IMAGE FILE FORMATS

Image file formats

 Raster images
 JPEG: Wide use & perfect for photos.
 PNG: High transparency with high-quality graphics.
 GIF: Animation friendly with transparency.
 TIFF: High resolution & uncompressed.
 RAW: Unprocessed high-quality data from digital cameras.
 PSD: Layered Adobe Photoshop files.
 Vector images
 PDF: Print and digital use.
 EPS: PostScript graphics for high resolution.
 AI: Original Adobe Illustrator files.
 Image color formats
 CMYK: Best for full-color printing.
 RGB: Ideal for digital displays.

Most image files fit into one of two general categories—raster files and vector files—
and each category has its own specific uses. This breakdown isn’t perfect. For
example, certain formats can actually contain elements of both types. But this is a
good place to start when thinking about which format to use for your projects.

Image Color Formats

CMYK

CMYK a four-color printing process that stands for cyan, magenta, yellow and key
(black). These colors represent the four inks that will combine during the printing
process. Files saved in this format will be optimized for physical printing.

RGB

RGB is a light-based color model that stands for red, green and blue. These are the
three primary colors of light that combine to produce other colors. Files saved in this
format will be optimized for the web, mobile phones, film and video — anything that
appears on a screen.

What is a raster image

Raster images are made up of a set grid of dots called pixels where each pixel is
assigned a color. Unlike a vector image, raster images are resolution dependent,
meaning they exist at one size. When you resize a raster image, you stretch the
pixels themselves, which can result in a “pixelated” or blurry image. When you
enlarge an image, your software is essentially guessing at what image data is
missing based on the surrounding pixels. More often than not, the results aren’t
great.
Lossy vs. Lossless

Each raster image file is either lossless or lossy, depending on how the format
handles your image data.
Lossless image formats capture all of the data of your original file. Nothing from the
original file, photo, or piece of art is lost — hence the term “lossless.” The file may
still be compressed, but all lossless formats will be able to reconstruct your image to
its original state.
Lossy image formats approximate what your original image looks like. For example,
a lossy image might reduce the amount of colors in your image or analyze the image
for any unnecessary data. These clever technical tricks will typically reduce the file
size, though they may reduce the quality of your image.
Typically, lossy files are much smaller than lossless files, making them ideal to use
online where file size and download speed are vital.

PNG

PNG is a lossless raster format that stands for Portable Network Graphics. Think of
PNGs as the next-generation GIF. This format has built-in transparency, but can also
display higher color depths, which translates into millions of colors. PNGs are a web
standard and are quickly becoming one of the most common image formats used
online.

You should use a PNG when:

 You need high-quality transparent web graphics. PNG images have a variable
“alpha channel” that can have any degree of transparency (in contrast with
GIFs that only have on/off transparency). Plus, with greater color depths,
you’ll have more vibrant images than you would with a GIF.
 You have illustrations with limited colors. Although any image will work, PNG
files are best with a small color palette.
 You need a small file. PNG files can shrink to incredibly tiny sizes—especially
images that are simple colors, shapes or texts. This makes it the ideal image
file type for web graphics.

Don’t use a PNG when:

 You’re working with photos or artwork. Thanks to PNG’s high color depth, the
format can easily handle high resolution photos. However, because it is a
lossless web format, file sizes tend to get very large. If you’re working with
photos on the web, go with JPEG.

TIFF/TIF

TIFF is a lossless raster format that stands for Tagged Image File Format. Because
of its extremely high quality, the format is primarily used in photography and desktop
publishing. You’ll likely encounter TIFF files when you scan a document or take a
photo with a professional digital camera. Do note that TIFF files can be used as a
“container” for JPEG images. These files will be much smaller than traditional TIFF
files, which are typically very large.

You should use a TIFF when:

 You need high-quality print graphics. Along with RAW, TIFF files are among
the highest quality graphic formats available. If you’re printing photos—
especially at enormous sizes—use this format.
 You are making a high-quality scan. Using TIFF to scan your documents,
photos and artwork will ensure that you have the best original files to work off
of.

