Image File Formats

There are a lot of image file formats that we use to store different image files.

• These formats are separated into to main families raster and vector images.
• Each of these image file formats have their own uses.
• The most common image file formats used for cameras, printing, scanning and internet use are JPG, TIF, PNG, GIF, BMP.

Raster Image Formats :

The raster image file formats are most known to all internet users.

• Raster images are constructed by a series of pixels to form a image.
• Every photo you find online or print is a raster image.
• The different extensions that we use in raster images are listed below.

Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG or JPG) :

• It is the most common type used for photographs web.
• Appears good and the file size is as small as they can be, so your site loads quickly.
• A JPG can't have transparent background, they are always in the shape of a rectangle or square with solid background.

Graphics Interchange Format (GIF) :

• The images are limited with colors. It reduces the number of colors in image from 0 to 256, which reduces the size of the image.
• GIF support transparency and have unique ability to display sequence of images.
• We don't use GIF for full color product photos and mostly used for simple web graphics like charts, button, icons.

Portable Network Graphics (PNG) :

PNG is a alternative to GIF which allows greater compression and with a wider range of colors.
It also supports variable transparency, where user can control the degree to which a image is transparent.
Ideal for saving logo files for websites as they can be placed over any color background.

Tagged Image File (TIF) :

It is a larger raster file, which doesn't loss in quality. TIF is not compatible for all systems.
Primarily used for images in printing photographs with high quality for scanning, fax etc.
Don't use TIF on the web it will take forever to load.

Portable Document Format (PDF) :

The PDFs are invented by Adobe which are used for capturing and reviewing the information from any application on a computer.
It can contain raster or vector images or even both images.
It is best used for sharing graphics.

Photoshop Document (PSD) :

• PSD are files that are created and saved in Adobe Photoshop, the most popular graphics editor.
• The raster image files are generated by using this editing software.

Vector Image Formats :

Vector images allow more flexibility as they are constructed using mathematical formulas rather than individual color blocks.

Encapsulated PostScript (EPS) :

It is a file in vector graphics which is designed for high resolutions for print.
It is a universal file type that can be used to open in any vector-based artwork in design editor.

Adobe Illustrator Document (AI) :

• AI is a file type created by Adobe that can only be created or edited with Adobe Illustrator.
• It is good for internal use and sharing with your print.

Stereo Formats :

MPO stands for Multi Picture Object which consists of multiple JPEG images.
PNS for PNG stereo which consist of side by side images on PNG.
JPS for JPEG stereo format consist of side by side images on JPEG.