Which graphic formats do the layers not support? What graphic file formats (picture formats) are there and in what programs they can be opened. Image storage formats in raster graphics

There are two types of graphic files, raster and vector, which have different formats.

  1. raster graphics files correspond to the formats *.bmp, *.tif, *psd, *.gif, *.png, *.jpg;
  2. vector graphics file corresponds to the formats *.wmf, *.eps, *.cdr, *.ai

Knowledge of file formats is the basis for working with digital photographs. they determine how the information is stored in the file (raster or vector), as well as the form in which the information is stored (the compression algorithm used). Compression is used for raster graphics files, since they are usually quite large. Compressing graphic files differs from archiving them using archiving programs (gag, zip, arj, etc.) in that the compression algorithm is included in the graphic file format.

Basic graphic file formats

RAW

Translated from English - raw. The format used in the photo processing process contains raw information that comes directly from the camera sensor and does not have a clear specification. These files are not processed by the camera's processor (unlike JPG) and contain original shooting information. RAW can be compressed without losing quality. Unlike JPG, which was processed in the camera and already saved with data compression, RAW gives the widest possibilities for processing photographs and preserves maximum quality.

In other words, the RAW format refers to data obtained directly from the matrix without processing.

Different camera manufacturers use different algorithms to create RAW in their cameras. Each manufacturer comes up with its own resolution for its RAW file - NEF, NRW - Nikon; CRW, CR2 – Canon.

JPEG (or JPG)

This is the most common graphics file format. JPEG has earned its popularity due to its flexible data compression capabilities. If necessary, the image can be saved with maximum quality. Or compress it to the minimum file size for transmission over the network. When saving a JPEG file, you can specify the degree of quality, and therefore the degree of compression, which is usually specified in some conventional units, for example, from 1 to 100 or from 1 to 10. A larger number corresponds to better quality, but the file size increases. Usually, the difference in quality between 90 and 100 is practically not perceived by eye.

JPEG uses a lossy compression algorithm. What does this give us? An obvious disadvantage of such a system is the loss of image quality every time a file is saved. On the other hand, image compression simplifies data transfer by 10 times. In practice, saving a photo with minimal compression does not result in any visible degradation in image quality. That is why JPG is the most common and popular format for storing graphic files.

TIFF (Tagged Image File Format)

TIFF format is a format for storing raster graphics. It was originally developed by Aldus in collaboration with Microsoft for use with PostScript. It allows you to save photos in various color spaces (RBG, CMYK, YCbCr, CIE Lab, etc.) and with high color depth (8, 16, 32 and 64 bits). TIFF is used in scanning, faxing, text recognition, printing, and is widely supported by graphics applications. It is possible to save an image in a TIFF file with or without compression. Compression levels depend on the characteristics of the image being saved, as well as on the algorithm used. Unlike JPG, a TIFF image will not lose quality every time the file is saved. But, unfortunately, it is precisely because of this that TIFF files weigh many times more than JPG.

PSD (Photoshop Document)

Photoshop Document (PSD) is an original raster format for storing graphic information, using lossless compression, created specifically for Adobe Photoshop and supporting all its capabilities. It allows you to save a bitmap image with many layers, any color depth and in any color space. Most often, the format is used to save intermediate or final results of complex processing with the ability to change individual elements. PSD also supports compression without loss of quality. But the abundance of information that a PSD file can contain greatly increases its weight.

BMP (Bit MaP image)

Bit MaP image (BMP) is a universal raster graphics file format used in the Windows operating system. This format is supported by many graphic editors, including the Paint editor. Recommended for storing and exchanging data with other applications. The BMP format is one of the first graphic formats. It is recognized by any program that works with graphics. BMP stores data with a color depth in this format from 1 to 48 bits per pixel, the maximum image dimensions are 65535 × 65535 pixels. At the moment, the BMP format is practically not used either on the Internet (JPG weighs several times less) or in printing (TIFF copes with this task better).

GIF (Graphics Interchange Format)

format for storing raster graphics. The GIF format is capable of storing compressed data without loss of quality in a format of up to 256 colors. Includes a lossless compression algorithm that allows you to reduce the file size by several times. An image in GIF format is stored line by line; only the format with an indexed color palette is supported. Recommended for storage; images created programmatically (diagrams, graphs, etc.) and drawings (such as appliqué) with a limited number of colors (up to 256). Used to place graphic images on Web pages on the Internet.

