A type of computer program used to produce original graphics, or manipulate existing bitmapped images. The difference between a paint program and a drawing program is that the latter is used to produce vector-based graphics, useful for the smooth, clean output of line art. Paint programs, being bitmapped graphics, are both displayed on the computer monitor and output as bit maps, the resolution on-screen being dependent on that of which the monitor is capable. The advantage of paint programs is that images can be manipulated pixel-by-pixel, the color depth of each pixel varying only by what the monitor is capable of displaying. Paint programs are occasionally useful for generating original artwork; they are more commonly used for manipulating scanned or otherwise imported graphic images. (See Bit Map.)
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