Technical data
Color and Input/Output Options 93
Bit depth in PhotoPlus
One of the main differences between PhotoPlus and most other paint
programs is that we’ve put aside the restrictive notion of working with a
limited number of colors. You can work on any image in 24-bit mode,
accessing the full color spectrum via the Color tab. Native format
(.SPP) images are stored in this mode. When and if the time comes to
save in a different format, and reduce colors, PhotoPlus provides the
Export Optimizer for maximum quality control.
While novices will appreciate the ease of use this approach brings,
more experienced users may at first need to adjust to the absence of
color swatches and the constraints of working in 256-color mode. Still,
we’re confident that the benefits of concentrating on image production
first, and color reduction last, will soon become apparent!
Tip: You can use the Open dialog to browse images on your system.
The dialog displays the bit depth and dimensions (as well as an optional
preview thumbnail) of any selected image in a supported format.
Resolution
Bitmaps are created at a fixed resolution, measured in dpi (dots per
inch) and hence lose quality if resized upwards. Resizing downwards is
a different matter, which is why it’s always a good idea to scan pictures
at higher dpi settings and scale down later (see the “Scanning Tips”
section later in this chapter). The reproduction quality of bitmaps can
vary dramatically, and depends on factors such as the dpi stored in the
original file, the dpi used for reproduction (printing), the bit depth, and
the scaling factor used in reproduction.
High resolution bitmaps compensate for quality problems, but tend to
be very large files.
Color modes
The PhotoPlus Color tab includes a control that lets you select one of
four color modes: RGB, HSL, CMYK, or
Grayscale. You should know something about
these modes, even if you only have occasion to
work in one or two of them. Much of the
terminology overlaps. Let’s consider these,
starting with the simplest.