PNG (Portable network graphics)

A raster format for storing graphic information using lossless compression. PNG was created to both improve upon and replace the GIF format with a graphics format that does not require a license for use. Unlike GIF, PNG has alpha channel support and the ability to store an unlimited number of colors. PNG compresses data without loss, which makes it very convenient for storing intermediate versions of image processing. Used to place graphic images on Web pages on the Internet.

JPEG 2000 (or jp2)

A graphic format that, instead of the discrete cosine transform characteristic of JPEG, uses wavelet transform technology, which is based on representing the signal as a superposition of some basic functions - wave packets. As a result of this compression, the image is smoother and clearer, and the file size compared to JPEG with the same quality is reduced by another 30%. In simple terms, for the same quality, JPEG 2000 file size is 30% smaller than JPG. When highly compressed, JPEG 2000 does not break the image into squares characteristic of the JPEG format. Unfortunately, at the moment this format is not very widespread and is supported only by Safari and Mozilla/Fireox browsers (via Quicktime).

WMF (Windows MetaFile)

A universal format of vector graphics files for Windows applications. Used to store a collection of Microsoft Clip Gallery graphics.

CDR (CorelDRaw files)

An original vector graphics file format used in the CorelDraw vector graphics processing system.

AI (AdobeIllustrator files)

An original vector graphics file format used in the AdobeIllustrator vector graphics processing system.

EPS (Encapsulated PostScript)

The format of vector graphics files is supported by programs for various operating systems.

Here are almost all the most common ones graphic file formats, which a self-respecting photographer and designer should know.

Which store any type of persistent graphical data (“images”) intended for subsequent visualization. The ways of organizing these files are called graphic formats. Once written to a file, the image ceases to be an image itself - it turns into digital data. The format of this data may change as a result of file conversion operations. Depending on the nature of the graphics supported, file formats are classified into one of the following types: raster format, vector format, metafile format. The most common graphic formats:

AI (Adobe Illustrator, Adobe AI) - a metafile format developed by Adobe for Macintosh, Microsoft Windows, NeXT; used for recording and storing various types of images, including drawings, drawings and decorative inscriptions.

PSD (Photoshop Document, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe PSD) is a raster format included in the Adobe Photoshop graphics editor; used by publishing systems on PC and Macintosh platforms. PSD allows you to record with or without compression (RLE) an image with many layers, masks, additional channels, contours and other graphic elements.

ART is a format developed by Gonson-Grace, used for storing photographs and drawings.

AutoCAD DXF (Drawing Interchange Format) and AutoCAD DXB (Drawing Interchange Binary) are two versions of the same format (without data compression), developed and supported by Autodesk for the AutoCAD CAD program running on the MS-DOS platform. DXB is a simplified (binary) version of the seven-bit DXF. In addition to AutoCAD, the format is supported by many CAD programs, CorelDRAW and others, in particular, for exchanging data of different types: vector-oriented data, texts, three-dimensional drawings. However, a number of programs that claim to support DXF import implement only some of its capabilities. DXF changes with each version of AutoCAD. DXF and DXB file names use the extensions *.dxf, *.dxb, *.sld, *.adi.

BDF (Bitmap Distribution Format) is a raster format developed by the X Consortium for exchanging bitmap font data between X Window and other systems. There is no compression, the maximum image size is not limited, the color is monochrome. Each BDF file stores data for only one typeface (a group of fonts united by a single name).

BMP is a raster format developed by Microsoft for Windows OS; supported by all graphic editors working under its control, capable of storing both indexed (up to 256 colors) and RGB color (16.7 million shades). Most BMP files are stored in uncompressed form.

CDR (CorelDRAW Document) is a vector format initially known for its low stability and poor file compatibility. Many PC programs (FreeHand, Illustrator, PageMaker) can import CDR files. Starting from the seventh version, CorelDRAW in CDR files applies compression separately for vector and raster graphics; fonts can be embedded.

