Computer File Types (Lossy v Lossless)

Understanding File Types & Compression

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Today, we’ll learn what different file types do, why they exist, and when to use them!

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​Understanding File Types & Compression

​📌 "JPEG: Best for Photos & Websites"
💬 "JPEG uses lossy compression to shrink image size while keeping quality high."

✅ Why Use It?
✔ Smaller file size → Loads fast on websites.
✔ Good quality for digital photos.

​JPEG – The Compressed Image Format

Multiple Choice

❓ What type of compression does JPEG use?

• Lossy

• Lossless

• Uncompressed

• Encrypted

📌 "PNG: Best for Transparent & High-Quality Graphics"
💬 "PNG uses lossless compression, keeping all details but with a larger file size."

✅ Why Use It?
✔ Supports transparency (good for logos).
✔ Lossless compression = high quality.

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​PNG – The Transparent Image Format

Multiple Choice

❓ True or False: PNG files use lossy compression.

• True

• False

📌 "GIF: The Format for Short Animations"
LOSSLESS
💬 "GIFs don’t support as many colours but allow for short, looping animations."

✅ Why Use It?
✔ Best for small, simple animations.
✔ Supports transparency, like PNG.

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GIF – The Animated Image Format

Multiple Choice

❓ What is the main reason GIFs are still used?

• They support animations

• They are higher quality than PNG

• They take up less space than MP4

• They can store large videos

​📌 "Why Do We Need Different Audio File Types?"
💬 "Some audio needs to be small for streaming, while others need high quality for editing."

​Audio Files Overview

📌 "MP3: Best for Music & Streaming"
💬 "MP3 uses lossy compression to shrink audio files while keeping them clear."

✅ Why Use It?
✔ Smaller file size = faster streaming.
✔ Good enough quality for most users.

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MP3 – The Streaming Audio Format

Multiple Choice

❓ Why is MP3 a popular audio format?

• It keeps all original sound

• It makes files smaller for streaming

• It has no compression

• It is only used for professional audio

📌 "WAV: Best for Studio-Quality Sound"
💬 "WAV is lossless, meaning it keeps all sound data, but files are HUGE."

✅ Why Use It?
✔ Perfect quality for recording & editing.
✔ Not ideal for streaming due to large file size.

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WAV – The High-Quality Audio Format

​📌 "Why Do We Need Different Video File Types?"
💬 "Some videos need high quality, others need to stream fast."

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Video Files Overview

📌 "MP4: Best for Online Video & Streaming"
💬 "MP4 is a compressed video format that balances quality and small file size."

✅ Why Use It?
✔ Used by YouTube & Netflix.
✔ Compressed, but good quality.

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​MP4 – The Streaming Video Format

Multiple Choice

❓ Why is MP4 used for streaming?

• It reduces file size while keeping video quality

• It removes video entirely

• It is a lossless video format

• It requires a high-speed connection

📌 "AVI: High-Quality but Large Video Files"
💬 "AVI files are often uncompressed, meaning they keep every detail but are huge."

✅ Why Use It?
✔ Best for video editing before compression.
✔ Used when no quality loss is allowed.

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​AVI – The High-Quality Video Format

Multiple Choice

❓ True or False: AVI files are always compressed.

• True

• False

📌 "Why Do We Need Different Text File Types?"
💬 "Some text files are simple, while others support formatting."

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Text Files Overview

📌 "TXT: Smallest, Most Compatible Text Format"
💬 "TXT files contain only plain text—no formatting, no images."

✅ Why Use It?
✔ Extremely small file size.
✔ Works on any computer.

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​TXT – The Simple Text Format

Multiple Choice

❓ What is the main advantage of TXT files?

• They include rich formatting

• They are small and universal

• They support embedded images

• They use lossy compression

📌 "DOCX: Best for Documents & Sharing"
LOSSLESS
💬 "DOCX is used for writing

​✅ Why Use DOCX?
✔ Editable, great for writing.
✔ Supports images, tables, formatting.

​DOCX

Multiple Choice

❓ True or False: DOCX files use lossy compression.

• True

• False

PDF: Best for Documents & Sharing

​PDF keeps formatting across all devices
✅ Why Use PDF?
✔ Keeps formatting the same on all devices.
✔ Can’t be easily edited.

​PDF

Multiple Choice

❓ Why is PDF commonly used for official documents?

• It allows easy editing

• It preserves formatting across devices

• It reduces file size by deleting text

• It is an uncompressed format

Categorize

Options (9)

JPEG

MP3

MP4

PNG

GIF

DOCX

PDF

AVI

TXT

💡 Students will match the file type to the correct category.

Lossy

Lossless

Uncompressed