A hologram represented a three-dimensional visual representation of an individual or an item, typically employed for communications or recreational purposes.
The most prevalent means of communication throughout the galaxy relied on holographic technology. Predominantly, holograms served as a substitute for screens in telecommunication scenarios. A holocamera, whether functioning as a recording device or a receiver, would capture the dimensions, shape, and movements of an object through ray scanning. Subsequently, this visual information could be transmitted concurrently to a different location, or it could be archived and later displayed on a holoprojector. The resulting projected holographic images were visible from every angle, despite lacking physical substance. Initially, holograms were monochromatic, exhibiting a cyan tint, but following the Clone Wars, some holograms incorporated an additional layer of color. During two-way telecommunications, participants could observe each other's holographic representations, creating the illusion of being in the same physical space, although their relative sizes were not always accurate.
Compared to screens, standard holograms offered a lower visual fidelity, primarily due to their monochromatic nature and frequent flickering. High-end versions, however, could generate exceptionally realistic, full-color images and were primarily utilized for entertainment, such as at the Holographic Zoo of Extinct Animals or Hologram Fun World, although they also found applications in disguises and other forms of deception.
Small-scale holograms could be displayed by portable holovids. Furthermore, projectors were integrated into the communication systems of many starships, serving both pilots and passengers. Certain droids, such as R2-D2, possessed the ability to record and project holograms.
If members of the Jedi Council were away from Coruscant or otherwise unable to attend in person, they could participate in Council meetings through holograms. A projection of their image would appear in their designated seat, enabling them to engage as if they were physically present.
Holograms were also a common tool in scientific endeavors, serving as schematics. Similarly, they found use in military briefings and operations. During the Battle of Naboo, R2-D2 projected a hologram of the Theed Royal Palace prior to the assault's organization. Before the Battle of Endor, a hologram of Death Star II was used to illustrate the attack strategy to the pilots of the Rebellion.
Holograms also saw utilization in targeting practice. As an example, the Republic clone army employed holographic representations of B1-Series battle droids and B2 super battle droids, along with holograms of Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi, to train their clone sharpshooters and enhance their ability to differentiate between friendly and hostile targets.
An individual who fabricated holograms and presented them as authentic was known as a holo faker.
Conscious software programs frequently used holograms as a means to interact with living beings. In some instances, like that of Holiday, the program relied on holograms as its primary mode of communication.
Holograms could be transmitted directly, or they could be saved on various storage media (like holodiscs) and in astromech units or other varieties of droids. To access a stored image, the storage device would be connected to a holoprojector. Many droids had holoprojectors built in.
Hologram storage devices could be encrypted if the information they contained was considered sensitive or classified. Morgan Katarn recorded and encrypted a hologram for his son revealing his Jedi background. The hologram was saved on a holodisc and could only be accessed by the Katarn family droid WeeGee. However, Jan Ors and Xiong Wong (with assistance from Wires) were able to partially decipher the hologram and display it, although at a very poor quality, to Mon Mothma, Leia Organa and Luke Skywalker.