CGM (Computer Graphics Metafile) is a standard (ANSI and ISO) and metafile format for displaying vector images on the Web, adopted at the end of 1998 by the 3WC (WWW Consortium). The format is focused on supporting a variety of graphic images, including artistic graphics, technical illustrations, cartography, and computer publishing systems. Although CGM contains many graphics primitives and attributes, it is less complex than PostScript, allows for the creation of more compact files, and supports the exchange of complex, high-quality artistic images. The format uses different types of compression (RLE, CCITT Group 3 and Group 4); the color palette is not limited. One CGM file can contain multiple images.

CPT is a raster format of the Corel PHOTO-PAINT program, provides storage of full-color images and vector objects.

DPX (Digital Picture Exchange Format; also known as SMPTE Digital Picture Exchange Format) is a raster format designed to store one film frame or video data stream; developed by Kodak Cineon, adopted by ANSI and the US Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) with minor modifications as a standard. The format is supported by Kodak programs.

DWG is a vector format of the AutoCAD program from Autodesk, designed for storing drawings.

EMF (Enchanced Metafile) is a metafile format developed by Microsoft for storing images as a sequence of commands leading to the reproduction of images. In November 2005, the vulnerability of EMF and WMF formats from “buffer overflow attacks” was discovered, and at the end of December, a family of Internet worms appeared. The infection occurred when users visited a number of sites that used the WMF vulnerability to download Trojan programs to a remote machine. Soon, stand-alone versions of viruses appeared, spreading in the form of email worms in attached image files. Microsoft responded to this threat by issuing Security Advisory 912840, as well as (January 11, 2005) patching Windows XP, Windows 2000 (Service Pack 4), and Windows Server 2003.

3DS (3D Studio, ASC) - a format developed by Autodesk, a three-dimensional modeling tool (“scene description”); also used as an interchange format. The format ensures optimal distribution of resources on the PC platform, supports all colors without restrictions, and has no compression. Many 3D modeling programs read and write files in this format. Strictly speaking, 3DS is two formats that are used as exchange formats - binary with the *.3ds extension and text with the *.asc extension.

EPS (Encapsulated PostScript, EPSF) is a simplified version of the PostScript format (PDL), developed by Adobe as a vector format, and later its raster version appeared - Photoshop EPS. The EPS format cannot contain more than one page in a single file and does not preserve a number of printer settings. Like PostScript print files, the EPS format records the final work, although programs such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and Macromedia FreeHand can use it as a production tool.

FH8 (FreeHand Document) is the eighth version of the FH format, intended only for Macintosh PCs. FreeHand itself, Illustrator 7 and a limited number of programs from Macromedia can work with it. Starting from the seventh version, the FH format has full cross-platform compatibility, however, some FreeHand effects are not compatible with PostScript.

FIF (Fractal Image Format) is a format developed by Iterated Systems, used for storing photographs on the Internet, and supports its own FIF compression system.

FITS (Flexible Image Transport System, FTI) is a raster format and image storage standard used by many organizations (including scientific organizations, government agencies) for storing astronomical (obtained by orbital vehicles) and terrestrial images (in particular, radio astronomy data and digitized photographic images) . The format is widely used to exchange data between different hardware platforms and software applications that do not support a common file format. FITS is considered a fairly simple, uncompressed format with an “unlimited number” of shades of gray. It can store many types of data, including raster, ASCII text, multidimensional matrices, binary tables.

GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) is a standard raster format for presenting images on the WWW; was developed in 1987 by CompuServe, overshadowing the older PCX and MacPaint formats. Main advantages: the ability to use on many platforms and the availability of an efficient 12-bit LZW compression algorithm with free (until 1994) implementations. The format allows you to well compress files in which there are a lot of uniform fills (logos, inscriptions, diagrams), record an image “through the line” (Interlaced mode), thanks to which, having only part of the file, you can see the entire image, but with a lower resolution (GIF supports resolution up to 66536x65536).

IFF (Interchange File Format), ILM, ILBM, LBM (InterLeaved BitMap), Amiga Paint - a family of raster formats developed and supported for the MS-DOS, UNIX, Amiga platforms by Electronics Arts and Commodore-Amiga. A distinctive feature of IFF is its versatility: it can be used not only to support graphics, but also sound on all platforms except Amiga. IFF was previously known as the 24-bit format for MS-DOS, but it began to be replaced by the TIFF and TGA formats, and then by the JFIF format. Some characteristics of the IFF format: maximum image size 64 K by 64 K pixels; used in uncompressed and RLE compression versions, supports colors from 1- to 24-bit; “Major in Minor” number format, has a specification on CD; when used with MS-DOS and UNIX, file names may have *.iff and *.lbm extensions.

