File Format
BMP- Windows Bitmap
The BMP file format, also known as bitmap image file or device independent bitmap
(DIB) file format or simply a bitmap, is a raster graphics image file format used to store bitmap
digital images, independently of the display device ( such as a graphics adapter), especially on
Microsoft Windows and OS/2 operating systems.
EPS- Encapsulated PostScript
This is the file extension that is usually used with vector-based images in adobe
illustrator. Although this file format is still being used it is not very current and has generally
been replaced by the PDF format. Its widespread use allows for the exchange of images, logos
and drawing with no compression.
GIF- Graphics Interchange Format
GIF is an image file format commonly used for images on the web and sprites in software
programs. Unlike the JPEG image format, GIFs use lossless compression that does not degrade
the quality of the image. However, GIFs store image data using indexed color, meaning a
standard GIF image can include a maximum of 256 colors.
The original GIF format, also known as "GIF 87a," was published by CompuServe in
1987. In 1989, CompuServe released an updated version of the format called "GIF 89a." The 89a
format is similar to the 87a specification but includes support for transparent backgrounds and
image metadata. Both formats support animations by allowing a stream of images to be stored in
a single file. However, the 89a format also includes support for animation delays.
JPG- Joint Photographic Experts Group
JPG is a file extension for a lossy graphics file. The JPEG file extension is used
interchangeably with JPG. JPEG stands for Joint Photographic Experts Group who created the
standard. JPG files have 2 sub-formats, JPG/Exif (often used in digital cameras and photographic
equipment), and JPG/JFIF (often used on the World Wide Web).
The JPEG standard specifies the codec, which defines how an image is compressed into a
stream of bytes and decompressed back into an image, but not the file format used to contain that
stream. The Exif and JFIF standards define the commonly used formats for interchange of JPEG-
compressed images.
A JPG file consists of a sequence of segments, each beginning with a marker, each of
which begins with a 0xFF byte followed by a byte indicating what kind of marker it is. Some
markers consist of just those two bytes; others are followed by two bytes indicating the length of
marker-specific payload data that follows.
JPG files can be opened by most image editing software, from Microsoft Paint to Adobe
Photoshop.
PCT- Macintosh Picture
A file with the PCT file extension is a Macintosh Picture Image file and was the default
file format for the (now discontinued) QuickDraw Mac program. Though some applications still
use the PCT format, PDF has all but replaced it.
The image data in a Macintosh Picture Image file may be in the original PICT 1 format or
the PICT 2 format introduced in Color QuickDraw. The first can store eight colors while the
second and newer format supports thousands of colors.
Depending on the application that created it, you may find Macintosh Picture Image files
with either the.PCT or the PICT file extension, but both file types are in the same format.
PCX- PC Paintbrush
PCX is one of the most widely used storage formats. It originated with ZSoft's MS-DOS-
based PC Paintbrush, and because of this, PCX is sometimes referred to as the PC Paintbrush
format. ZSoft entered into an OEM arrangement with Microsoft, which allowed Microsoft to
bundle PC Paintbrush with various products, including a version called Microsoft Paintbrush for
Windows; this product was distributed with every copy of Microsoft Windows sold. This
distribution established the importance of PCX, not only on Intel-based MS-DOS platforms but
industry-wide.
PDF- Portable Document Format
PDF (Portable Document Format) is a file format that has captured all the elements of a
printed document as an electronic image that you can view, navigate, print, or forward to
someone else. PDF files are created using Adobe Acrobat, Acrobat Capture, or similar products.
PNG- Portable Network Graphics
PNG (Portable Network Graphics) is a file format used for lossless image compression.
PNG has almost entirely replaced the Graphics Interchange Format (GIF) that was widely used
in the past.
Like a GIF, a PNG file is compressed in lossless fashion, meaning all image information
is restored when the file is decompressed during viewing. A PNG file is not intended to replace
the JPEG format, which is "lossy" but lets the creator make a trade-off between file size and
image quality when the image is compressed. Typically, an image in a PNG file can be 10
percent to 30 percent more compressed than in a GIF format.
