines, shapes, and texture. Design principles include emphasis, movement, balance, unity, symmetry, color, white space, alignment, contrast, the rule of thirds, proximity, and repetition. Table 2 3 describes the elements and principles of design. TABLE 2 3 Graphic design elements and principles DESIGN ELEMENTS DESIGN PRINCIPLES Lines Emphasis Symmetry Contrast The basic component of a shape Every line has length, thickness, and direction Lines can be curved, horizontal, vertical, diagonal, wavy, dashed, or dotted Making a specific element stand out Achieved by using color, size, location, or shapes When the composition of the text and graphics is evenly distributed around a center point Symmetry can be vertical, horizontal, or radial Similar to emphasis, it separates elements by comparing or creating differences Can be achieved through the use of color, size, shapes, and location Shapes Movement Color Theory Rule of Thirds A line that defines or implies a boundary Shapes can be geometric, such as a square or a circle Shapes may also be organic Directing the eye in a certain direction Achieved through the use of dots, arrows, or lines The idea that colors can affect human thought and emotions Colors may be visually pleasing or may make someone feel uncomfortable The theory that the most interesting components of a composition, like a web page, is found off-center Continued on next page

PS 22 PHOTOSHOP TABLE 2 3 Graphic design elements and principles Continued from previous page DESIGN ELEMENTS DESIGN PRINCIPLES Texture Balance White Space Proximity A fill used in shapes to imply what an object may feel like The texture may, for example, look rough or wavy The page is laid out in a planned and coherent visual pattern Visual elements are not out of proportion or heavy in one area Areas of the page that do not have text or graphics Includes margins, padding, and line spacing The closeness or distance from text and graphics Close proximity indicates a connection, such as placing a caption on a graphic Unity Alignment Repetition Creating a feeling of wholeness Achieved by using the same color or different tints of that color The spacing of text and graphics in relation to one another or the margins on a page Common alignments: center, left, right, and justify Repeating an element to create visual consistency May be achieved on the same page in a website or among all pages in a website through the use of headings, colors, font styles, and by repeating the basic layout between pages You can achieve balance by applying symmetry or asymmetry. Symmetrical balance is created when the weight of a composition is evenly arranged around a center point. Asymmetrical balance is achieved by arranging objects of different sizes around a center point and using smaller shapes together to balance out a larger shape. The center point can be used to create either symmetric or asymmetric balance along horizontal, vertical, radial, or diagonal lines. Image Composition and Principles image composition An image composition is the arrangement of the visual elements of your image to create a visually compelling design. When composing or laying out your design, there are some basic concepts you should consider for your graphic design project, such as aspect ratio, framing, field of view, foreground, and background.

DOMAIN 2 Identifying Design Elements When Preparing Images PS 23 If you are using a digital photo, be aware that different cameras may use different aspect ratios even though they may be shooting in the same number of pixels. The aspect ratio is the relationship of the object s height to its width. While there are many types of aspect ratios, 3:2 and 4:3 are the most common. For 35mm cameras and most digital single lens reflex (SLR) cameras, the standard ratio is 3:2. Monitors, televisions, and most compact cameras use a 4:3 aspect ratio. The aspect ratio can affect the print dimensions of your image, causing you to crop more of the image to get the correct print size. For example, a 3:2 aspect ratio prints a 4 6 photo without a problem, because the ratios match, 3 2 = 6 and 2 2 = 4. If you want to print an 8 10 photo with an image that has a 3:2 aspect ratio, the ratio becomes 3 4 = 12 and 2 4 = 8, which is 12 8. You would then need to crop the image to 10 8 (or 8 10 ), thus losing 2 from the original image. In contract, an aspect ratio of 4:3 results in less cropping, and therefore, losing less of your image. Framing an image guides a viewer to the inside of the picture, which you accomplish in Photoshop during the graphic design process by adding a border. You can also frame an image when you take the picture using visual elements in the scene, such as trees, doorways, and bridges, as shown in Figure 2 5. aspect ratio field of view foreground background Tree frames picture along top and left edge FIGURE 2 5 Framing an image using scene elements The field of view is the area that makes up the picture. Depending on your camera, the viewfinder may not accurately display the field of view; the view finder could cover more or less of the viewing area. Parts of the image that fall outside of the field of view are not recorded in the photograph. Objects that fall into the field of view are in either the foreground or the background. The foreground of a photograph, or a graphic design project, is the area of the composition that often displays the subject of the composition. The background of a photograph, or a graphic design project, is the area behind the subject, which provides context and depth to the composition, or it can be used to help isolate the main subject. The composition of an image can be enhanced by working with color enhancements including balance, color, tone, and contrast. To access these commands, click Image on the Application bar (Win) or Menu bar (Mac), point to Adjustments, and click a command. The Color Balance command makes corrections to the overall image by adjusting a mixture of colors based on the shadows, midtones,

