In the digital society communication, web design, and marketing use image as an essential tool. They explain complicated concepts and also help to enrich the content with experience and emotions. Thus, if illustrations are added into the work, it becomes clear that even a boring article filled with texts can look cute.
But the right choice of format is important in such circumstances, win such a visually-oriented world. They not only impact the quality of the image of how the image is to be displayed.
Though every format has its own set of pros and cons, the eBook format is considered to be superior to the other two formats.
The following article will help you to navigate through types of image file formats and their strengths and weaknesses.
What is an Image File?
Image file can be defined as a file containing information about a specific visual image and other data that is rather employed in different devices and systems.
There are two main types of image files
- Raster Images: These images are made up of pixels and hence depend on the resolution of the image when the size of the raster image is changed it is likely to be distorted. Prefabricated raster image formats are JPG, PNG, GIF, and BMP.
- About Vector Images: These images are created using mathematical equations making it possible for them to be enlarged or reduced in size without any deterioration of quality. The most common file format of vectors is SVG.
The format selection can be done depending on how the picture will be used, for example for website use, for printing or for sharing on social networks.
Common Image File Formats
1. JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)
Extensions: (. jpg, . jpeg)
JPEG is one of the most used formats for pictures and images used on the WWW. It employs what is known as a lossy compression – this minimizes file size at the same time lowering the quality of the images. It supports up to 24-bit colour which means that it is appropriate for use in detailed images.
- Best For: The actual examples of such objects are photographs, social media posts, and web images.
- Advantages: Comes with good quality compared to its file size and is thus suitable for web usage and sharing on social media platforms.
- Disadvantages: The image quality degrades with each save made resulting in a lossy compression and no provisions for transparency.
2. PNG (Portable Network Graphics)
Extensions: (. png)
PNG is preferred in web design because of its lossless compression mode and transparency channel. It keeps its quality as well as fine detail and that means that it is suitable for logos and icons.
- Best For: Application of logos, WEB graphics, and icons with the background.
- Advantages: Keeps the picture quality high enough due to the lossless compression and can work with a transparent background, great for detailed images and web logos.
- Disadvantages: Files are comparatively larger than JPEG which is not very advantageous for those websites which contain a large number of images.
3. GIF (Graphics Interchange Format)
Extensions: (.gif )
As earlier stated GIF supports animations and images with a colour density of up to 256 colours. Essentially, it is employed in graphics or web-based animations, although it allows simplicity. While lacking in colour, it is still used in internet memes and short loops.
- Best For: Humble Web Animation, icons, Memes.
- Advantages: Has support for Do It Yourself and simple animation plus it supports the use of transparencies which makes it ideal for web animations and memes.
- Disadvantages: It could only produce 256 colours; it is not ideal for a picture or photograph with lots of detail.
4. TIFF (Tagged Image File Format)
Extensions: (.tiff, .tif )
Compared to other image formats TIFF offers the original uncompressed image which is suitable for professional photography and printing. It is capable of layers, good for image manipulation programs but they increase file size dramatically.
- Best For: A huge number of photos and images of high quality for which the prints and enlargements are required to be edited.
- Advantages: Large, uncompressed format for further processing, particularly for printing or for professional photography.
- Disadvantages: Very big in size and web support is lacking making it unsuitable for use on the internet.
5. BMP (Bitmap Image File)
Extensions: ( . bmp )
BMP is an uncompressed image format which is developed by Microsoft. It maintains a very good image quality but the files are too bulky which reduces its applicability for the web environments.
- Best For: It is suitable for Windows-based applications that require unprocessed image quality.
- Advantages: Supports excellent image quality with no loss, demanded in cases where precision up to the pixel level is required.
- Disadvantages: Files in full size are large, and cannot be used in web-related operations.
6. WebP
Extensions: ( . webp )
WebP format is a modern format that was developed by Google and it provides lossy webp as well as the lossless webp format. It supports transparency and animations which are the features of both JPEG and PNG and has no large file size as that of GIF.
Best For: Web images where loading time and the quality of the images is considered to be very essential.
Advantages: Integrate the best of JPEG, PNG And GIF with better quality and faster web response.
Disadvantages: It is gradually being adopted though it is not as popular as JPEG or PNG formats.
7. SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics)
Extensions: (. svg )
SVG is a raster type of graphics mostly used for images that are intended for scaling such as logos and icons. It can be scaled up to infinity from the bottom right of the container without any degradation in quality making it ideal for responsive web design.
- Best For: Images that are text fields because they are logos, icons or illustrations for which one may need to scale.
- Advantages: High quality and not size dependent making it perfect for logos and icons.
- Disadvantages: Can only draw straight lines and curves and it cannot be used for complex images.
8. HEIC (High-Efficiency Image Coding)
Extensions: (.heic, .heif )
It has been developed by Apple to store high-picture quality images in smaller file sizes than that of the JPEG format. Nevertheless, it works exclusively with Apple’s products and doesn’t have much support with other brands.
- Best For: A close look at taking pictures with Apple gadgets and or Apple iPhones.
- Advantages: A more compact image format specialized in used for captured photos on a portable device with better quality as compared to JPEGs.
- Disadvantages: It does not properly import or export to other non-Apple devices and must be transformed for use on such.
9. RAW
Extensions🙁 .raw, .cr2, .nef, .orf )
RAW files are used by professional photographers often as these files are not edited and are the closest to the data acquired by a camera sensor. These files can be processed heavily in various ways but they require more disk space.
- Best For: Services run the gambit from professional photography to photo retouching.
- Advantages: Uses the most image data for further processing and for people who work in the photography industry.
- Disadvantages: Media files such as movies, mp3 files etc. that are very large and need additional programs to edit or convert.
Conclusion
Selecting an image file format is a function of the application, quality and size of the image and compatibility of the format. JPEG and PNG is suitable for web and social media while TIFF and RAW are suitable for professional photography. Since there are newer formats available like WebP that delivers high-quality images in lesser size, it is imperative to know the plus and minus of each format that will help in selecting an appropriate format.