File formats

File formats
Pictures are files

When an image is captured by a camera or a scanning device is has to be saved or memorised in a "file format" The information can only be read and understood if the software recognises the format.

The formats are:
JPEG (joint photographic experts group).jpg
TIFF (tagged image file formats).tif
PSD (photoshop documents).psd
RAW (raw unexpressed information).raw

File>save as- This opens up numerous options for the photoshop/PC users for simplicity, it is advisable that you save your work as either a tiff or psd file because they support all of the photoshops features. Not not all formats support layers.

TIFF- this format is generally regarded as the industry standard because its the most universally recognised format. Photoshops variant of this format supports image layers, adjustments, paths, clipping and ICC profiles.

Its the most popular format for photographers delivering RGB am CMYK files to clients, its good practice to flatten files because only photoshop supports layered tiffs.

PSD- photoshops native format supports everything photoshop can do inclduing ICC profiles until version 6 it was the only format that supported layers. Thid format is only recognised by photoshop so it is not advisable when handing PSD files to clients.

JPEG- The most commonly used file format. It has "lossy" compression that transmits what it dreams to be improtant that it considers redundant. there is no option to save without compression but embedding ICC profile is optional.

JPEG- allows you to make a trade off between image files size and image quality. jpeg compression divides the image in aquares in 8x8 pixels which are compressed independantly. As you increase compression the sqares become more visable.

100% quality jpeg is very hard to disguise from the uncompressed original typically taking up to 6 times as much storage space.

80% quality jpeg still look good although it is 10 times smaller than the uncompressed original some deteriations will occur.