JFIF (JPEG File Interchange Format), JFI, JPG, JPEG - a raster format from C-Cube Microsystems, has become most widespread, so most “JPEG” images would be more correctly called “JFIF”. Using JFIF, it is recommended to save only the final version of the work, since each intermediate save leads to data loss and distortion of the original image.

PCX (PC Paintbrush File Format) is one of the most common raster formats; designed for storing illustrations in desktop publishing systems. The format was developed by Zsoft for the Paintbrush program, and after concluding an OEM agreement with Microsoft Corporation, it began to be used in various systems that work with graphics. Main characteristics: maximum image size 64 K by 64 K; 24-bit color support; uses RLE compression (can work without compression); supports work with CD-ROM. The PCX format versions are DCX and PCC, whose file names have the appropriate extension.

PDF (Portable Document Format) is a metafile format proposed by Adobe for graphic files (vector and raster) containing illustrations and text with a large set of fonts and hypertext links for the purpose of transmitting them over the network in compressed form.

PDS (Planetary Data System Format) is a NASA standard format for storing data collected by spacecraft and ground-based observations about the Sun, Moon and planets; is also used by other organizations to store similar data. The basis of the format is the object description language - ODL (Object Description Language). The maximum image size and colors in PDS format are unlimited; supported on all platforms.

PGML (Precision Graphics Mark-up Language) is a vector format that describes graphics in terms of mathematical formulas rather than raster pixels, which saves disk space and allows image scaling without loss of resolution and other quality indicators. The format was submitted to the W3C (WWW Consortium) for consideration as a network standard by Adobe Systems, IBM, Netscape, Sun Macromedia; used on the Internet.

Photo-CD (PCD, Kodak Photo CD) is a raster format developed by Eastman Kodak and designed for storing and playing full-color images (usually photographs) recorded at various resolutions on CDs. The format is supported by Photo CD ACCess, Photoshop, Shoebjx. The Photo CD format supports 24-bit colors, has its own compression system, a maximum image size of 2048x3072 pixels, allows you to store only one image per file, uses RLE and JPEG compression systems (in the DCT version). Kodak does not disclose further details.

PIC (Pictor PC Paint, PC Paint) - a raster format developed by Paul Mace for drawing programs on the MS-DOS platform, is a hardware-dependent format created taking into account the requirements of the IBM family of graphics adapters (CGA, EGA, VGA). The PIC format is similar to the PCX format; the file names use the *.pic and *.clp extensions.

PICT (Macintosh QuickDraw Picture Format) is a standard for the Macintosh PC clipboard, supporting both raster and vector graphics. On a Macintosh PC, PICT works with all programs. On a PC it can be read by a number of programs, but working with it is rarely easy. PICT file names have the extension *.pic or *.pct.

PNG (Portable Network Graphics) is a raster format approved as a standard by the W3C (WWW Consortium) and intended to replace GIF. The format provides indexing of up to 256 colors, support for 24- and 48-bit color representation (True Color) and the implementation of a transparency channel (the so-called alpha channel). The dynamic lossless PNG image compression algorithm is 10-30% more efficient than a similar type of compression implemented in the GIF format.

PS (PostScript) - the format of the PostScript page description language (also known as the laser printer control language) was developed in 1984 by Adobe. The format is used for printing and storing fonts, as well as for exchanging documents formatted with it. The advantage of the PS format is that it uses a device-independent playback system (including printer or screen type).

RAF (RAW) is a raster format used in digital cameras and maintains the image directly in the form in which it was captured by the camera sensor. Using this format eliminates artifacts associated with pre-processing of the image by camera software (for example, during JPEG compression) and provides the photographer with the ability to further process photographs (adjust exposure, change color balance, increase size).

Scitex CT is a raster format developed by Scitex; differs slightly from TIFF, with the exception of one feature: on phototypesetters (Imagesetter) from Scitex Dolev, files in this format are output somewhat faster. On a PC, file names in the Scitex CT format have the extension *.sct.

SWF (Shockwave Flash) is an internal vector format of the Macromedia Flash program, used for animation on the Internet.

