Core_Computer Studies : Thumbnails

There are three types of Thumbnail files:

A "thumbnail" is a small raster image usually at low resolution. The first type is an image stored at the start of an image file. This is also the little icon we see on the desktop it is also used as a quick preview before loading the image file into an application.

The second use of thumbnails is when an image is displayed in an application. For instance page layout programs often generate a low resolution image to display directly on-screen. When printed, the full file content of the original image is printed.

The first two types of thumbnails are generated by the software the third you have to create yourself.

Thumbnails are also created for navigational use on web pages. These files act as small preview graphics that are linked to other pages on the site. This type of thumbnail you create in a graphics program usually by simply re-sizing a copy of the original image and saving the file at a low resolution.

These notes are written for students who undertake the Core Computer course at School of Art, Australian National University. Students of the course should feel free to contact any member of staff with comments questions and general suggestions..

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