In this article we are going to explain you the differences between the most common image formats such as JPEG, PNG, GIF and many others. We will also go into lesser-known formats like ORF or RAW and tell you which format you should use in which situation.So if you've ever wondered what the difference between these image formats is or which format is best for your needs, read on and let's dive into the world of image formats together!
JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)
JPEG is one of the most common image formats. It stands for "Joint Photographic Experts Group" and is a compressed format, which reduces file size to save disk space. However, this also means that information is lost, which can result in lower image quality. The format is very suitable for photos that are shared online or on social media.
TIFF (Tagged Image File Format)
The TIFF format is an uncompressed format, which means that no information is lost. This is why the image quality in this format is very high. However, a TIFF image also has a correspondingly large file size. So saving and sharing TIFF files is a bit cumbersome. The TIFF format is particularly suitable for professional photography and for editing images.
PNG (Portable Network Graphics)
PNG means Portable Network Graphics. It represents a compressed format, but it is lossless. The file size is therefore reduced without losing image information. PNG is particularly well suited for images with clear contours and transparency, such as those used for graphics or logos.
GIF (Graphics Interchange Format)
The abbreviation GIF stands for Graphics Interchange Format, a format that is often used for animated images. It is able to display up to 256 colors. It is therefore not well suited for photographs, but rather for short animations or simple graphics.
RAW (Raw Image Format)
The RAW format is not an independent format, but a term for raw data formats from digital cameras. All unprocessed information recorded by the camera is stored in RAW files. It allows a very high image quality and extensive post-processing. However, RAW images also have a large file size and are particularly suitable for professional photography.
PSD (Photoshop Document)
The standard format of Adobe Photoshop is called PSD. Photoshop saves all of an image's effects and layers in this format. The format is particularly suitable for professional image processing. Keeping layers and effects in this format has the advantage of being flexible in editing and being able to readjust at any time. However, the file size is correspondingly large, making it difficult to save and share PSD files.
CR2 (Canon Raw 2)
CR2 format is used by Canon cameras. It is the RAW format of this manufacturer and contains unprocessed image data directly from the camera sensor. This enables a high degree of flexibility in post-processing. However, special software is required to open and edit the files, which are also relatively large. The format is ideal for professional photographers who want comprehensive control over their images.
SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics)
SVG is a vector-based image format that is often used to create graphic content on the web. Unlike raster graphics such as JPEG or PNG, which are pixel-based, SVG graphics are generated from vectors using mathematical calculations. Thus, they remain scalable without suffering any loss of quality, regardless of the resolution and size of the screen on which they are displayed. SVG is particularly useful for graphics such as icons, logos, and illustrations, which often come in a variety of sizes.
EPS (Encapsulated PostScript)
The EPS format is also a vector format and is commonly used in the printing and publishing industries. Compared to raster graphics, it can store scalable vector graphics, which always remain pin-sharp regardless of screen size and scaling. Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign are applications that can handle EPS images. The format also supports transparent backgrounds and can be printed in high resolution.
Indd (InDesign Document)
The INDD image format is a proprietary format of the Adobe InDesign application. This is a layout format that gives designers the ability to create complex documents with images, graphics, and text. The format is easily interchangeable with other Adobe programs, making it a preferred format for professional graphic designers. However, the downside is that not all image programs can open it.
BMP (bitmap)
The BMP format is a somewhat older and uncompressed image format that is often used in Windows programs. Images are saved as raster graphics consisting of pixels. The format offers high color accuracy and is well suited for working with simple images and graphics. The downside of BMP files is their large file size since it is uncompressed.
NEF (Nikon Electronic Format)
The NEF format is a proprietary RAW image format of Nikon cameras. It contains the unprocessed image data captured directly from the image sensor. The advantage here is a very high image quality and good flexibility in post-processing. In addition to the disadvantage that NEF files are very large, you also need special software for editing.
HEIF (High Efficiency Image Format)
HEIF is a relatively new format developed by Apple and can store both compressed and uncompressed image content. The advantage of this is a very good image quality with a relatively small file size. However, the format is not widespread and is therefore not supported by all programs.
ORF (Olympus Raw Format)
ORF is the proprietary raw data format used by Olympus cameras. It's a RAW format specially tailored for the cameras of this brand. The advantages of the format include high quality, flexibility and good control for photographers. However, the memory requirement is very high, which is a disadvantage in addition to the limitations in terms of compatibility.
WebP (Web Picture Format)
WebP is an image format developed by Google that focuses on fast loading times and higher compression of images. The format uses lossy compression to reduce the file size of images while maintaining high image quality. Compared to other popular image formats like JPEG, PNG, and GIF, WebP can generate smaller file sizes, resulting in faster loading times and less data consumption. Supported by many web browsers such as Google Chrome, Opera, and Microsoft Edge, WebP is particularly useful for image-heavy websites as it helps optimize load times and improve user experience.
Conclusion
In summary, it can be concluded that there are many different image formats, all of which have their strengths and weaknesses. The JPEG format is a particularly popular and widely used format that offers a good compromise between size and quality. Image formats such as RAW format are best for post-processing images, but they also result in larger file sizes and are not supported by all applications.
The PNG format is also ideal for use on the web, but offers larger file sizes than JPEG files. Some proprietary image formats, such as the ORF format used by Olympus cameras, are not supported by all programs but offer high quality and good post-processing control for the photographer.
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