TGA (TrueVision Targa) - a Truevision format developed for color television, supports RLE compression, file names have the *.tga extension.

TIFF (TIF, Tagged Image File Format) is a raster format developed by Aldus Corporation, originally intended for large, high-resolution graphic images obtained by scanning. The format is characterized by high quality of transmission and preservation of the color of the original images. Subsequently, the format was adapted for professional graphics packages and expanded.

WMF (Windows Metafile, Microsoft Windows Metafile) is a metafile format created for use with Windows OS, used for transferring vectors via the clipboard. WMF is supported by almost all programs running under Windows and in one way or another related to vector graphics. Despite its apparent simplicity and versatility, it is recommended to use the WMF format only in extreme cases for transmitting so-called naked vectors. WMF distorts color, does not save a number of parameters that can be assigned to objects in various vector editors, and is not understood by programs targeting the Macintosh PC. WMF files use the *.wmf extension.

VML (Vector Mark-up Language) is a vector format that was submitted to the W3C consortium by Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard, Autodesk, Macromedia, Visio; used on the Internet.

The variety of formats used to record images can be divided into three categories:

Formats that store images in raster form;

Formats that store images in vector form;

Universal formats that combine vector and raster representation.

Raster formats

The BMP (BitMap) raster format is designed for use in the Windows operating system. It is used to represent bitmap images in program resources. Supported by all graphic editors running the Windows operating system. The format works with images whose color depth ranges from 1 to 24 bits. Provides the ability to compress data using the RLE method (not recommended due to compatibility issues).

The BMP format is not suitable for printing or web design; it is recommended to be used only for Windows needs (creating icons, desktop backgrounds, etc.).

PCX (PC eXchange) is one of the oldest graphic formats, created for the PC Paintbrush program, the files of which open in almost all graphic editors. Supports monochrome, grayscale, indexed and full color images in the RGB model. Assumes the use of RLE compression. It has a large number of versions, but is currently being actively replaced by other formats.

TIFF (Tagged Image File Format, TIF) is designed as a universal format for storing scanned images. Supports almost all types of images: monochrome, grayscale, indexed and full-color images in RGB and CMYK models with eight- and sixteen-bit channels.

Currently, its scope has expanded significantly; it is one of the most common and reliable graphic formats, versions of which exist for PC and Macintosh. It is supported by almost all major raster and vector graphics packages, publishing systems, as well as text editing and layout programs.

Unlike the formats discussed above, TIF supports a number of additional functions (almost all elements of the structure of Photoshop documents): it saves the multi-layer structure of the document, information about the degree of transparency of pixels, descriptions of clipping paths, mask channels (alpha channels), etc. Provides the ability to compress data according to the LZW algorithm. Today, TIF is the best choice when exporting raster graphics to vector programs and publishing systems.

The GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) format was created specifically for transmitting raster images over global networks. It is compact-oriented, uses the LZW compression algorithm, and interlaces the transmission of graphic data. This allows you to very quickly see a rough version of the image before the file is fully downloaded. The format is used only for its original purpose - on the Internet, since it only supports indexed images.


GIF allows you to save several indexed images in one file, the sequential display of which (by browsers) is a simple animation. The animation file stores not only the frames themselves, but also the parameters for its demonstration. GIF animation is very common on the Internet. In addition, a certain color in the indexed palette can be designated as “transparent” and then the background of the page will be visible in the browser through areas of this color.

The GIF format is very popular. It is supported by almost all raster graphics editors and editors that create images for the web.

The JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) format gets its name from the corresponding compression method. Today, JPEG is one of the most common graphic formats for file compression. Unpacking of data contained in files of this format occurs automatically when the file is opened.

JPEG does not support monochrome (single-bit), indexed, or multi-channel images. It does not have the ability to store layers, masks, or transparency information. When saving a multilayer image in JPEG format, all layers are first combined into one and information about the original layers is lost. In addition, if there were transparent areas in the original image, they will be assigned the color white during the saving process, and the transparency information will be lost.

JPEG is most widely used when creating images for electronic distribution on CDs or the Internet. Not recommended for use in printing. This format should only be used for photographic images. Drawings with sharp edges and large filled areas show strong compression defects. This results in "dirt" appearing around dark lines on a light background and visible square areas. Even when working exclusively with photographic images, it is better to use JPEG only to save the final version of the work, because each intermediate save leads to new data losses (discards).

