Image File

Formats
 Every graphic you see online is an image
file. Most everything you see printed on
paper, plastic or a t-shirt came from an
image file. These files come in a variety of
formats, and each is optimized for a
specific use. Using the right type for the
right job means your design will come out
picture perfect and just how you intended.
The wrong format could mean a bad print
or a poor web image, a giant download or
a missing graphic in an email.
The different types of
image file formats
Raster file formats
 JPEG
 GIF
 PNG
 TIFF
 RAW
 PSD
Vector file formats
 PDF
 EPS
 AI
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 transform 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.
 Raster images are typically used for
photographs, digital artwork and web
graphics (such as banner ads, social media
content and email graphics). Adobe
Photoshop is the industry-standard image
editor that is used to create, design and
edit raster images as well as to add
effects, shadows and textures to existing
designs.
CMYK vs. RGB

 Allraster images can be saved in one

of two primary color models:

CMYK and RGB.

CMYK – by Owley
 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 – by A&V
 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.
 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.
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 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.
 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 color 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 Form. 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 image information, 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.
 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 be high resolution, they have a limit of
256 colors.
 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 JPG.
 You need a layered, editable image. GIFs are a
flat image format meaning that all edits are
saved into one image layer and cannot be
undone.
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.
 You have illustrations with limited colors.
Though 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 text.
 Don’t use a PNG when…

 You’re working with photos or artwork.

Thanks to PNGs’ 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.
 You’re dealing with a print project. PNG
graphics are optimized for the screen. You can
definitely print a PNG, but you’d be better off
with a JPEG (lossy) or TIFF file.
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 also be used as a “container” for JPEG
images.
 You should use a TIFF when…

You need high-quality print graphics. 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 file to
work off of.
Don’t use at 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.
 RAW

 A raw image format contains the unprocessed

data captured by a digital camera or scanner’s
sensor. Typically, images are processed 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.
 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.
 You should use a PSD when…

 It’s time to retouch photos.

 You need to edit artwork for digital or print.
 You want digital images for the web like social
media images, banner ads, email headers, videos
etc.
 You have to create a website or app mockup.
Layers make it easy to move UI elements
around.
 You want to get fancy with animation and video.
 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.
Vector file formats
 Vector images are digital artwork in which
points, lines and curves are calculated by the
computer. 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.
PDF files are often the file format requested by
printers to send a final design into production.
 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.
 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 use other applications for the
contents. 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.
 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 a 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.
 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 are primarily a vector-based format. 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.

 You need to create a logo, icon or brand
mascot.
 You want a one-page print piece. Illustrator is
perfect for posters, business cards, flyers and
notecards.
 You need to set type for a logo
 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 brightness.