Several unique terms and phrases describe the features of software we review on this site, some easier to grasp than others. This list briefly defines terms relevant to Clip Art Software.

Ratings

Clip Art Variety

This is the amount of vector illustrations, backgrounds, photographs, etc. that the software has to offer, including the overall quantity that is included in the software.

Search Capabilities

The simplicity of the clip art search tools-the easier the process, the higher the ranking.

Clip Art Quality

The quality of clip art, including resolution, style, and how well clip art images copy to your computer or printer.

Customer Service

This rating is how easy it was for us to get a hold of the manufacturer for product support and general information. Whether they respond to emails or whether someone responds to phone calls.

Delivery Method

CDs

The clip art arrives on either a DVD or a CD; images are downloaded from the disc.

Online

The clip art is located online; you must have an Internet connection to download all the images.

Features

Clip Art Quantity

The number of clip art images available in the clip art product.

Printed Catalog

A paperback clip art book with organized thumbnail (miniature) clip art images.

Image Browser

An electronic clip art catalog or search tool that allows you to search for clip art images quickly, using keywords or topics.

Clip Art Types

Vector Clip Art

A graphics and clip art format that can be scaled limitlessly without losing image quality. Vector format is only available for illustrations, not photos. Although most clip art editing programs can open .eps files, doing so will cause the image to change into pixels. If you need to edit an original .eps file and retain it as a true vector file, you must use a graphic artist program (such as Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw, or Macromedia Freehand).

Photographs

Professional taken photos, including the backgrounds

High Resolution Photos

The software should provide high resolution photographs as a seperate category. These photographs should be larger then 96dpi (Dots Per Inch).

Web Graphics

Any graphic, from arrows and lines to buttons and icons. Web graphics have been optimized and stored in a format that transfers easy to your website.

Photo Objects (No Backgrounds)

A portion of a photograph with a transparent background, so that you can use the photo object like a clip art object.

Fonts

Styles of text that you may use for creative writing on a web page, word document, etc.

Sounds

Sound files (audio) are stored in different formats; most common are .WAV and .MP3 files.

Borders

A clip art border, such as a floral picture frame. Often used for scrapbooking.

Backgrounds

A texture, pattern, or image that does not contain a main subject or object.

Technical Symbols

A simple, stylized clip art illustration that represents a concept or idea. For example, a dollar sign represents money. A tent represents camping.

Animated Graphics

Simple or complex images with motion, or a sequence of images displayed as a slideshow.

Flash Animations

This format is made specifically for the Macromedia program. Vector graphics-based animation program with full-screen navigation interfaces. Basically it is a short movie using the vector graphics.

Support/Documentation

Manual

Help documentation that will walk you through the clip art program step by step.

FAQ

A searchable list of "frequently asked questions" concerning clip art. Support teams post common questions in an effort to deliver answers efficiently, so you won't have to phone customer support. Always check FAQs before contacting customer support.

eMail/Online Forms

The manufacturer offers a support email address or an online form for clip art questions.

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