Types of Image File Formats

Image Format describes how data related to the image will be stored. Data can be stored in compressed, Uncompressed or vector format. Each format of the image has a different advantage and disadvantage. Image types such as TIFF are good for printing while JPG or PNG are best for web.

When working with images, it's important to choose the right file format to ensure the quality of your project. Understanding the various image file formats and their uses can help you make a more informed decision. 

Types of image file formats

If you're interested in a creative career, knowing the different image file formats can make your duties even easier. Whether you're a photographer or illustrator, understanding the differences between these file formats ensures you use the right one for your particular purposes.

TIFF(.tif, .tiff)

Tagged Image File Format stores image data without losing any data. It does not perform any compression on images where a high-quality image is obtained but size of image is also large, which is good for printing, professional printing.

TIFF benefits

• Ability to manipulate photos extensively in editing software
• Option to print at the highest quality and at much larger sizes

TIFF negatives

• Much bigger file sizes (so more storage is needed)
• Longer transfer and loading times due to file size

JPEG (.webp, .webp)

Joint Photographic Experts Group is a loss-prone (lossy) format in which data is lost to reduce image size of image. Due to compression, some data is lost but that loss is very less. It is a very common format and is good for digital cameras, nonprofessional prints, E-Mail, Powerpoint etc., making it ideal for web use.

JPEG benefits

• The small file size means more images can be stored on a single memory card
• Quicker file transfer times, due to the smaller file size

JPEG negatives

• Loss of quality due to image compression
• Less opportunity for image manipulation in photo-editing software

GIF (.gif)

GIF or Graphics Interchange Format files are used for web graphics.They can be animated and are limited to only 256 colors, allowing for transparency. GIF files are typically small in size and are portable.

GIF benefits

• The small file size makes GIF files ideal for use on the web
• Files can contain animation

GIF negatives

• The limited colors make GIFs a poor choice for photos
• GIFs don’t support partial transparency like drop shadows

PNG (.webp)

PNG or Portable Network Graphics files are a lossless image format. It was designed to replace the gif format as gif supported 256 colors, unlike PNG which supports 16 million colors.

PNG benefits

• Lossless compression makes for good image quality, which isn’t compromised when editing
• The ability to maintain transparency, which is important for graphics such as overlays and logos

PNG negatives

• Quality is not good enough for printing at any size

Bitmap (.bmp)

The Bitmap Image file is developed by Microsoft for windows. It is same as TIFF due lossless, no compression property. Due to BMP being a proprietary format, it is generally recommended to use TIFF files.

BMP benefits

• Can be used for printing, as the images are high quality

BMP negatives

• The large file size means a lot of storage is required

PSD

PSDs refer to image file formats native to the graphics editing software, Adobe Photoshop. PSDs contain layers that make it easier to modify an image. It's important to note that Photoshop works with raster images instead of vector images. It's best to use PSDs when containing high-quality graphics data.

PSD benefits

• Ability to manipulate the image extensively on separate layers
• Once the image is ready, it can be re-saved as any other file format

PSD negatives

• Layered files can be incredibly large in size due to all of the additional data they store.

RAW Image Files (.raw, .cr2, .nef, .orf, .sr2)

These Files are unprocessed created by a camera or scanner. Many digital SLR cameras can shoot in RAW, whether it be a .raw, .cr2, or .nef. These images are the equivalent of a digital negative, meaning that they hold a lot of image information. These images need to be processed in an editor such as Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom. It saves metadata and is used for photography.

RAW benefits

• The highest-quality image is captured
• Extensive options in post-processing

RAW negatives

• Significant time is needed to convert and edit photos (you must edit RAW files)
• Bigger file sizes require more storage and longer post-processing times

Some other image formats are:

PDF

Created by Adobe, this universal file type aims to capture rich information from different applications and gives. A portable document format essentially gives you the ability to present information to a wide variety of audiences more easily. If you have a vector logo saved as a PDF, you can see it without needing design editing software to open it. You just need the Acrobat Reader software.

EPS (.eps)

Encapsulated PostScript file is a common vector file type. EPS files can be opened in applications such as Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW.

AI

Known as an Adobe Illustrator document, an AI file extension is an image format that's often preferred by designers. It's also reliable for images in various types of projects, whether web or print. Many creatives use Adobe Illustrator to create artwork from scratch. Therefore, it's often the program where your logo was originally rendered.

INDD

The INDD file format refers to an Adobe InDesign Document. Creatives often use InDesign to make larger publications, such as a magazine or eBook. You can use Photoshop and Illustrator files in InDesign together in InDesign to create a content-rich design with features like embedded content and advanced typography.