Information is conveyed with images easily. Whether you are adding a background image, posting a logo or product photo, or using a link to represent an image, it is vital to know the type of image file formats available for use. You should also note the difference between them and when to use what.
By default, most images are large, and the need for compression results in different image formats. So, after capturing those unique photos, what is the image file format you use to save them? Is it RAW, DNG, TIFF, GIF, or other file formats?
Image files come in formats optimized for a particular purpose. Using the type suitable for your project will give you the best just how you intended, and the wrong image file formats result in the poor image or print quality.
Table of Contents
1. Lossy and lossless algorithms
A lossy image format reduces the original size of your image by removing some data from it or reducing the number of colors. Doing this may reduce the image quality, but lossy files are ideal for websites where download speed and file size are paramount.
Lossless file formats retain all data in the original file and ensure you do not lose anything. That means lossless files will take more storage space.
Now, let us consider the different types of image file formats available.
2. Common image file formats
RASTER FORMATS
Raster images comprise a grid of dots, known as pixels, and each pixel represents a color.
Unlike vector graphics, which retain their resolution at all times, even when enlarged or transformed into another form, raster image data becomes blurry if not upscaled because of its limited size (the same with bitmap pictures). Raster images are great for digital artwork, photographs, and web graphics like banner ads.
Adobe Photoshop is an image editor for creating, designing, and editing raster images. It is an industry-standard editor for adding quality appearance and shadows to designs.
Creating a raster image generally involves these steps:
- Creating an initial layout in which all elements of your design will eventually appear
- Adding color(s) using CMYK – cyan, magenta, yellow, and key or black – colors such as those found on traditional four-color printing press where text appears black unless it has specific highlights meant only for particular types of eyesight. You can save files in this format and optimize them for physical printing.
- RGB is an acronym for red, green, and blue. It is a light-based version with three primary colors that form other colors. Files stored here are for visual display units.
Some common raster image formats you might have seen quite a bit before include JPEG, PNG, and GIF.
JPEG/JFIF
JPEG stands for Joint Photographic Experts Group, the team that developed it. JPEG is one of the most widely used file formats for photos and banners due to its ability to reduce file sizes.
It also increases pixels when compressed more than needed to avoid reducing the quality while conserving space on your hard drive with these reduced file sizes.
When to use JPEG
- You can use the JPEG format when dealing with online photos or artwork. JPEGs offer you the most flexibility, making them ideal for web images that need quick download. They are perfect for editing before sending it as a quick preview image over the mail.
- If you want to print pictures or other graphics like illustrations from your computer screen but do not have access in real-time, Printable PNG2000 file types can give a good quality output when necessary. Just make sure not too much information gets lost during conversion because there will only ever be one master version saved out of many versions made throughout the production process.
PNG (Portable Network Graphics)
PNGs are the way to go for those who want images with a high color depth. Lossless and transparent, this format packs in millions of shades that you cannot compare with others. PNGs are quickly becoming a popular image file format on websites like Facebook or Instagram because it has everything you may need. It offers quality output without compromising the file size imposed by some browsers, which may cause users to download larger files.
When to use PNG
- You can use the PNG image file format when you need high-quality transparent web graphics. PNG images are a great way to have any degree of transparency, and they can be much more vibrant than GIFs with only on/off translucence. You will also realize that since some monitors do not display as much color depth for some reason, PNG files work best when there are a small number of colors in your illustrations. They will look even better if all you use them for are simple shapes like icon sets, and it makes sense since they might not take up lots of space either way (and will always fit in one webpage).
- The smaller size means less data consumption.
GIF (Graphics Interchange Format)
GIF is a lossless and widely used web image format, great for animation visuals and graphics. Most of the moving image files on the web use the GIF format. Also, graphic and web designers use it for simple banners and logos called sharp-eyed line artworks.
GIF formats are suitable for the web because they load quickly, thanks to extreme data compression.
When to use GIF:
- GIFs are vital when you need transparency. The images come with transparent alpha channels where you place images on a colored background.
- If you want to create a web animation, you should use a GIF format. GIF images handle timing information and animation frames in a single file. You can use an image editor such as Photoshop to create short animations and export them as a GIF file.
- GIF files compress, so you should use them when you need a small file. It remains the best image format for web graphics and simple icons.
<div style="width:100%;height:0;padding-bottom:67%;position:relative;"><iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/Yrl2Hw8kPQFprG7mdj" width="100%" height="100%" style="position:absolute" frameBorder="0" class="giphy-embed" allowFullScreen></iframe></div><p><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/Netz-Teufel-jesus-hopespeech-praying4myhaters-Yrl2Hw8kPQFprG7mdj">via GIPHY</a></p>3. Other image file formats
RAW Image File Format
RAW is the highest quality format for photos. You can process RAW files directly from the sensor in your camera, which means that there is no compression to reduce their quality, and it also allows you more creative freedom with editing. When you make changes on a RAW file, they will remain intact without losing data because processing does not occur until you want something different from what was captured originally (like JPGs).
When to use RAW
• Shooting and editing photos is a great way to make your images come alive. To get started, you will need a camera that captures in RAW formats so you can modify it as desired later.
TIFF (Tagged Image File Format)
TIFF encodes documents, photos, and other image files for easy printing. These large-scale images are often the best choice for high-quality prints, along with RAW formats like TIF or JPGs (which may also contain TIFF data). These files should always remain on your computer if you want to edit them later because what is important is how those pictures will appear when printing.
When to use TIFF
• TIFF files are among the highest quality graphic formats available. They are used to print photos, along with RAW images, if you are looking for a high-quality final product that does not have any pesky digital imperfections like branding (especially when printing at enormous sizes).
• If scanning documents is what you are doing, then scan in TIF format.
PSD (Photoshop Document)
PSD is an acronym for Photoshop Document. These files are original design documents created in Photoshop that can be fully edited with layers and image adjustments, making them perfect for different projects. Exporting these PSDs into other formats, such as raster images, allow you to have greater flexibility when working on your next big idea.
When to use PSD
• To get the most out of your photos, you should use a PSD. When a color correction or adding text to an image in Photoshop is needed, that is where it works best.
• You can get those pesky lines and shadows with these files for perfect artwork before printing them or uploading them online as social media images. They will look good, thanks to their built-in optimization features, so there is no need to worry about the size when delivering them to screens across the web without losing quality along the way.
DNG (Digital Negative)
The lossless DNG format is equivalent to RAW photos. It is a Photoshop format meant for different camera types or manufacturers, so any software can read and convert this standardized image file type. It makes it easier to share your work online on various platforms, such as emailing friends safely without having them download huge files from remote locations when there may not even be enough space available. You will find it 15% smaller than its counterpart, which means better quality and less downloaded time by those who need quick access over networks.
Adobe constantly improves the DNG format with checksum information and new features that assure protection from file corruption and enhance all of your photos. However, it has downsides, like removing unrecognized metadata, which is not retrieved even after converting RAW files into this newer standard. If you have the original copy of a file, then backing it up just once will save headaches down the line.
When to use DNG
• You should use DNG when you need smaller sized images without losing data
• Use DNG for a quick download, upload, or you want to send images through email.
4. Summary
The most common image file formats are JPG, GIF, and PNG. Understanding when to use them can help you optimize your site for speedy downloads and better image quality on the page. That is because each format has its strengths in terms of compression rate or alpha-channel transparency support with other features that determine their optimal application based on what needs it will serve best.
It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with these primary web graphics so you can use them in future projects.