PS 24 PHOTOSHOP or highlights in the picture. Figure 2 6 shows color balance applied to the left side of an image based on its shadows. You can use additional commands in the Adjustments category to control how much of the adjustment you apply to an image. The Auto Tone, Auto Contrast, and Auto Color commands on the Image menu adjust those qualities in the image. These commands do not allow for any adjustments and use a mathematical formula to make adjustments based on the images shadows, midtones, and highlights. Left side of image shows new color balance settings applied Original image Color Balance dialog box FIGURE 2 6 Color balance applied to an image visual hierarchy Visual hierarchy is used in graphic design to emphasize important elements and organize content in a logical manner. When working with text, you can create a visual hierarchy with fonts, font size, color, and contrast. When working with images to emphasize a certain element in your graphic design project, you may choose to adjust the color or the focus of areas of the image to make certain elements stand out. Figure 2 7 demonstrates the use of contrast with color. FIGURE 2 7 Example of visual hierarchy applied to an image

DOMAIN 2 Identifying Design Elements When Preparing Images PS 25 Step-by-Step 2.2 1. On the Tools panel, click the Crop tool. 2. On the options bar, click the value in the Width field, verify that the current setting displays in inches, type 4 in, click the value in the Height field, type 3 in, and then remove any information from the Resolution field, if necessary. 3. Click View on the Application bar (Win) or Menu bar (Mac), click Fit on Screen, click the image in the upper-left corner above the first fence post, and then drag the selection marquee to the lower-right corner, as shown in Figure 2 8. (Note: If necessary, select Rule of Thirds from the Crop Guide Overlay pop-up menu after drawing your selection.) Options bar FIGURE 2 8 Drawing a crop selection Crop Guide Overlay pop-up menu Cropped area Commit current crop operation Cancel current crop operation

PS 26 PHOTOSHOP 4. Click the middle of the crop selection, position the Marquee move pointer over the selection, drag the selection marquee to the middle of the image, as shown in Figure 2 9, and then press Enter (Win) or return (Mac). The image is cropped. FIGURE 2 9 Adjusting a crop selection 5. Save and close the document, and then exit Photoshop. typography readability Objective 2.3 Demonstrate Knowledge of Typography When adding text to a digital image it is important to consider the font, style, color, and spacing. The selections made to design the text and the placement of the words are called typography. Typography sets the look and feel for the document by the selection of a certain font, which may convey a sense of credibility or whimsy. The font may also improve the readability of the text. Readability is the feeling that is conveyed to make the typeface comfortable and easy to read. The use of uppercase and lowercase letters, typefaces, alignment, spacing, and styles can improve or distract from the readability of a typeface. By changing the alignment, you can emphasize certain text and provide a level of comfort to the layout by aligning the edges of text with other elements or objects in a layout. The use, or overuse, of center alignment can make the layout uncomfortable to the reader, and in turn make the text difficult to read. Figure 2 10 provides an example of making a graphic design more readable by making simple changes to styles, size, and alignment.

