Types Of Graphics

JPEG
(Joint Photographic Experts Group) can have millions of colors and are often used for photographs and very complex images. JPEG files are also used for images that have minor color changes, depth, lighting effects, or other gradations of color or tone. JPEG images have the .jpg, .jpe, or. jpeg extension. JPEG files are compressed so data is actually removed from the graphic image to make the file size smaller. JPEG files are cross-platform and will work on all computer types. When to choose the JPEG format JPEG works best on photographs they do not compress areas of solid color very well. Do not save JPEG files repeatedly as they compress every time they are saved and will loose their original look.

GIF
(Graphic Interchange Format) images are limited to 256 colors, they are cross-platform, which means any computer can view them. GIF files are compressed which makes them small in file size but not in dimension. GIF files unlike JPEG files do not lose quality in compression. GIF files have the .gif extension. When to choose the GIF format GIF files are best used with large areas of solid colors, such as logos, and simple illustrations with flat colors.

BMP
(Bitmap) is the standard Windows image format on DOS and Windows compatible computers. The BMP format supports RGB (red, green, blue) indexed-colors, grayscale, and Bitmap color modes. BMP files have the .bmp extension.

PDF
(Portable Document Format) is used by Adobe Acrobat. PDF files can represent both vector and bitmap graphics, and can contain electronic document search and navigation features such as electronic links. The PhotoShop PDF format supports RGB, indexed-colors, CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black), grayscale, and Bitmap. PhotoShop has the .pdf extension.

Targa
format is designed for systems using the Truevision video board and is commonly supported by MS-DOS color applications. The Targa format supports 32 bit RGB, grayscale, and 16 bit and 24 bit RGB files without alpha channels. When saving an RGB image in this format, you can choose a pixel depth. Targa files have the .tga extension.

TIFF
(Tagged-Image File Format) is used to exchange files between applications and computer platforms. TIFF format is supported by virtually all paint programs, image editing, and page layout applications. Most of the older desktop scanners produce TIFF images and you should save images scanned as TIFF files unless you scan directly to PhotoShop. The TIFF format supports CMYK, RGB, and grayscale files. TIFF files have the .tif extension.

PNG
(Portable Network Graphics) Pronounced "ping" was developed as an alternative to GIF. PNG files support 24-bit images and produces background transparency without jagged edges. Some older versions of Web browsers may not support PNG images. Like GIF and JPEG files, PNG files are cross-platform and compressed. PNG files can have more colors than GIF files and also compress smaller. PNG files have the .png extension.