The smallest image format. The most common image formats and types of formats. Which format is preferable for storing data?

There are two types graphic files, these are 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 camera and already saved with data compression, RAW gives the broadest opportunities for photo processing and maintains maximum quality.

In other words, under 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 from maximum quality. Or compress it to minimum size file for transfer 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. Larger number corresponds to better quality, but at the same time increases the file size. 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 storing graphic files.

TIFF (Tagged Image File Format)

TIFF format - raster storage format graphic images. 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, OCR, printing, widely supported graphic 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) - original raster format storage graphic information, using lossless compression, designed specifically for Adobe programs Photoshop and supporting all its features. It allows you to save a raster 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 may contain PSD file, greatly increases its weight.

BMP (Bit MaP image)

Bit MaP image (BMP) - universal format raster graphics files, used in operating system Windows. This format is supported by many graphic editors, including 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 color depth in this format from 1 to 48 bits per pixel, maximum dimensions images 65535×65535 pixels. On this 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 and replace the format GIF graphic 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, 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 is reduced by another 30% compared to JPEG at the same quality. Speaking in simple language, with the same quality, the file size in JPEG 2000 format is 30% smaller than JPG. With strong JPEG compression 2000 does not split the image into squares that are characteristic of the JPEG format. Unfortunately, at the moment this format is not very widespread and is only supported Safari browsers and Mozilla/Firerox (via Quicktime).

WMF (Windows MetaFile)

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

CDR (CorelDRaw files)

Original vector graphics file format used in the processing system vector graphics CorelDraw.

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.

06/29/15 17.5K

Let's say you've just completed a design project and are about to save the file, at which point you need to select correct extension for the file. If you do not understand the difference between these formats, then it will be quite difficult to choose the appropriate one, but today we decided to help you and explain one simple thing:

There are many image formats, but only a few are important

There is one main rule - each task has its own image formats. There are many various formats, which you will never even encounter, especially if you are engaged in print design.

Let's try to find out what image formats may be useful to us.

Raster and vector images

To really understand the difference between image types, you first need to understand how raster images differ from vector images.

Raster images are made up of pixels and can be expressed as anything from simple illustrations to complex images such as color photographs.

Since raster images consist of fixed dial pixels, when scaling them, loss of quality cannot be avoided, especially if you enlarge them. They are often used as a final product, ready to be sent to print or published on a website.

Vector images aren't really images at all - they're something like mathematical formulas, directly interacting with the computer, telling it the coordinates of the shapes that need to be displayed. Thanks to this, vector images can be scaled without loss of quality, since the formula simply adjusts to the required dimensions of the final drawing.

Vector images are used to create texts and logos, and they are not capable of representing complex graphic products like photographs. They are usually used as working files, which are later converted into raster images for websites. But with their help you can also develop graphics for subsequent printing:

Choosing the right image formats

The classification of the main file types used in print and web design involves more than a simple division into vector and raster. Both raster and vector are just two large families that include many different image formats with different advantages, shortcomings and purpose.

Raster formats

JPEG

Many people don't like JPEG, but it's worth noting that it's just not really suitable for printing. The JPG format uses strong compression. This is good if you want to keep file sizes as small as possible, but it is not entirely suitable in terms of the quality of the image you are going to print. Therefore, this format cannot be used when creating, say, logos.

Thanks to small size files, JPEG is often used in web design, as it has a positive effect on page loading speed. JPG format is also widely used for digital photos, since the loss in quality is unnoticeable, and thanks to its smaller size, many more pictures fit on a flash drive or hard drive.

Given all these advantages, JPG has established itself as the "standard" format for everything outside the design field. In practice, you will likely encounter clients who provide their own logos in terrible quality, or those who prefer to work exclusively with this format because it is the only one they know. Do everything you can to attract their attention to other, more suitable formats.

GIF

No one seems to ever pronounce the name of this format correctly. Designers often pronounce the first letter G clearly or dictate all three letters in turn, however its creator, Steve Wilhite, states that the correct way to pronounce the name is "jeev". Although its abbreviation stands for Graphics Interchange Format (“ image exchange format"), and it itself is mainly used in web design.

Advantage of GIF ( which also distinguishes it from other web image formats) is that these pictures can be animated.

In addition, GIF supports transparency, which can sometimes significantly reduce the weight of files. However, the concept of small weight is relative, since the more colors used, the larger the file will weigh. It is also important to consider the number of frames, since each frame also affects the weight of the file and increases the loading time of the web page.

PNG

The PNG format combines the advantages of JPG and GIF, however, it has clear recommendations for use. Like JPG, the PNG format is ideal for photographs, and at the same time allows you to save even better image quality than JPG. PNG also supports transparency, making it a near-ideal option for designers who want transparent elements without sacrificing graphic quality.

The main disadvantage of PNG is big size file, and this negatively affects the loading speed of the site. This format is best used selectively for elements that require high quality, which JPG and GIF cannot offer ( e.g. high quality logos). PNG is also a raster image format, so you risk losing quality when scaling such files.