DOMAIN 2 Identifying Design Elements When Preparing Images PS 27 Emphasis with contrast using color Use of styles on text Emphasis with increased size Emphasis with alignment Original layout Modified layout FIGURE 2 10 Comparing readability Placing the text in close proximity to other elements on a page may also make the text more readable. In the example in Figure 2 10, notice that the phone number is located near the statement about making a call. This makes the number readily available to the reader while they are thinking about it. Objective 2.4 Demonstrate Knowledge of Color Correction Using Photoshop CS5 The color modes RGB and CMYK are both available when working in Photoshop. RGB uses red (R), green (G), and blue (B) in various combinations to create the colors you see on a computer display, a television screen, or a movie in a theatre. CMYK uses cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) to create various colors in print. When you are submitting your graphic design to be printed, it is important to convert your document to the CMYK color mode. While working on your graphic design project in Photoshop, you will want to work in RGB mode. This mode produces a smaller file and is therefore faster to work with and easier to store. In addition, you will have more effect options available under the Filter menu. When you are ready to finalize your project and submit it for printing, convert it to CMYK mode by clicking Image on the Application bar (Win) or Menu bar (Mac), pointing to Mode, and then clicking CMYK Color. RGB CMYK

PS 28 PHOTOSHOP gamut When working in RGB mode, if a color is not in the range of colors that can be displayed or printed, Photoshop displays an alert triangle in the Info panel or in the color picker when you hover over the color with the Eyedropper tool. Colors that are in a range that can be displayed or printed are referred to as a gamut. To view colors that are out of gamut, click View on the Application bar (Win) or Menu bar (Mac), and then click Gamut Warning. The colors outside the range are highlighted in gray, as shown in Figure 2 11. Out of gamut FIGURE 2 11 Displaying out-of-gamut colors You can use the Proof Setup command to view the images simulated output in a variety of options, such as type or color of paper. To select an option, click View on the Application bar (Win) or Menu bar (Mac), point to Proof Setup, and then select a viewing option. There is also an option to proof for two types of color blindness to ensure that the information is accurately conveyed to those individuals with sensitivity to red or to green. You can use the Histogram panel to interpret colors in an image. The graph displays the color intensity level, from right to left, of highlights, midtones, and shadows. Identifying where the tonal range of the image is concentrated assists in being able to make corrections. The histogram can view channels by RGB, Colors, Red only, Green only, Blue only, or Luminosity. Figure 2 12 displays the Histogram panel in the expanded view with all channels. This histogram shows an image that has detail, which is concentrated in the shadows. When making any changes using one of the color or tonal adjustment options, you can view how those changes affect the histogram, as shown in Figure 2 13.

DOMAIN 2 Identifying Design Elements When Preparing Images PS 29 Channel pop-up menu Statistics Histogram of each color channel FIGURE 2 12 Histogram panel Histogram panel Color Balance dialog box Preview check box FIGURE 2 13 Histogram panel when adjusting color balance Often when correcting an image s color, tone, or levels, you do not want the effect to be applied to the entire image. Adjustment layers allow you to create masks and make corrections to portions of an image, and an adjustment layer is nondestructive. This means that you can turn off or modify the changes at any time, unlike adjustments you make in the Adjustments category of the Image menu, which you cannot reverse or modify later.

PS 30 high dynamic range (HDR) TIP The HDR Toning adjustment is intended for 32-bit HDR images. TIP To add WIA support on the Mac OS, you need to download an optional plug-in from www.adobe.com. Adobe recommends that you install and use the optional plug-in with the Rosetta OS. Alternatively, you can use the software provided with your scanner or another scanning application, and then save the image to the TIFF file format. PHOTOSHOP Photoshop also supports high dynamic range (HDR) images. HDR images allow a photographer to record a much larger range of tonal detail than can be captured in one photo. The HDR Toning command gives you the ability to adjust and apply contrast and exposure settings that are made available. This allows you to make image adjustments in Photoshop that in the past needed to be done while taking the photo. To access the HDR command, click Image on the Application bar (Win) or Menu bar (Mac), point to Adjustments, and then click HDR Toning. Objective 2.5 Demonstrate Knowledge of Image-Generating Devices, Their Resulting Image Types, and How to Access Resulting Images in Photoshop You can create an image with a digital or film camera and from scanning an image. Images can then be brought into Photoshop by either using the Open command or the Place command on the File menu. The Open command opens each image into its own Photoshop document. The Place command allows you to place multiple images into a single document. You can also scan images directly into Photoshop by clicking File on the Application bar (Win), pointing to Import, and then clicking WIA Support. Scanning an image is the best option when a digital version of the image is not available. When scanning an image, it is important to consider the options available to create the highest quality image. The Scan using WIA dialog box includes options for adjusting the resolution, color mode, and the size of the scanned image, as shown in Figure 2 14. The scanned image opens directly in Photoshop as a bitmap image. To modify the image using the full complement of Photoshop adjustment tools, you need to save the file as a Photoshop file (.psd). Scanning options Preview of scan Scan button Custom options FIGURE 2 14 Scanning an image with WIA support

