Image File Types

We learned all about Vector vs. Raster image types in the previous post. So, let’s dive right into all those suffixes.

Raster Image File Types

.jpg - The most common image type renowned throughout the internet. These images are compressed (while still containing up to 16 million colors), and their quality decreases as the file size decreases. No transparencies are allowed.

.png - PNGs can be used for regular images (though usually with a bit larger file size), but allowing transparencies and dealing with thin lines is where PNGs really shine. It is great for charts and is often used for logos.

.gif - Most common in their animated form (think tiny quick video memes), they are also used for logos and graphics. GIFs are formed from limited colors (up to 256 colors in the RGB colorspace), so they remain small and nimble. You can create gifs using software, apps, or online on sites such as Giphy.

.tiff - Not used on the web much but great for printing, TIFFs are large files that don't lose quality - ie the original image data is maintained regardless of how often you copy, resave, or compress the original file. Original photo files are usually stored as TIFFs.

.psd - Files created and saved in the Adobe Photoshop program.

Raw files - .dng, .raw - Files shot as raw in your camera are unprocessed and uncompressed. They store the largest detail of any raster file type, which photographers edit, compress, and convert into other formats. RAW files are BIG and are not usable images until they are converted into other raster file formats using software.

Vector Image File Types

Remember, vector files can be scaled up or down without losing any resolution.

.eps—Vector files used mostly for printing high-resolution graphics such as posters. EPS files can get large when complex, multiple-layer graphics are involved.

.svg - A web-friendly vector file format popular for displaying 2D graphics, charts, and website illustrations. SVGs can store text as text, so they are readable by Google.

.ai - Adobe Illustrator file type for vector graphics. Logos and graphics are usually created using Illustrator, so these will likely be the original file types.

.pdf - Most PDFs are vector files (unless created in Photoshop) that can hold text and vector and raster images within them. Best used for documents that are a mix of text, images, charts, graphics, forms, etc…PDFs no longer support embedded video or interactive elements.