TIFF

TIFF (sometimes TIF) is an uncompressed file format, which means that when saved it is not compressed at all. TIFF also supports layering.

This format is often called " ready to print” although most printers work better with native file types like AI and PSD.

In addition, TIFF is too heavy a format for web design. And file sizes can be intimidating for inexperienced clients, so try to prepare projects in more common formats.

PSD

PSD represents native format Adobe Photoshop programs. This means that these files can only be edited seamlessly in Photoshop.

PSD cannot be used on website pages, and we strongly discourage you from sending design previews to clients in this format. However, it is great for later printing or for sharing project files with other designers.

Vector formats

EPS

EPS - standard vector format files, consisting of numerous formulas and numbers, due to which a vector illustration is generated. This is an ideal format for design elements that typically need to be scaled ( for example logos).

Files in EPS format are ready for printing, however, this is not the format that should be used in web design. Often, once a page design is approved, its component elements are converted to PNG, JPG and GIF.

Design elements saved in EPS format, can be opened in any editor that supports vector graphics. Therefore, EPS is more suitable for sharing files with clients, printing on a printer, or for collaboration on a project with other designers.

A.I.

AI is another branded vector format from Adobe, designed to work in Illustrator program. An AI file cannot be embedded in web pages and is not the format used to send projects to a client. But it's good for internal use and for printing.

Other formats

PDF

Adobe's PDF format is ideal for both printed materials and digital use. This is a format that any client can “handle” and that can be printed on a printer without any problems. You can place both raster and vector images in a PDF document, or even combine them in a single document.

Of course, you will have to try hard to display the contents of a PDF document on a website page in a high-quality manner, but you can download it. This format is also ideal for sending clients a preview of the final result.

However, PDF is more suitable for printed products such as books, brochures or flyers.

Converting different file types

As you work on your print design, you may have to jump from one format to another. Sometimes you need to put JPG photos and EPS logo in general project, which is being worked on in a PSD file in Photoshop.

The good thing is that every image format has strengths, and an experienced designer knows how to take advantage of them. There is a high probability that you will need the same design element in different formats: the main source of the logo will be stored in EPS format, its PNG version will be used on the site, and the animated GIF version will be reserved for special cases.

At Photoshop help and Illustrator, you can save and convert images to almost any format. But it is worth noting that saving the image from low resolution into a specific format will not help you improve its quality. And here is the saving high quality images format using compression will result in loss of quality.

Convert vector image to raster is very simple - you need to specify the desired raster format when saving. However, this action will compress the vectors into pixels, which means that you will no longer be able to “painlessly” scale the saved image, so we recommend leaving a copy of the original file, just in case.

Conversion bitmap into vector is a whole science. No simple way Convert raster image pixels into formulas that generate vectors. The most proven method is to simply redraw the picture using vectors.

This publication is a translation of the article “ IMAGE FILE TYPES EXPLAINED: WHICH FORMAT SHOULD YOU USE?", prepared by the friendly project team

Good bad

Photographs and pictures differ from each other not only in content, but also in other “computer” characteristics. For example, by size.

It happens that there seem to be two identical drawings, but one is three times larger than the other.

The images also differ in quality. I think you have come across photos more than once Bad quality. This is visible to the naked eye. For example, two identical photos, but one is of better quality, and the other is of worse quality.

And it happens that the drawing seems to lack colors. Here's an example.

And the file format or type is responsible for all this.

On a note . Images come in the most different formats. And there are very, very many of them. We will not consider them all, but will talk about the most common ones: bmp, gif, jpg (jpeg), png, tiff.

Image formats differ from each other primarily in quality. And the quality differs in the number (saturation) of colors.

For example, I paint a picture using different colors. And then suddenly some of them are over, and you have to finish painting with what you have. Of course, I will try to do everything possible so that this does not greatly affect the result, but still the picture will not turn out the way you want - more faded, blurry.

That's how it is with image formats. Some leave all the colors, while others cut off some. And sometimes this causes the picture to deteriorate.

This is a rough example - in fact, everything is somewhat more complicated there. But I think you get the point.

Common image formats

BMP is a format for drawings made in the Paint program. It can be used to store drawn pictures on your computer. But on the Internet this type is not suitable due to the large volume. So if you want to post a Paint picture on a blog or social network, it must be of a different type - gif, jpg or png.

GIF is a popular image format on the Internet. You can save images in it without losing quality, but with a limited number of colors - 256. GIF has gained particular popularity due to the fact that in this format you can create small animated (moving) pictures.

JPG - format of photographs and paintings with big amount colors. You can save an image in it both without loss of quality and with loss.

PNG is a modern picture format. This type of image is small in size and without loss of quality. Very convenient: the file is small and the quality is good. It also supports transparency.

TIFF - images are very good quality, without compression. Accordingly, the size of such files is huge. TIFF is used when quality is of great importance. For example, when creating business cards, booklets, magazine covers.

