For FabAcademy we are asked to get used to with one 2D design software having reaster graphics and one 2d design software using vector graphics. So for raster I used GIMP and for vector graphics I used Inkscape.
2D design is the creation of two-dimensional images for applications such as electrical engineering, mechanical drawings, architecture and video games. Blueprints are typically two-dimensional designs that give indications of height and length for construction purpose.
There are two types of computer graphics: raster graphics, where each pixel is separately defined (as in a digital photograph), and vector graphics, where mathematical formulas are used to draw lines and shapes, which are then interpreted at the viewer's end to produce the graphic.
Raster images, also known as bitmaps, are comprised of individual pixels of color. Each color pixel contributes to the overall image.Raster images are capable of rendering complex, multi-colored visuals, including soft color gradients. Digital cameras create raster images, and all the photographs you see in print and online are raster images.There are different types of raster files: JPG, GIF, and PNG are examples, and each file type has its own nuances.Raster images are ideal for photo editing and creating digital paintings in programs such as Photoshop and GIMP , and they can be compressed for storage and web optimized images.
Unlike raster graphics, which are comprised of colored pixels arranged to display an image, vector graphics are made up of paths, each with a mathematical formula (vector) that tells the path how it is shaped and what color it is bordered with or filled by.Since mathematical formulas dictate how the image is rendered, vector images retain their appearance regardless of size. They can be scaled infinitely. Vector images can be created and edited in programs such as Illustrator, CorelDraw, and InkScape
Because vectors can be infinitely scaled without loss of quality, they’re excellent for logos, illustrations, engravings, etchings, product artwork, signage, and embroidery. Vectors should not be used for digital paintings or photo editing; however, they’re perfect for projects such as printing stickers that do not include photos.
You can learn more about the differences and comparison on this website.
The first 2D software that we were introduced to was GIMP(GNU Image Manipulation Program). GIMP is a cross-platform image editor available for GNU/Linux, macOS, Windows and more operating systems. It is free software, you can download it from this website. GIMP provides the tools needed for high quality image manipulation. From retouching to restoring to creative composites, the only limit is your imagination.
The above image shows the use of GIMP to scale down the size of the image to kb size as in the FabAcademy we are made to use images in kb sizes. The software is user friendly, all you have to do is keep on exploring the features of the software.
With the help of GIMP you can customize your images in the following areas;
To learn more about GIMP, you can watch this tutorial.
The above image shows the file conversion of the image from PNG to JPEG type using GIMP.
Inkscape is a 2D design software that uses vector graphics. You can download Inkscape from here.
With the help of inkscape you can draw anything, insert different shapes, customize texts, bitmap tracing and lots more.
The above image shows the Inkscape software window with the theme changed to dark theme and a random design of the letter 'D'. You can check out this channel where the youtuber has uploaded hundreds of tutorial videos both for beginners and the professionals.Ink Scape tutorials.