Introduction: Bits Per Pixel and Related Ideas

The terminology for image formats can be confusing because there are often several ways of describing the same format. This topic explains what the terms mean.

If an image is 24 bits per pixel, it is also called a 24-bit image, a true color image, or a 16M color image. Sixteen million is roughly the number of different colors that can be represented by 24 bits, where there are 8 bits for each of the red, green, and blue (RGB) values.

A 32-bit image is a specialized true-color format used in image files, where the extra byte carries information that is either converted or ignored when the file is loaded. The extra byte is used for an additional color plane in CMYK files, which are specialized files for color printing. In that case, LEADTOOLS, by default, converts the values to 24-bit RGB values when loading the image. The additional byte may also be used for an Alpha channel, which carries extra information such as a transparency indicator.

If an image is 16 bits per pixel, it is also called a 16-bit image, a high color image, or a 32K color image. Thirty-two thousand is roughly the number of different colors that can be represented by 16 bits, where there are 5 bits for each of the red, green, and blue values. (Devices that specify 64K color support are also referring to 16-bit images, but they are counting the left-over bit.)

If an image is 8 bits per pixel, it is also called an 8-bit image or a 256-color image. Two hundred fifty-six is the number of different colors that can be achieved by using the image data as 8-bit indexes to an array of colors called a palette.

If an image is 4 bits per pixel, it is also called a 4-bit image or a 16-color image. Sixteen is the number of different colors that can be achieved by using the image data as 4-bit indexes to a palette.

If an image is 1 bit per pixel, it is also called a 1-bit image, a black and white image, a 2-color image, or a bitonal image. Two is the number of different colors that can be achieved by using the image data as 1-bit indexes to a palette. The palette can contain colors other than black and white, although black and white are most common.

If an image is grayscale, its red, green, and blue values are all the same, and the values are incremented from the lowest to the highest. For example, an 8-bit grayscale image has 256 shades of gray, with values from 0 to 255. LEADTOOLS supports 4, 8, 12, and 16-bit grayscale. Support for the 12 and 16-bit grayscale images is only available in the Document/Medical.

Most of this same terminology is applied to video cards. For example, an 8-bit card is one that is capable of displaying 256 colors.