The PCD (Photo CD) format is used in publishing systems as a format for image sources. Most photo library manufacturers use this format on their CDs. PCD has a number of features that determine its use specifically in the field of creating photo collections.

A PCD file contains an image in several fixed resolutions at once. Base resolution 512x768 pixels is used for viewing on NTSC and PAL TVs. In addition, there are lower resolutions Base/4, Base/16 and higher resolutions 4Base, 16Base, 64Base (on Pro Master standard discs). When opening an image in PCD format, you can select any of the given resolutions, which avoids lengthy loading and subsequent scaling.

The images on the Photo CD are presented in a special YCC color model, much like Lab. The YCC model is useful for compressing information, but is not supported by most applications. When you open files in this format, graphics programs immediately convert the YCC color model to grayscale, RGB or Lab. Popular graphic editors are not able to save images in PCD format, but can only open them.

PSD (PhotoShop Document) is a proprietary format of Adobe Photoshop. The only format that supports all the features of this program. It is preferable for storing intermediate results of image editing (if the editing was done in Photoshop), as it completely preserves their structure (layers, channels, masks, texts, transparency and much more). The PSD format can store images of any type: monochrome, grayscale, indexed, full color, multi-channel. As the program became more popular and widespread, the format acquired some versatility and can now be easily opened by most applications. The disadvantages of the format include the lack of compression capabilities.

The PNG (Portable Network Graphics) format, like GIF, is designed for transmitting images over the network.

The format supports grayscale and full-color RGB images with a single alpha channel, as well as monochrome and indexed

bathroom images without alpha channels. The alpha channel serves as a transparency mask. Thus, PNG is the only format common on the Internet that allows you to obtain full-color images with a transparent background. In addition, to speed up the appearance of the image on the screen, PNG uses a two-dimensional interlaced output mode (not only rows, but also columns). PNG uses a lossless compression algorithm based on LZW compression.

FLM (Filmstrip) is Adobe Premier's own format, a video editing and presentation program. Photoshop allows you to open and edit footage created in Adobe Premier.

Brief summary: Graphic data compression methods. Saving images in standard formats, as well as proprietary formats of graphics programs. Convert files from one format to another.

Target: know compression methods for graphic files, be able to distinguish between graphic file formats and understand the advisability of using them when working with various graphics programs.

An image is characterized by the maximum number of colors that can be used in it, that is, have different color depth. There are types of images with different color depths - black and white line, grayscale, indexed color, full color. Some types of images have the same color depth but differ in color model. The image type is determined when the document is created.

Halftone images.

These images contain pixels of the same color but different brightness. Each pixel can take on 256 different brightness values ​​from 0 (black) to 255 (white). This is quite enough to correctly display an image, for example, a black and white photograph.

Any image can be turned into halftone. If the source material is, for example, a color photograph, then it will become monochrome.


Rice. 1.7.

Images with indexed colors

Indexed colors are so called because in this mode, each pixel in the image is assigned an index pointing to a specific color from a special table called a color palette. Indexed palettes do not contain more than 256 colors, but there may be much less. The fewer colors in the palette, the less memory is required to store the color of each pixel and, therefore, the smaller the image file size.


Rice. 1.8.

Full color images

Full-color images have no restrictions on the number of colors and can be represented in more than 16 million shades.


Rice. 1.9.

Graphic file formats

Format- the structure of the file, which determines the way it is stored and displayed on the screen or when printed. The file format is usually indicated in its name, as a part separated by a dot (usually this part is called the file name extension).

Extension- these are several letters or numbers located after the dot in the file name.

For example, the name ending (extension) ".txt" is usually used to denote files containing only text information, and ".doc" - containing text information structured in accordance with Microsoft Word program standards. Files whose contents follow the same format are called single file types.

Graphic file formats determine the method of storing information in the file (raster, vector), as well as the form of storing information (compression algorithm used).

Compression is used for raster graphics files, because... they have a fairly large volume.

Table 1 provides a brief description of commonly used graphic file formats.

