Working with Graphics Programs on Desktops and Laptops: Features and Differences

Last Updated on 07.06.2023

Let’s consider the features of work with each type of graphics programs on desktops and laptops in more detail.

Contents show

We have covered a variety of types of programs, applications and services to work with images in a separate article.

In it, we start mainly from the differences between image formats, their purpose and the characteristics of creating and editing them. Now we will approach the subject of its classification from another more practical angle.

Features of working with images on desktops and laptops

We see an ordinary desktop or laptop computer primarily as a device for installing the required programs, more specifically the most functional, advanced and convenient programs for professional work.

Obviously, being able to use time as efficiently as possible and with the least possible damage to health is not so much a matter of habit as a matter of organization of the workplace and of the work itself.

We are not, of course, considering netbooks, which are a very specialized type of device and not suitable for serious graphics work.

The desktop computer is, of course, the most attractive type of computer for professionals, since the classic desktop computer allows you to choose the best balance between screen size and quality, the power of the computer itself and the total cost of the system. possible. But modern laptops can compete with them in several respects.

These are important characteristics: a large screen, a powerful processor, a lot of RAM, ease of use, the ability to connect graphics tablets. Only desktops and laptops have this.

That is why, for many years, we have rightly believed that desktops and laptops are ideal for solving all large tasks without exception. But at the same time, we don’t always realize that when desktop systems already became a universal tool, there was no Internet and no mobile devices.

Let’s consider the features of work with each type of graphics programs on desktops and laptops in more detail.

Photo processing on desktops and laptops

First of all, of course, we are talking about photos taken with specialized equipment: traditional cameras, not mobile phones. Today, a powerful computer with a large monitor has replaced the rooms for film development, photo printing, and everything else that used to be inside photo studios and ateliers.

The first task is to import the image from the camera. Camera manufacturers do not always adhere to universal standards when creating image files, particularly in RAW format.

This happens for many reasons, the main one being the technical characteristics of the hardware and software of a particular camera. This is especially true for professional level cameras.

Photo programs must successfully solve the task of importing such files, which involves a fairly extensive collection of professional camera algorithms and profiles.

The second task is primary photo processing, which now uses increasingly complex AI algorithms using neural networks and other modern solutions. This task requires quite significant computational resources.

The third task is the artistic processing of photographs. It does not require as many computing resources, but in high resolution images it does. In addition, a visual evaluation of the result implies the ability to view the work on a screen of a sufficiently large size and of high quality.

In the area of these three tasks, desktop systems remain and will continue to be unmatched.

Sufficient processing power, RAM and disk memory have become especially important in recent years, when photographic resolution of tens of megapixels is no longer a rarity.

Therefore, desktop and laptop photo processing software is standard today and will be for the foreseeable future.

Working with vector graphics on desktop computers

Vector graphics, especially if they are commercial products created with professional programs, require great precision in literally every aspect of the job.

Precise placement of guides, precise positioning of objects, precise work with curves, precise work with contours… All this is impossible without a high-quality big screen at least.

And, in addition, a high-quality graphics tablet or a good mouse is needed, and a convenient workplace, which is suitable for detailed and comfortable work.

All of the above can be achieved only by working with a desktop computer, preferably a stationary one, although a laptop with a 15-inch screen may suffice.

And, of course, it is impossible not to take current practice into account. It is based on the fact that the developers of the best programs for the creation and editing of vector graphics have initially focused their efforts on desktop systems, this has been the case for many years and this situation is not expected to change.

Of course, there are vector graphics editors for other platforms, but desktops and even laptops are beyond the reach of the competition in general.

Graphics editors are the king of desktop systems

Adobe Photoshop itself and many other “Photoshop”, that is, combined image editors, can to one degree or another do everything possible with any visual object, from photographs and inscriptions to vector graphics and their strangest combinations.

This category of programs requires large, high-quality screens, sufficient processing power, and large amounts of RAM and disk memory.

The computer requirements in this case are the same as for photo editing. If we talk about the screen, they should be the same as those needed for editing vector graphics. All this is fully possible only when working with a classic desktop or laptop computer.

Desktop drawing programs

Drawing programs are very diverse. Among them there are from fairly simple entertainment applications and original programs for drawing in a certain genre to programs for professional work on creating illustrations and programs for drawing comics.

Naturally, they all require large, high-quality screens and good graphics tablets. At the same time, the workplace must be comfortable and designed for long working hours.

Desktop systems have significant competition with tablets in areas of drawing, such as sketching and drafting. We consider them separately.

Design software is a traditional type of desktop software

Design software was one of the first to take its place on desktop systems. This is not surprising: publishing and printing companies were among the first potential consumers of software in the early years of the era of universal computerization.

That is why, since then, when it comes to design, first of all, it comes to publications and all kinds of printed material. It is in this area that design requirements have always been almost more important than content.

In our time, nothing has fundamentally changed, only the requirements for the quality of design have become even higher, and the areas of its application have become even wider. Many other types of design have been added to printed material and the possibilities of the programs have been significantly expanded.

Design services are no longer available only to large companies and have become massive. But not only on desktops, where serious programs are installed and dictate rules and standards. We refer to the massiveness of services and design work by ready-to-use templates. But this is a completely different story: it is about online systems. There is a separate post about it.

Classic design and traditional design software remains one of the most conservative trends firmly associated with desktop workstations.

Conclusion

When using desktop systems for work with installed programs, the absolute priority belongs to photo editors, programs for work with vector graphics, and graphic editors.

For these types of programs, desktop and laptop computers are the best equipment for organizing an entire workplace.

Drawing programs also firmly occupy this segment. Professional illustration and digital painting programs work especially well on desktop computers. Of course, in this case, we are talking about desktop systems with a large screen and a connected graphics tablet.

Recently, large tablets have become sensitive competition for desktop systems in the field of drawing, which are offered with a stylus that provides reliable imitation of real brushes of various types. We consider this between mobile systems.

If we talk about design programs, then here you can observe the most varied picture. However, the desktop versions are still out of the competition when it comes to jobs that require professionalism, high precision of execution, or compliance with special design requirements.

How to choose an image editor for desktop or laptop