Don’t use a TIFF when:

 You’re working with web graphics. While many web browsers support it, TIFF
files are optimized for print. Go with JPEG or PNG when you need to display
high-quality images online.

JPEG/JPG

JPEG is a lossy raster format that stands for Joint Photographic Experts Group, the
technical team that developed it. This is one of the most widely used image formats
online, typically for photos, email graphics and large web images like banner ads.
JPEG images have a sliding scale of compression that decreases file size
tremendously, but increases artifacts or pixelation the more the image is
compressed.

You should use a JPEG when:

 You’re dealing with online photos and/or artwork. JPEGs offer you the most
flexibility with raster editing and compression making them ideal for web
images that need to be downloaded quickly.
 You want to print photos and/or artwork. At high resolution files with low
compression, JPEGs are perfect for editing and then printing.
 You need to send a quick preview image to a client. JPEG images can be
reduced to very small sizes making them great for emailing.

Don’t use a JPEG when:

 You need a web graphic with transparency. JPEGs do not have a
transparency channel and must have a solid background. GIF and PNG are
your best options for transparency.
 You need a layered, editable image. JPEGs are a flat image format meaning
that all edits are saved into one image layer and cannot be undone. Consider
a PSD (Photoshop) file for a fully editable image.
GIF

GIF is a lossless raster format that stands for Graphics Interchange Format. The big
question: how is it pronounced? The creator of GIF says "JIFF" like the peanut
butter. This writer (and lots of the world) says "GIFF" because each letter starts with
a "guh." GIF is also a widely used web image format, typically for animated graphics
like banner ads, email images and social media memes. Though GIFs are lossless,
they can be exported in a number of highly customizable settings that reduce the
amount of colors and size, which in turn reduces the file size.

You should use a GIF when:

 You want to create web animation. GIF images hold all of the animation
frames and timing information in one single file. Image editors like Photoshop
make it easy to create a short animation and export it as a GIF.
 You need transparency. GIF images have an "alpha channel" that can be
transparent, so you can place your image on any colored background.
 You need a small file. The compression techniques in the GIF format allow
image files to shrink tremendously. For very simple icons and web graphics,
GIF is the best image file format.

Don’t use a GIF when:

 You need a photographic-quality image. Though GIFs can support a high

resolution, they have a limit of 256 colors (unless you know a few tricks).
Photos typically have thousands of colors and will look flat and less vibrant
(and sometimes weird due to color banding) when converted to GIF.
 You need to print an image. Because of the color limit, most printed photos
will lack depth. If you need to print photos, look at TIFF, PSD, and JPEG.

RAW

RAW is a raw image format contains the unprocessed data captured by a digital
camera or scanner’s sensor. Typically, images are processed (adjusted for color,
white balance, exposure, etc.) and then converted and compressed into another
format (e.g. JPEG or TIFF). Raw images store the unprocessed and processed data
in two separate files, so you’re left with the highest quality image possible that you
can edit non-destructively with a photo editing application like Photoshop.

You should use RAW when:

 You are shooting and editing photos. Make sure your camera is set to RAW
so you can capture the most versatile image. Then, use a compatible photo-
editing application to adjust your image.

Don’t use RAW when:

 You’re working with web graphics. RAW is built for photo editing. When you’re
ready to present your photos for the web, convert them to JPEG.
  You’re ready to print your photos. Many printers won’t accept raw formats, so
first convert to JPEG or TIFF.

PSD

PSD is a proprietary layered image format that stands for Photoshop Document.
These are original design files created in Photoshop that are fully editable with
multiple layers and image adjustments. PSDs are primarily used to create and edit
raster images, but this unique format can also contain vector layers as well, making it
extremely flexible for a number of different projects. A PSD can be exported into any
number of image file formats, including all of the raster formats listed above.

