Graphics packages are used to create, manipulate, and transfer images. The two types of graphics are object (vector) based and the bitmap images. In object graphics, the image is stored as a number of lines, boxes and other objects, each of which has properties like color, fill pattern, size, etc. Each object can be manipulated individually. A bitmap image uses a pixel-by-pixel breakdown of the picture. Bitmap graphics usually takes up more space than the object graphics. Draw (object) programs lend themselves well to technical illustrations while paint (bitmap) programs handle textures very well and are good for photo-realistic images.
Some drawing/paint programs include a 3D rendering capabilities. They can extrapolate a three-dimensional image from a two-dimensional design, then shade and texture the image and position it in ~three-space~. Some can even compute various characteristics such as reflection, illumination, shadowing, and motional blurring. These programs typically have animation functions built in which can create "movies."
