Image and Vector layers

Image layer

An image will be stored in your computer's memory as a pixel graphic or a bitmap. The position and intensity value of every single pixel will be saved. The image’s height and width indicate its number of pixels and thus the amount of storage capacity necessary to store the image.

Vector layer

As opposed to that, drawing objects can be saved as vector graphics to save space. This means that, for example, for a line, only its starting point, its end point and its color will be saved. Of course, before it can be displayed on your monitor together with the image, the vector layer will have been turned into a bitmap, however, the data stored in the memory for both the original image and the drawings will not be affected by this.

Drawing objects will be created by using the following tool windows, respectively toolbars. All of these drawing objects will be written into a special vector layer.

•Use the Drawing toolbar to insert additional information in the form of labeling, markers or drawings, into an image.

•Use the Measurements tool window to define measurement objects in an image.

•Use the Annotations tool window to mark areas of interest in your sample in an image, and to endorse them with a text or audio annotation.

Accessing image and vector layers

Use the Layers tool window to make vector or image layers appear or disappear, or to delete them.

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