It creates graphs, diagrams, illustrations, charts, and lists. The graphics created can be printed out on ordinary printers, can be transformed into color slides or overhead transparencies and can be blown up for courtroom presentations. Essentially, graphics programs allow you to develop easily understandable communications tools. Graphics draw attention because displayed information is easily digestible. Reading three to five short phrases is far simpler than reading a single spaced typed page.
Understanding is enhanced when phrases appear in clear bold typeface.
Clarity is enhanced when information is shown in suitably distinguishable colors. The need for graphics programs arose from use of spreadsheet programs which display primarily tables of numerical information in a manner best appreciated by an accountant. Graphics features in some spreadsheet programs did not advance creating a need for a more sophisticated stand alone program. Separately developed graphics programs came on the market to better display spreadsheet information. Initially then, graphics programs then would display information in graph forms, typically, line and bar graphs and pie charts.