Knowing your Digital File Formats

There are many different types of image file formats that can be retrieved and edited using post-processing software.

Which of these is not a common image file format?

• DNG

• RAW

• JPEG

• PWV

• PSD

JPEG is probably the best known of all image file formats, and it’s what many cameras use as the default output.

Generally speaking, JPEGs should be used:

• When the photos are for personal use, for social media, albums, and small prints.

• When you don’t intend to enhance or edit the photos much in post-production

• For sharing images via email

• All the above

TIFF is commonly used in the photography industry; it’s generally requested by publishers. Even if the end file format will be a JPEG, the initial file is often a TIFF.

Pick 2 benefits of the TIFF format

• TIFFs are uncompressed, they are much bigger files.

• Ability to manipulate photos extensively in editing software

• Option to print at the highest quality and at much larger sizes.

• Longer transfer and loading times due to file size.

Simply put, RAW is the best option if you want to get the highest-quality files from your camera, and it’s the option preferred by professional photographers.

But RAW has it's drawbacks, pick 2

• The highest-quality image is captured

• Extensive options in post-processing

• Significant time is needed to convert and edit photos (you must edit RAW files)

• Bigger file sizes require more storage and longer post-processing times

DNG This file format, created by Adobe, is an attempt to provide a standard RAW file for all manufacturers and cameras. Pick 2 benefits of this file format.

• Ability to use image-processing software such as Lightroom and Photoshop

• Possibly the safer option long-term, because it guards against the inability to open or access files in the future

• Extra time needed to convert camera RAW files to DNGs (if your camera does not have the option to create files in this format)

• DNG converter must be used to create your files

PNGs are compressed in a lossless format, and therefore retain all detail. But unlike other file formats, PNG quality doesn’t mean big file sizes – and this is useful on the internet, because you need pages to load quickly.

So this makes PNGs great for printing?

• TRUE

• FALSE

GIFs Like PNGs, GIFs are ideal for use on the internet. Lossless compression means image quality is not sacrificed and they also support transparency and animation?

• True

• FALSE

BMP was invented by Microsoft, initially for use on the Windows platform. However, BMPs are now recognized by programs on Macs, as well.

BMPs provide a high-quality digital file, which is great for use in print but not ideal for the web.

• TRUE

• FALSE

PSD This file type is what Adobe Photoshop uses as a default to save data.

What are the benefits?

• Ability to manipulate the image extensively on separate layers

• Once the image is ready, it can be re-saved as any other file format

• The ability to save your file as a PSD before flattening if there’s a chance you might want to rework some of the layers later on.

• All the above

What’s your favorite image file format?

• JPG

• RAW

• PNG

• TIFF

• DNG