2D computer graphics

2D computer graphics refers to graphical images created with the aid of digital computers, in which two-dimensional visual techniques are employed. The term may also refer to the field of study or practice of two-dimensional computer graphics methods as a whole. 2D computer graphics typically do not involve the need for any kind of three-dimensional internal representation of objects or lighting characteristics in the computer; that field is customarily reserved for 3D computer graphics. Some primarily 2D software employs 3D techniques and concepts.

In 2D computer graphics, the computer screen may be considered as a canvas on which an image is drawn or composed. Several techniques exist for rendering 2D graphics on a computer screen; these may be broadly categorized into Raster graphics, in which a rectangular array of pixels is drawn to the screen, and Vector graphics, in which images are composed of mathematical representations of lines, curves, and other geometric shapes.

Most graphical user interfaces use 2D computer graphics as their main display model, although they also support the use of 3D computer graphics or text interfaces within "windows" on the display screen.

2D Graphics Hardware

Modern computer graphic displays almost overwhelmingly use raster techniques, dividing the screen into a rectangular grid of pixels, due to the relatively low cost of raster-based video hardware as compared with vector graphic hardware.

2D Graphics Software

2D computer graphics also refers to creation of computer graphics using drawing or image processing software. While most of the early graphics software provided the artists with only a small set of graphic tools (e.g. freehand drawing, primitive shapes, fills or text), modern graphic packages usually make use of the layered image concept - i.e. one does not edit the contents of the image as a whole, but rather edits just one layer of it. This allows for greater flexibility while creating complex images. Layers can be turned off, blended with each other and various effects can be applied to them. Adobe Photoshop or GIMP are good examples of such software.

Still, one can't diminish the value of the earlier geneneration of graphic programs. If it comes to editing small resolution images with limited color depth they are still the best. One could argue that such limitations are not relevant nowadays with almost everyone using true-color display adapters and high resolution monitors but with the advent of portable game consoles and programmable mobile devices (e.g. Java-equipped cellular phones) they might still have their use. Deluxe Paint and Brillance for Amiga computers are good examples of the state-of-the-art, old school 2D graphics packages.

Apart from the distinction between 2D and 3D graphics. Vector graphics (which is also used in 3D) and bitmap graphics (also called raster graphics) are two very different approaches to computer graphics. Represenants of the former are CorelDRAW and Adobe Illustrator and as for representants of the latter, we should once again mention Adobe Photoshop and GIMP. Also, most of the earlier 2D graphics software was bitmap software.

Most early video games used only 2D graphics.