File Formats

JPEG JPEGs can store millions of colors in a very compressed file format. JPEGs are lossy files, meaning some of the information in the photograph is deleted when the image is compressed.

JPEG CONS 8-bit (can hold 16 million colors) The lossy file means that you will lose details in the image Contain less information, making it difficult to bring out information in the image PROS These files are fully processed (all settings are already applied to the image) These take up a lot less storage space This format is extremely compatible

JPEG When to use a JPEG? When you need to save storage When you don’t plan on doing any major editing or enlarging When you need to take a bunch of images that you know wont be used as the final image Test shots

RAW Raw images are unprocessed files that come directly from the sensor in the camera. Raw files need to be prepared before they can be used.

RAW CONS PROS 16-bit (can hold the equivalent of 68 billion colors) RAW images contain all of the information used when taking the shot Lossless, no information lost when compressed CONS - Require post-processing and file conversion before they can be viewed normally Takes up much more camera memory and space Nikon software cannot read Cannon RAW files and vice-versa

RAW When to use RAW files? When you plan on editing your images When you are going to enlarge an image When you are shooting a subject with highlights that might overexpose the image When you are unsure about some of the camera settings (white balance)

TIFF Tagged Image File Format Computer file format used for supporting images This format contains more information than a JPEG, and less information than a RAW file This format is great for scanning items

TIFF CONS Not compatible with web usage PROS TIFF files are lossless They offer transparency (product photography) You can save PSD as TIFFs and include layers Accurate and high quality images CONS Not compatible with web usage Larger file size means it is harder to send via email Not supported everywhere

TIFF When to use a TIFF? Once you upload RAW files to the computer, you are able to save them as TIFFs Compatible When making edits in Photoshop, you can save files as TIFFs throughout the editing process

PDF Portable Document Format A File format that provides an electronic image of text and graphics that look like a printed document.

PDF CONS PROS Can be viewed, printed, and transmitted electronically The content is not editable by viewers Requires extra time to download the entire file. Content is formatted for printing, making it long and hard to read an entire document online. PROS Can be viewed, printed, and transmitted electronically Viewers cannot copy the information in a PDF, only the writer can edit it.

PDF When to use a PDF? PDFs are great for sending documents via email because they have smaller file sizes and are universal. You can combine multiple files into a PDF: word documents, photoshop files, jpegs, etc

PSD Photoshop Document The default format that Photoshop uses for saving data. This type of file allows the user to work with layers after the file has been saved.

PSD PROS Saves and preserves all of the layers in a Photoshop file. Including adjustment layers, masks, etc CONS Very large file size Not compatible with other software. You will need to change the file type if sending to a printing company.

PSD When to use a PSD? When you are continuing to work on a file in Photoshop. Layers are saved with PSD files and you can continue to work in the layers when you reopen the file. It is smart to keep a PSD file saved even after you are completed with the image.

GIF Graphics Interchange Format Great for creating low resolution files for websites. GIF files support transparency, allowing you to place the image over any color background or image and there won’t be a boarder.

GIF CONS Limited to 256 colors or less Very small file size PROS The less colors in your image, the smaller the file size Interlacing The design starts out blurry and becomes more clear, making the viewer not have to wait as long for images to load Support animation CONS Limited to 256 colors or less Very small file size Does not support photographs or gradients very well Images do not feather well

GIF When to use GIF files? GIFS are great for logos, icons and symbols. GIFS are limited to a certain amount of color, so it is NOT recommended to use them for photographs. Does not support graphic images with gradients very well. When you want to include animation in your file.

PNG Portable Networks Graphic PNGs were made to build on the purpose of GIFS Designers needed low resolution files that load fast but also look great

PNG PROS Offers transparency Loads quickly Feathering can be used on PNGs to blend in with the background Lossless files CONS Do not support animation File sizes are usually larger than JPEGs and GIFs

PNG When to use a PNG? When you want to place an image over different colored backgrounds. When you want to feather the edges of the image.

GIF PNG