Course Overview
Raster Graphics are widely used in all design products and are represented in the images used within them. Mastering how to create, edit and export images is an essential skillset for any graphic designers. In this course, students will be introduced to the foundations of raster graphics, including understanding pixels dimensions and resolution, how to select, mask, then color correct parts of an image, raster versus vector editing tools, destructive versus nondestructive editing techniques, and working with layers. Advanced topics will be taught such as blending modes, creating and working with brushes, paths, shape layers and exporting images in variant formats for different purposes. Students will apply this knowledge in individual and team projects. Using the professional design process, students are tasked with producing design concepts for each project, taking photos for them, executing a final design, and then critiquing each other.
Prerequisite(s)
- No prerequisites are required for this course.
Credits
3.0
Domestic fees
$622.98 - $652.73 See individual course offerings below for actual costs.
International fees are typically 3.4 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Describe the difference between Raster- and Vector-based graphics.
- Demonstrate how selections are created and saved.
- Explain the differences between destructive versus non-destructive editing techniques.
- Demonstrate how layer masks are created and edited.
- Utilize adjustment layers to colour correct images.
- Explain the process of retouching an image.
- Demonstrate how blending modes are utilized in creating a composite of multiple images.
- Explain how brushes are created, saved and exported.
- Explain how colour modes and colour channels work.
- Demonstrate how to figure out the correct pixel dimensions and resolution for images and projects.
- Explain how to export different image formats for print, or web / app interface elements.
- Create composites made of multiple images to produce unique and original work
Effective as of Spring/Summer 2025
Related Programs
Raster Graphics: Adobe Photoshop (GDES 1275) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
- Indicates programs eligible for students to apply for Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
School of Business + Media
- Digital Photography
Statement of Completion Part-time
- Graphic Communications
Diploma Full-time
- Graphic Design
Certificate Full-time/Part-time
- Graphic Design Foundations
Associate Certificate Part-time
- Graphic Design and Interactive Media
Diploma Part-time
- Media Techniques and Marketing Communications
Certificate Part-time
- Media Techniques for Business
Certificate Part-time
- User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) Design
Associate Certificate Part-time
Course Offerings
Spring/Summer 2026
Below are two offerings of GDES 1275 for the Spring/Summer 2026 term.
CRN 68596
Dates
Apr 07 - Jun 23 Loading
- CRN 68596
- $651.26 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 07 - Jun 23 | Tue | 18:00 - 21:00 | Downtown DTC |
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
TBD
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- You will require access to the Adobe Creative Cloud to complete this course. In order to access the Adobe Creative Cloud on your personal devices for off-campus use, a subscription will be required. Information explaining how to obtain a discounted Adobe subscription is available on the BCIT Software Access webpage: kb.bcit.ca/student/adobe-creative-cloud-subscription-flexible-learning-student-3130/ If you are taking Graphic design programs, here is the suggested order to take them. www.bcit.ca/files/business/pdf/flexible-learning-graphic-design-certificate-recommended-order-of-courses.pdf
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
CRN 68595
Dates
Apr 08 - Jun 24 Loading
- CRN 68595
- $622.98 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 08 - Jun 24 | N/A | N/A | Online |
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
Stephen Scheibel
Course outline
Important information
- Important course information will be sent to you prior to your course start date. Check your myBCIT email account to access this information.
- This course will be delivered entirely online, however, is an asynchronous course which does not require that you meet each week at a specific time. Materials will be posted every WEDNESDAY and students are required to check the content posted and submit assignments weekly. You will require access to the Adobe Creative Cloud in order to complete this course. Students who are currently registered in one or more BCIT Flexible Learning courses are eligible for a free Adobe Creative Cloud subscription from BCIT. For Adobe subscription information, please visit: kb.bcit.ca/student/using-adobe-software-for-students-3588/ If you are taking Graphic design programs, here is the suggested order to take them. - www.bcit.ca/files/business/pdf/flexible-learning-graphic-design-certificate-recommended-order-of-courses.pdf
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Fall 2026
Below are two offerings of GDES 1275 for the Fall 2026 term.
CRN 50132
Dates
Sep 09 - Dec 02 Loading
- CRN 50132
- $623.69 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 09 - Dec 02 | N/A | N/A | Online |
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
TBD
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- This course will be delivered entirely online, however, is an asynchronous course which does not require that you meet each week at a specific time. Materials will be posted every WEDNESDAY and students are required to check the content posted and submit assignments weekly. Please log into learn.bcit.ca using your BCIT student email and password on the first day of class. You will require access to the Adobe Creative Cloud in order to complete this course. Students who are currently registered in one or more BCIT Flexible Learning courses are eligible for a free Adobe Creative Cloud subscription from BCIT. For subscription information, please visit: kb.bcit.ca/student/using-adobe-software-for-students-3588/ It is important you have a stable and consistent internet connection to access course content. Please check to ensure you meet the computer requirements for the class. If you are taking Graphic design programs, here is the suggested order to take them. - www.bcit.ca/files/business/pdf/flexible-learning-graphic-design-certificate-recommended-order-of-courses.pdf
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
CRN 50124
Dates
Sep 14 - Nov 30 Loading
- CRN 50124
- $652.73 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 14 - Nov 30 | Mon | 18:00 - 21:15 | Downtown DTC Rm. 860 |
Duration
11 weeks
Instructor
TBD
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- No class on Oct 12. You will require access to the Adobe Creative Cloud to complete this course. In order to access the Adobe Creative Cloud on your personal devices for off-campus use, a subscription will be required. Information explaining how to obtain a discounted Adobe subscription is available on the BCIT Software Access webpage: kb.bcit.ca/student/adobe-creative-cloud-subscription-flexible-learning-student-3130/ If you are taking Graphic design programs, here is the suggested order to take them. www.bcit.ca/files/business/pdf/flexible-learning-graphic-design-certificate-recommended-order-of-courses.pdf
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.