Image File Formats Explained

Following are the top ten types of image file formats explained along with information about their uses and the tools used to create them. Raster graphic formats are generally used for online display while vector image file formats are usually preferred for print publications and digital media applications.

The most common raster formats are jpeg, gif, png, psd, and bmp. The most common vector formats are ai, fh, fla, swf and pdf.

The jpeg and gif formats work well for photos and web images that have a continuous tone and are easily inserted into source code so they are popular for web based use. The color in binary jpeg files can be improved by adjusting the compression and for gif using multiple frames can improve the appearance. Historically, the use of gif format has been avoided somewhat due to patent issues and the png format, which uses 1 to 32 bit depth, was created with the intention of replacing gif. You can make these types of images using many different software applications.

The psd format is proprietary and is the default image type produced by Adobe Photoshop. Because it is proprietary, not many editing programs support the psd format, but you can work with a psd file using any version of Photoshop. The bmp format is used in most Microsoft programs as well as in the Windows operating system.

The source of the ai format is Adobe illustrator, so it is proprietary. It is commonly preferred for print publications based on the premise that it produces clear, attractive print images regardless of the size. The proprietary vector format for Macromedia Freehand is fh. The fla format is proprietary to Macromedia Flash authoring software and is the source file for Shockwave Flash used frequently in internet based media. Another flash format for animations is swf which can be created with a greater variety of applications.

For downloadable files, pdf format is frequently used. It is produced by Adobe Acrobat and opened using Adobe Acrobat Reader or Adobe e-Book Reader. It is generally preferred for e-books and publications because the format complicates the process of copying portions of the image or text which can help to prevent copyright infringement issues.

// posted by BasicMichelle on 11/23/2005 08:47:00 AM / Permanent Link