What File Formats You Need to Use for Your Images
You can choose to store your images in various file formats. But the best type of format to pick depends on how you intend to use your pictures. For an excellent overview of the most popular file formats, and to discover how they are best used, check out the following helpful information.
Image source: https://pixabay.com/photos/background-waters-computer-laptop-3048816/
JPEG
JPEG is probably the most well-known image file format. JPEGs are compressed so that they can store a lot of information in a small-sized file. That is why they are used as the standard for most digital cameras. The only problem with JPEGs is the compression means some of the image detail can be lost. So, they are not the best file format for logos or graphics because the images can appear to have jagged lines. JPEGs are best:
· For personal use, such as social media and small prints.
· For sharing in emails.
· When no post-production editing is required, such as in Photoshop.
PDF files are fantastic for many reasons, but they are especially good because they retain their formatting. That goes for graphs, tables, and embedded fonts, as well as images. A picture in PDF format will always look the same. However, you cannot take a photo in PDF format, and you will usually have to convert images into PDF. You can convert a JPEG, a PNG, a TIFF, and many other file formats, into PDF files. The process is quick and straightforward when you use platforms like PDFSimpli. Its software makes quick work of file conversions for PDFs. Simply upload a file and convert it to PDF or upload a PDF file and convert it to a wide variety of other file formats.
GIF
The GIF format compresses images. But unlike JPEG, the compression does not create a loss in image detail. However, a GIF image cannot be made as small as a JPEG. GIF files are ideal for use on the internet. They are also the perfect files for animation. The only major drawback to a GIF file is the colors are extremely limited, which is why the format is not suitable for photographs or printed images.
PNG
The PNG file format was created in the 1990s as an improvement to the GIF format. The strength of the PNG format is it compresses images while retaining all the digital detail. That means image content is not compromised when editing. PNG files also allow for partial or total transparency, which is perfect for overlays and logos. PNG files are best used on the internet, and they are not suitable for print.
TIFF
The industry-standard file format is TIFF. It is widely used in print and by publishers. TIFF formats are usually uncompressed, which means they contain a lot of data and are ideal for extensive post-processing. Another reason professionals favor TIFF is its colors can be grayscale, RGB for posting on the web, or CMYK for print. TIFF is the most commonly used format for image software like Photoshop and page layout software like InDesign and Quark.
