1. A method of encoding a graphic image at full resolution for storing in a reduced image buffer for subsequent decoding and printing by a marking device, the method comprising the steps of: segmenting said graphic image into blocks; distinguishing smooth areas of the image from edges of the image; determining a construction of the edges in a block of the image blocks, said determining step comprising describing an edge for the block by storing positions at which the edge enters and exits the block; assigning reference points around the entire perimeter of the block relative to a given point; and storing the construction, encoded as the entry and exit points of the edge measured in terms of said reference points in the reduced image buffer.