You should use a PSD when:

 It’s time to retouch photos. Need to color correct a photo? Or add a layer of
text? PSD = photos.
 You need to edit artwork for digital or print. That could be a photo, painting,
drawing, or anything else. Photoshop is the right tool to make sure every line,
shadow and texture is in place.
 You want digital images for the web like social media images, banner

Don’t use a PSD when:

 You need to post a photo online or send a preview to a client. The web is
JPEG friendly. Convert first to make sure your audience can see your image
(and so it won’t take several minutes to download).

You’re ready to print your photos. Many printers won’t accept the PSD format, so first
convert to JPEG or TIFF.

What is a vector image

Vector images are digital artwork in which points, lines, and curves are calculated by
the computer. They essentially giant math equations, and every “equation” can be
assigned a color, stroke or thickness (among other styles) to turn the shapes into art.
Unlike raster images, vector images are resolution independent. When you shrink or
enlarge a vector image, your shapes get larger, but you won’t lose any detail or get
any pixelation. Because your image will always render identically, no matter the size,
there is no such thing as a lossy or lossless vector image type.

Vector images are typically used for logos, icons, typesetting and digital illustrations.
Adobe Illustrator is the industry-standard image editor that is used to create, design
and edit vector images (though it can also incorporate raster images, as well).

PDF

PDF stands for Portable Document Format and is an image format used to display
documents and graphics correctly, no matter the device, application, operating
system or web browser. At its core, PDF files have a powerful vector graphics
foundation, but can also display everything from raster graphics to form fields to
spreadsheets. Because it is a near universal standard, PDF files are often the file
format requested by printers to send a final design into production. Both Adobe
Photoshop and Illustrator can export graphics to PDF, making it easy to start your
design and get it ready for printing.

You should use a PDF when:

 You’re ready to print. As we mentioned, many printers prefer PDF as their

primary delivery format because it is so ubiquitous. Check with your printer to
see how they’d like you to prepare your file.
 You want to display documents on the web. You wouldn’t use a PDF for a
single icon or logo, but it’s great for posters, flyers, magazines and booklets.
PDFs will keep your entire design in one package, making it easy to view,
download or print.

Don’t use a PDF when:

 You need to edit your design. PDFs are great containers, but other
applications for the contents are better. You can edit raster images with
Photoshop and vector graphics with Illustrator. When you’re done, you can
combine those into a PDF for easy viewing.

Illustrator

AI

AI is a proprietary vector image format that stands for Adobe Illustrator. The format is
based on both the EPS and PDF standards developed by Adobe. Like those formats,
AI files include embedded or linked raster images. AI files can be exported to both
PDF and EPS files (for easy reviewing and printing), and also JPEG, PNG, GIF,
TIFF and PSD (for web use and further editing).

You should use an AI when:

 You need to edit a vector design. AI files allow you to move and alter
every single element in your design with just a click or two.
 You need to create a logo, icon or brand mascot. Every vector shape
and line created in Illustrator can be blown up to any size, which makes it
ideal for images that need to be used in many different ways.
You want a one-page print piece. Illustrator is perfect for posters, business cards,
flyers and notecards that can be combined with other raster images.

 You need to set type for a logo. Illustrator's typesetting features are incredibly
powerful, enabling any text to be stretched, skewed and transformed any way
imaginable.
Don’t use an AI when:

 You need to edit images. If a raster image (photo or artwork) is being used in
a composition, Illustrator has a limited number of tools to edit that image
directly. Photoshop (PSD files) can make more comprehensive adjustments
like color, contrast and brightnes

EPS

EPS is an image format that stands for Encapsulated PostScript. Although it is used
primarily as a vector format, an EPS file can include both vector and raster image
data. Typically, an EPS file includes a single design element that can be used in a
larger design.
You should use an EPS when:

 You need to send a vector logo to a client, designer or printer. With an EPS
file, you don’t have to worry about where the logo will be placed or printed. No
matter the size, it will always appear at the correct resolution.
Don’t use an EPS when:
 You’re dealing with photographs or artwork. EPS can handle raster images,
but this type of image file is primarily for vectors. Work with a PSD, TIF or
JPEG when you have a photo project.
 You need to display an image online. Export to JPEG, PNG or GIF first.