Session XVI-Types of Image Files & Definitions

Questions arose about understanding of files that can be created for the use of images in a document or on a flier, as a result of learning about clipart and its uses. So, to address these questions this week’s lesson focused on understanding the different types of imagine files, how they are used and their definitions. 
This was a highly interactive lesson loaded with questions and many “AH Ha” moments. Most of their issues where a result of either incomplete or misinformation. The information below was given to them as a resource guide that they can refer to at any time.
We are noticing that the class has begun using the correct terminology more confidently as they have learned to use the technology.
RASTER FORMATS- Images that are created with pixels that can be simple to complex.
1.JPEG or JPG- Joint Photographic Experts Group, 72 PPI (pixels per inch)

Characteristics:

• They sacrifice quality for low file size
• Hard to resize
• Don’t support transparency

 
2.GIF-Graphics Interchange Format
(pronounced like the peanut butter “jif”)
 
Characteristics:

• Able to be formatted
• Able to be animated
• Can handle transparencies and maintain a low file size
• Not good for photography
• Capable of 256 colors

3.PNG-Portable Network Graphics
Characteristics:

• Great for photographs
• Can include transparencies
• Because of image size they can slow down the website during load time.
• Can lose some quality if you resize image

 
4.TIFF or TIF-Tagged Image File Format
Characteristics:

• Nothing of the image is lost when saved or compressed (high-quality scan)
• Can support layers of images
• Highest quality graphic formats
• Often referred to as “print-ready” image
• Its big- too big for web design

 
5.PSD-Photoshop Document
Characteristics:

• Non-destructive editing in Photoshop
• Never embed a PSD and not good for sending previews of a design
• Excellent format to send an image to a printer

6.BMP-Bit Map 
Characteristics:

• Used to store bitmap digital images
• Capable to storing two-dimensional digital images (both monochrome and color)
  

7.RAW-
Characteristics:

• Usually from a digital camera
• Files called Raw because they have not been processed
• Each camera company has its own format
• Large amounts of data that is uncompressed

 
VECTOR FORMATS- they are not exactly images but mathematical formulas that communicate directly to the computer to tell it the kind of shape to create. They can’t handle complex images like photos but are great for creating a logos, illustrations, and text.
1.EPS-Encapsulated PostScript
Characteristics:

• It is just a file format that is a bunch of formulas and numbers to create the image
• Can be resized or altered
• Print-ready but not advised for web design
  

2.Ai or AI-Adobe Illustrator
Characteristics:

• Cousin to EPS’s both are vector files
• Can’t be embedded on the web and not recommended to share these files
• Good for internal use and sharing with your printer

 
Other formats
1.PDF-
Characteristics:

• An Adobe file format that is the best of both worlds- can be good for both digital and printed distribution
• Can share directly with your audience
• Can contain both raster or vector images or both
• Not recommended that you embed directly to website but is a downloadable file that can be read through the PDF reader

 

Resources:
Image file types explained, blog by Vladimir Genedelman  http://www.companyfolders.com/blog/image-file-types-explained-which-format-should-you-use

Image file format: everything you’ve ever wanted to know, blog by Sam Lundquist https://99designs.com/blog/tips/image-file-types/#JPEG
The 5 types of digital images, blog by Caroline, https://www.ivanexpert.com/blog/2010/05/the-5-types-of-digital-image-files-tiff-jpeg-gif-png-and-raw-image-files-and-when-to-use-each-one/
BMP file format-Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMP_file_format
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