Page 34 - DCAP313_LAB_ON_COMPUTER_GRAPHICS

Lab on Computer Graphics

Notes simultaneously on the computer screen. True-colour images are created by dedicating 24 bits of
memory to each pixel; 8 each for the red, green, and blue components (8 + 8 + 8 = 24):

Figure 2.12: 24-bit True Colour Displays

The amount of VRAM dedicated to each screen pixel in the display is commonly referred to
as the “colour depth” of the monitor. Most Macintosh and Windows microcomputers sold in
recent years can simply display colour deepness in thousands (16-bit) or millions (24-bit) of
simultaneous colours. To check your computer system for the variety of colour depths available
to you, use the “Display” control panel (Windows) or the “Monitors” control panel (Macintosh):

Figure 2.13: Range of Colour Depths Available

2.6.3 Colour Depth and Graphics Files

The terminology and memory systems used in colour displays are directly analogous to those
used to describe colour depth in graphics files. In their uncompressed states, 8-bit, or 256-colour,

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