DOMAIN 2 Identifying Design Elements When Preparing Images PS 31 The Camera Raw format contains minimally processed data that is not ready to be used and still needs to be processed. It is an option on many digital cameras and some scanners. This format is analogous to negatives in film photography, and images in this format are sometimes referred to as digital negatives. Film negatives still need to be developed or processed and are not yet ready to be viewed, but all the necessary information needed to create the final image is there. The Camera Raw format provides more control and flexibility when working with images. This format should be used when you are planning to work with the image in an application such as Photoshop. It is important to note that Camera Raw files are much larger than JPEG files, sometimes two to six times larger. If your graphic design project will be used in a video, Photoshop offers support for viewing your project s pixel aspect ratio in a variety of options that support the nonsquare pixel used in video. This ensures that your image has the correct pixel aspect ratio and imports seamlessly into a video project. Figure 2 15 displays the Camera Raw dialog box when opening a RAW file in Photoshop. Camera Raw Preview of image Open Image button FIGURE 2 15 Camera Raw dialog box

PS 32 PHOTOSHOP Objective 2.6 Understand Key Terminology of Digital Images Bitmap vs. Vector Graphics bitmap raster image vector A bitmap image, technically known as a raster image, is represented by pixels in a grid layout; each pixel contains color information for the image. When a bitmap is enlarged, the quality of the image is lost, and the pixels are visible, often resulting in jagged edges. A vector image is created with mathematical calculations and can be enlarged without a loss of quality. Figure 2 16 compares a bitmap image with a vector image. You can use a variety of vector tools to draw objects, including a rectangle, a rounded rectangle, an ellipse, a polygon, and a line. You can adjust the path of the object to add, remove, or intersect areas, or to exclude overlapping areas. Vector image Bitmap image FIGURE 2 16 Comparing a vector and bitmap image Before you can edit a vector image, you must rasterize, or convert it to a bitmap image. For example, when you place an image into Photoshop, it is placed as a Smart Object and cannot be edited. You must rasterize the image before editing it. If you draw objects as a Shape layer, you need to rasterize the shape to make the object editable. To rasterize an object, click Layer on the Application bar (Win) or Menu bar (Mac), point to Rasterize, and then click an option. The following items are examples of what can be rasterized: Type, Shapes, Vector Masks, and Smart Objects.

DOMAIN 2 Identifying Design Elements When Preparing Images PS 33 SUMMARY REVIEW QUESTIONS WRITTEN QUESTIONS Write a brief answer to the following questions. 1. Explain the difference between RGB and CMYK. 2. Explain the difference between downsampling and upsampling. 3. When used correctly, which elements can improve readability when working with text? 4. Explain the difference between a bitmap image and a vector image. 5. What is a gamut?

PS 34 PHOTOSHOP MULTIPLE CHOICE Select the best response for the following statements. 1. Which of the following is changed in an image when a raster image is edited? A. Pixel B. Point C. Inch D. Centimeter 2. Which color mode should you use to send your graphic design project to a print shop? A. Indexed color B. RGB C. Gray scale D. CMYK 3. Which file format should you use if you want to be able to make changes to your graphic design project? A. PNG B. PSD C. PDF D. JPEG 4. What is Camera Raw also known as? A. Photo negative B. Digital negative C. Raster artwork D. Processed image 5. Which design principle can be represented with an overlay when using the Crop tool? A. Symmetry B. Balance C. Rule of thirds D. White space