Format Notes

GRAPHIC FILE FORMATS

Compression = Makes it worse

All computer docs or files are packaged in different formats.

The format is determined by it’s origin.

Graphic files (photos and videos) can be reduced in file size by compression.

Graphic images are in 2 categories, lossy and lossless.

LOSSY

Image data is lost or reduced for smaller size but can cause poor image quality. (JPEG, GIF, MPEG, MP3, MP4)

LOSSLESS

Retains for higher quality. but files are bigger.

(TIF)

GRAPHIC FORMATS

TIF, JPEG, GIF are the 3 most common formats

PNG is a common web format, is high quality, and can contain a transparency channel. (Alpha Channel)

TIF

Tagged Image Format

Common format for desktop publishing, print and graphic design.

LOSSLESS

Can result in larger files sizes and isn’t internet friendly.

JPG

Joint Photographers Expert Group

Created for digital photography

LOSSY

Can reduce file size by a factor of 10 with too much image change.

Level of compression is adjustable.

It there is FLAT COLOR, use .GIF

GIF

Graphic Interchange Format

Best for flat colors and even tones, for cartoons.

Reduces images size

LOSSY

Adjustable by changing color bit levels from 1 to 8

CANNOT PRINT

JPG and TIF are good for photos

GIF is best for non contiguous pixels.