Raster Graphics

A raster graphics (or pixel graphics) is a data structure representing a generally rectangular grid of pixels, or points of color, viewable via a monitor, paper, or other display medium. Raster images are stored in image files with varying formats (like PNG (Portable Network Graphics), GIF (Graphics Interchange Format), JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), ...). A bitmap corresponds bit-for-bit with an image displayed on a screen, generally in the same format used for storage in the display's video memory, or maybe as a device-independent bitmap. Bitmap is technically characterized by the width and height of the image in pixels and by the number of bits per pixel (a color depth, which determines the number of colors it can represent). The word "raster" has its origins in the Latin rastrum (a rake), which is derived from radere (to scrape), and recalls metaphorically the systematic sampling of a grid-pattern of individual pixel-spaces with a view to representing an overall image.

Raster Graphics in the LayoutEditor

Raster graphics can be used in two ways within the LayoutEditor. A raster graphic can be imported as a regular design or it can be used as an overlay background image. Such an background image can be vectorized as well.

Raster Graphic as Design

Loading raster graphics in the vector graphic program like LayoutEditor normally don't match. But sometimes it can be useful. For example for adding a logo only available as bitmap to a design. The LayoutEditor converts every pixel to a box on the layer which color is the closest to the pixel color. Most common raster graphics format are supported by the LayoutEditor. Some formats may only available on some platforms. Resolution can be setup. By default the userunits are used as resolution. Resolutions which will result in files with more than 530MPixel will be splitten in multi files. Export to raster graphics will save the visible layers of the current cell. For a export of a part of a cell, please use the screenshot or print function.

Setup Options

The LayoutEditor converts every pixel to a box on the layer which color is the closest to the pixel color. This may lead to insufficient result due to to available colors. Via the setup dialog you can activate a option to optimize the existing layer colors with will result in a better color import.

Raster Graphic as Background

Use the SetBackgroundImage feature to add a rastergraphic as a background. The loaded graphic can be align and scaled afterwards. It is possible to load multi graphic to one design. The image will be used as background for any displayed cell. Use convert a loaded background to the design use the VectorizeImages feature.

Example

pixel grafic as background