Computer Methods 01 Art 3385

File Formats Handout

The following are image file formats, all of which contain there own unique properties and uses.
For print we will primarily be using PSD, EPS, TIFF and PDF files. For internet, JPG, GIF and PNG will
be what we focus on.

PSD, PDD - A PSD file is the proprietary layered format used by Adobe. It stands for Photoshop
Document and is designed to take advantage of Photoshop’s layer blending options. A PDD file is
similar in structure and is almost equally compatible with a PSD. It originated as the default file type
for Adobe PhotoDeluxe until 2002 and was then adopted as a secondary file format for Photoshop.

BMP, RLE, DIB - Bitmap files were developed by Microsoft as an uncompressed image format. Being
uncompressed, the files are typically much larger than other common file types. Bitmaps can also
be saved as a DIB file. DIB is device-independent bitmap and is used in the Microsoft graphics
subsystem (GDI). Bitmap quality is based somewhat on the color depth. Higher color depths (16- and
24-bit) are more detailed but also larger in size. Lower depths (4- and 8-bit) are smaller but have
less colors. 4-bit images contain 16 possible colors and 8-bit contain 256. RLE images are an older
technology and only support black and white images. They were replaced with GIF’s by CompuServe.

GIF- Graphics Interchange Format images are a from of bitmap designed to be much smaller files.
Using compression and the limitation of only 256 colors, GIF images are well-suited for use on the
internet where speed can be an issue. Invented by CompuServer, GIF images also support animation
by setting up seperate frames, each with their own color pallete, and then play them in sequence.
Gifs are slowly being replaced by higher quality formats such as PNG.

EPS - Encapsulated Postscript files support a combination of vector graphics and bitmaps.
Photoshop, however, rasterizes the vector graphics converting them to pixels. EPS fles come in a
variety of types. DCS 1.0 files, Desktop Color Seperations, allows the saving of color seperations.
DCS 2.0 files can export spot channels. EPS is similar in its limitations to the TIFF format, including
the requirement to flatten all layers. It is also possible to apply JPEG compression however this can
cause unknown effects.

JPG, JPEG, JPE - Perhaps the most common file format for digital photographs, JPEG offers a
relatively small file size thanks to its lossy compression system. Joint Photographic Experts Group is
only the way in which the images is tranformed into data. Another extension used by JPEG is JFIF.
JFIF or JPEG File Interchange Format is the actually image compressed and is what makes up most
JPEG images. JPG is actually the most common file extension, but is exactly the same as its longer
counterpart. This format does not perform well for line graphics or charts, but rather photographs
where the compression blends in with the textures.

PSB - The Large Document Format for Photoshop is designed for images with dimensions greater
than 30,000 pixels in both dimensions and up to the maximum 300,000 pixels in either dimension.
This is a native Photoshop format is not supported by many (if any) other programs. The large
document format is also one of several formats that allows 48-bit images (3 16-bit channels instead
of 8-bit). PSB files support a majority of the PSD features and are essesntially the same except with
support for large files.
PDF, PDP - A Photoshop PDF, or Portable Document Format, is a specialized PDF designed by
Adobe for Photoshop. Similar to both Acrobat PDF’s and Photoshop PSD’s, this format supports
many of the features of both programs: transparency, layers and vector graphics. Photoshop PDF’s
primarily use the CMYK color scheme. It is used by Adobe’s InDesign and being a PDF, it is viewable
in Acrobat. This format features the security of locking the file from editing. PDP is the default file
format for Broderbund’s Printshop Deluxe and is supported in Photoshop to some extent.

RAW - The Photoshop Raw format is a plugin for Photoshop enabling support for various camera’s
raw image type. This allows greater control over the quality of the image. The problem with this
format is its lack of support by many programs. This is caused by the fact that the image is not
processed at all (or ‘not cooked’). The information captured by the camera’s sensor is exactly
what makes up this file. Support for this format is growing, but the exact format varies between
manufacturers. DNG is another popular raw format which is literally a digital negative of the image.

PICT - PICT files are an original image file for the Macintosh. Both vector graphics and bitmaps are
supported in this format. PICT files originated as the default file format for for Quickdraw and only
supported 8 black and white colors. This format evolved to support color and then higher color
depths up to 32-bit. RLE and JPEG compression can be applied to PICT images with certain limits.
For example, JPEG compression requires the Quicktime compressor. This format was replaced by
Apple with the PDF file. It is widely supported on all the Mac operating systems, so Photoshop still
keeps it supported.

PNG - Portable Network Graphics is a format designed to replace the GIF using superior technology.
It has support for many of the GIF features including transparency. It has surpassed the GIF in
many areas, the most common being color depth and transparency. The color depth of a PNG is
extended up to 48-bit and the transparency uses a much broader range of options in order to bring
about the required results. PNG images are usually large files because of the higher quality they
have compared to either GIF or JPG. This is due to the lossless compression used by PNG called
deflation. This format also supports a more advanced interlacing system. Support for PNG images is
slowly growing. All of the modern webbrowsers support viewing PNG’s, but the lack of animation is
hindering further growth especially in regard to advertising on the web.

PBM, PGM, PPM, PNM, PFM - Portable Bitmaps are only one component of a set that collectively
convert files between different platforms. This set contains Portable Bitmaps (PBM), Portable
Graymaps PGM), Portable Pixmaps (PPM) and the whole collection is known as PNM. PBM’s are
monotone and use a color depth of 1-bit. This progresses to 8-bit with PGM and then to 24-bit with
PPM. Portable Bitmaps were adapted to support multiple images in each file and are now supported
by several big-name programs. The PFM format was used by old printers to provide a way to
process text.

SCT - Scitech Continuous Tone images are another very high quality image format used primarily
by professionals in the print ad business. Designed for use with photographs and other detailed
images, Scitech images use a very high color depth and the CMYK mode to produce outstanding
image quality, but also very large files. SCT files take advantange of a raster system that uses color
separations. This file type is limited by its exclusivity to Scitech systems, but for those that use it,
the image quality and features are necessary.

TIF, TIFF - Tagged Image File Format is a common high quality image file used mainly by
photographs and detailed designs. Supported by almost all major image editors, TIFF is a flexible
format that can be used in cameras, scanning, printing, and design. Programs like InDesign take
advantage of TIFF images and can make the most of their features. TIFF offers the ability to archive
and store JPEG’s, bitmaps and vector graphics. This format supports compression in a lossless
format and images can even be edited and resaved without any loss in quality.