Table 1.1. Characteristics of graphic formats
Format Picture Mode Type of graphic information Application
VMR Indexed colors only Applique-type drawings containing large areas of solid color. The format is supported by all applications. Not used in publishing due to the large volume of files.
TIFF All Diagram type drawings A universal format for storing scanned images with color channels. Includes compression schemes to reduce file size. An important advantage of the format is its portability to different platforms. In its traditional form, TIFF can be considered the preferred format for producing layouts aimed at typographic printing and other methods of replication.
PSD Supports all image types Any images It is internal to the Adobe PhotoShop program. The only format in which all document information is saved, including layers and channels. However, it is better to save the finished image in other graphic formats for two reasons. Firstly, the PSD file is much larger in size. Secondly, this format is not imported by layout and object graphics programs.
JPEG Only full color images in RGB and CMYK models Full photographs or examples of artistic graphics, including subtle tints of colors. Designed for saving point files with compression. Compression using this method reduces the file size from tenths of a percent to a hundred times (the practical range is from 5 to 15 times), but compression in this format occurs with quality losses (within acceptable limits). A very effective compression algorithm has led to the widest distribution of JPEG on the World Wide Web. The use of this format in printing is not recommended.
GIF Indexed images only Diagram-type drawings - images have large areas of uniform coloring with clearly defined boundaries; animated images Designed specifically for transmitting images over global networks. It has the most efficient compression method, which is necessary to reduce image transmission time. The new version allows storing multiple images in one file. This feature is most often used on Web pages. The Web browser displays the images in the GIF file sequentially.
PNG Supports full color RGB images and indexed images. Color images with smooth transitions from opaque to transparent areas The very name of the format, Portable Network Graphics, speaks about its purpose - for transmitting images over networks. It is possible to use a single additional channel to store the transparency mask. Has an effective compression algorithm without loss of information. The format is used on the Web.
EPS All Vector graphics, fonts, rasterized images Used in printing. It is possible to store screening information, contours and calibration curves.

We all know that absolutely all files have their own specific extension. Photos - jpg, music files - mp3 and so on. The file name can be whatever the user wants, but it is not recommended to change the file extension. Sometimes changing the extension can corrupt the file. So be careful about this. Let's look at the most popular file extensions that we come across almost every day:

Archive extensions:

ZIP is a file using ZIP compression, which is supported by almost all archivers.

RAR (Roshal ARchive)– this is already a file using RAR compression. The compression ratio is much higher than ZIP compression.

Video extensions:

AVI– one of the most popular video file extensions. The compression ratio is lower than that of similar video formats. This format is played in almost all video players.

MPEG1-2(MPG)– expansion of audio and video storage with data loss.

MPEG4(MP4)– this format is very often used to transfer files on the Internet.

Graphic extensions:

GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) - format for network distribution. The files are very small in size. Supports animation.

BMP– raster format. The most common graphic format in Windows. Almost all graphics programs can create and read the BMP format. Standard graphics file format for Windows. Almost all Windows image editing programs can create and read BMP files. An image with a .BMP extension cannot be compressed.

JPEG(JPG)– very often used for raster images (drawings, photos). Excellent compression ratio allows for downsizing. But I would like to note that when compressing a file, the quality of the compressed image may be lost. The JPEG format is one of the best formats in the field of photographs and images, as it supports a large number of colors. (16.7 million colors)

PSD (Photo Shop Data)– Photoshop processing format.

TIFF(Tagged Image File Format)– very widely used by digital technology users. It is compressed without data loss, which is a big advantage over other formats. The number of colors is approximately the same as the JPEG format - 16.7 million colors.

Document formats:

DOC– I think this is the most famous format :) Belongs to the Microsoft Word program. Contains both text and graphs, pictures, tables, diagrams, etc.

PDF (Portable Document Format)– This format belongs to an equally well-known program - Adobe Acrobat. Mainly intended for electronic presentation of printed products. To display this format, the free Adobe Reader program is used.

TXT– a document containing unformatted text. In Windows, it is created and opened with regular notepad.

Music formats:

MP3– the compression ratio is approximately the same as that of the JPG format. But naturally, with strong compression, the sound quality deteriorates significantly.

WAV– a format from Microsoft that is used in Windows. Since this format has large file sizes, it is very inconvenient for transmission over the Internet.

WMA (Windows Media Audio)- another music format from Microsoft for storing audio information. Has a good compression ratio.