Working with Images

Common File Types and Extensions

Images come in lots of sizes, resolutions, and formats. But they also have many different file types or file extensions. How you save your file often depends on where it will end up. See below for common filetypes and extensions you may need to use when formatting an edited image or when working with ones that need to be converted.

• JPEG - Joint Photographic Experts Groups: a compressed, smaller file that is one of the most common formats for digital applications.
• PNG - Portable Network Graphic: a lossless format that supports transparency
• TIFF - Tagged Image File Format: these types of files store lots of data, and result in very large file sizes.
• EPS - Encapsulated PostScript: this filetype supports vector graphics
• SVG - Scalable Vector Graphics: uses code and mathematical equations instead of pixels to render images (vector)
• RAW - unprocessed image files created by digital cameras and scanners. They hold lots of pixel data that needs to be processed in an image application like Preview or Photoshop.
• GIF - Graphics Interchange Format: a limited color format intended for use on the web and supports animations.

How do I know which one to use?

Well, it depends. Typically, there are a few good choices for most situations, but here's a quick list of options:

• Personal Photos - JPEG, TIFF
• Websites - JPEG, PNG, GIF, SVG
• Illustration apps - EPS, PNG, GIF
• Storage - TIFF, RAW
• Printing - TIFF, JPEG