Which format to choose

• BMP - if this is a drawing made in Paint program, and you're only going to keep it on your computer.
• GIF - if it is an animation or drawing with a small number of colors for publication on the Internet.
• PNG - if this is a picture that has a lot of colors or some transparent parts.
• JPG (jpeg) - if a photograph.
• TIFF - image for printing (business cards, booklets, posters, etc.).

Typically, a file's type can be determined by the last letters of its name. These letters are called the file name extension. Various programs provide various extensions the files they store.

What file type should you use?

In most cases better use JPEG format(.Jpg) because it allows you to save images High Quality in small files thanks to data compression. This format is the best for storing and distributing images.

If you require very high image quality (for example, printing an enlarged 8x10-inch image), you should use the TIFF (.Tif) format or the least compressed JPEG format.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Common File Types

Advantages of the JPEG format

• Most programs can open and save images in JPEG format.
• It is convenient to send images in JPEG format via e-mail thanks to the small file size.
• Because the JPEG format allows you to change the compression level when saving, you can control the file size and image quality.

Disadvantages of the JPEG format

In the JPEG format, images are automatically compressed when saved, which slightly degrades image quality. If you use high level seals, the image quality may be quite poor.

Advantages of the TIFF format

There is no loss of quality when saving images in TIFF format.

Disadvantages of the TIFF format

Some programs, including most browsers, cannot display TIFF images.

A TIFF image can be very large (several times larger than a JPEG image). Therefore, TIFF images take up much more space on your hard drive than JPEG images.

Only very small TIFF images are suitable for sending via email.

Should you worry about loss of image quality?

JPEG images are an imperfect copy of the original image as seen through the camera's viewfinder. However, when taking the highest quality photos, it will be difficult to see the difference.

Each time you save a file in the following format JPEG quality gets a little worse since you're creating a copy of a copy. How much quality will deteriorate depends on the level of image compression.

Usually the reduction in quality is difficult to see, but if the image has been edited several times and saved with a medium level of compression, you may notice a decrease in clarity and color reproduction.

To obtain high quality images, you should save them in JPEG format at the highest possible quality level or use TIFF format.

What types of images can you view on Windows?

Windows Photo Viewer supports following types images.

IN hello seven. When publishing a new article, the question often arises: what format should I use images in the article? In order to achieve the best result, you should select a raster image format.
In this article, we will briefly discuss the popular GIF and the JPEG format, and then analyze the PNG format, and dispel some misconceptions about the use of certain formats.

GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) image format

Most color images and backgrounds on the Internet are GIF files. This compact format, is known for its image files being small in size. GIF images, do not contain millions of colors, this indicator is no more than 256. In addition, GIF format supports animation, that is, using this format, you can do .

The GIF format has its own palette index. It contains a color palette index, up to 256, and for each pixel in the image, it has a corresponding color index. If you change the image and save it as a GIF, the image quality will not be lost.

As I already said, the GIF format supports animation, which, in the days of Web 1.0, was shown in the form of numerous blinking images, rotating icons, and thereby greatly irritated many users. In the more civilized era of Web 2.0, we still notice beautiful animation"Loading..." while waiting for the query results to refresh the page.

GIF also supports transparency, which is a kind of logical type of transparency. A pixel in an image can be either completely transparent or completely opaque.

JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) image format

JPEG has no limit of 256 colors. It can contain millions of colors, which is why it has high compression. This makes it suitable for photographs where high definition, sharpness and quality, so most digital cameras They work in JPEG format.

This format is lossy, meaning you'll lose quality with each new edit, so if you plan on making a lot of edits, it's best to store intermediate results use a different format. However, there are some operations that can be performed without losing quality. Such as stretching the image, rotating it on an axis, or changing meta information such as comments that are stored in the image file.

JPEG does not support transparency.

When optimizing an image in this format, to obtain best results set compression to 50%. JPEG compresses the photo-quality graphics and color depth of more competing formats such as GIF, and also maintains a greater degree of color matching accuracy.

PNG (Portable Network Graphics) image format

This format was created specifically for the Internet to supplant the GIF format. The main advantage of the PNG format is that it supports 24-bit color and transparency.

PNG is lossless and comes in several forms, but for practical purposes it is used in only two ways:

2. PNG24 (full color)

PNG8, like GIF, has an image palette.

Let's compare the PNG8 format with GIF:

Advantages:

1. PNG usually gives smaller size file;
2. PNG supports variable transparency;

Flaws:

1. There is no animation;

The second type of PNG, full-color PNG, can contain millions of colors, just like JPEGs. You may sometimes see names like PNG24 or PNG32.

PNG-24 combines the features of JPEG and GIF: it supports 24-bit color, retains transparency, and is therefore good for halftones. The image size is usually larger than JPEG. This makes the full-color PNG format ideal for applications where file size is not an issue, such as screenshots or graphical tutorials.

Let's draw a conclusion on the use of formats:

1. JPEG is the best format for photos.
2. GIF is best format for animation.
3. PNG8 - format for: icons, buttons, backgrounds, website graphics.