Before you create a new image, think about how you will use it. For example, will you display the image on a Web site, send it as an e-mail attachment, or print it? How you use the image helps you determine the image’s size, resolution, and color depth.
Image Size The physical dimensions of the image. In Paint Shop Pro you define image height and width in pixels, inches, millimeters, or centimeters. This is done when you create a new image (by choosing File > New), or when resizing the current image (using Image > Resize).
For printed images for which you know the size you need, use inches or centimeters. By starting with the final image dimensions, you can produce an image that will fit the page.
For printed images that you will import into another software package (such as a word processor) and resize as needed, use whichever unit is easiest for you.
For images to be displayed on screen, use pixels.
You can resize an image after you have created it, but doing so may result in loss of image data. For more information, see Resizing Images.
Image Resolution The number of pixels per inch (ppi) or pixels per centimeter in images. It is important to select an appropriate resolution. Too low a resolution causes pixelation, or large pixels that produce coarse output. Too high a resolution adds to an image’s memory requirements without producing a proportional increase in its quality.
For example, when scanning a photo or other image for subsequent use in Paint Shop Pro, be aware that the higher you set the scanning resolution, the larger the resulting image will be.
Color Depth The number of colors that a pixel can display. Each pixel’s color information is stored in a certain number of computer bits—from 1 bit to 24 bits. In a 1-bit image, each pixel can display only one of two colors (black or white). In a 24-bit image, each pixel can display one of 16 million colors. Images with a color depth of 16 million colors look best because they contain the most colors, but they also require the most memory to store and edit. Not all computer monitors can display 16 million colors, so some file formats limit the number of supported colors. For example, GIF images, a popular format for the Web, contain up to 256 colors (8-bit depth).
Many of Paint Shop Pro’s effect and correction commands work on 16 million color images only. Therefore, its best to create most images using 16 million colors. When you have finished working on the image, you can decrease its color depth and save it in another format.
For more information, see Understanding Color Depth.
Capturing Images from a Computer Screen
Setting Screen Capture Options
Importing Images from Digital Cameras and Scanners
Using the Paint Shop Pro Browser