The file format of PNG
The PNG format includes these features:
Not only can one color be made transparent, but the degree of transparency, called
opacity, can be controlled.
Supports image interlacing and develops faster than in an interlaced GIF format.
Gamma correction allows tuning of the image’s color brightness required by
specific display manufacturers.
Images can be saved using true color, as well as in the palette and grayscale
formats provided by the GIF.
PSD- Photoshop Document
A PSD file is a layered image file used in Adobe Photoshop. PSD, which stands for
Photoshop Document, is the default format that Photoshop uses for saving data. PSD is a
proprietary file that allows the user to work with the images' individual layers even after the file
has been saved.
TGA- Truevision Targa
A file with the TGA file extension is a Truevision Graphics Adapter image file. It's also
known as a Targa Graphic file, Truevision TGA, or just TARGA, which stands for Truevision
Advanced Raster Graphics Adapter.
Images in the Targa Graphic format might be stored in their raw form or with
compression, which might be preferred for icons, line drawings, and other simple images. This
format is often seen associated with image files used in video games.
TIF- Tagged Image File Format
TIF files can be saved in a variety of color formats and in various forms of
compression. TIF uses lossless compression to maintain image integrity and clarity and is
often used for professional photography. GIF (short for Graphics Interchange Format) is a file
format for storing graphical images up to 256 colors.
WMF- Windows Metafile
WMF is a file extension for a graphics file used with Microsoft Windows. WMF stands
for Windows MetaFile. WMF files can contain both vector and bitmap image information. WMF
files were 16-bit when initially included with Windows 3.0.
File Format Abbreviation Compression Type Use
Windows Bitmap BMP Generally uncompressed, Hardly need for use
large and lossless to stores digital
bitmap images
Encapsulated EPS Uncompressed Exchanging
PostScript images, drawing,
logos. Good for
vector images in
adobe illustrator
Graphics GIF Compressed, Lossless Web images with
Interchange Format less than 256
colours
Joint Photographic JPEG Compressed, Lossless The choice for
Experts Group photos on the web.
Ultimate format for
digital photos
Macintosh Picture PCT Uncompressed, compressed Ideal for both
(using jpeg compression) vector and bitmap
images
PC Paintbrush PCX Uncompressed (without Works with
RLE), compressed ( with graphics images
RLE) - Lossless
Portable Network PNG Compressed – Lossless Display of web
Graphics images without loss
Photoshop PSD Uncompressed Document format
Document for photoshop
editing software
Truevision Targa TGA Compressed/Uncompressed Used in industry
video, computer
games, and
animation
Tagged Image File TIF Uncompressed/ To store digital
Format Compressed (Lossless) faxes, scanned
documents, high-
quality graphics,
and Photoshop.
Windows Metafile WMF Uncompressed, compressed Specific to the
versions WMZ, EMZ windows platform
used in a word,
PowerPoint and
publisher
Reference
https://techterms.com/definition/bmp
https://techterms.com/definition/gif
Digital Image File Types Explained. Retrieved from
http://users.wfu.edu/matthews/misc/graphics/format/formats.html
Using File Format
File Format may be either proprietary or free and may be unpublished or open, which
helps to store information in several formats. From graphics to text to audio and video file
formats are important.
I must be honest that I was unaware of how I’m using the different file formats daily and
didn’t take notice of their importance. As an educator, I used a lot of PDFs for reading, research
and sharing information with my colleagues. Due to the fact that PDF format has the big
advantage of compressing high- quality files to relatively small file size. That’s ideal for saving
hard drive space, particularly if you’re working with limited storage resources.
I used PNG a lot especially for my PowerPoint presentations because the images don’t
loose details and quality after the image is compress and its perfect for storing digital images for
editing. Finally, as a trainer I would do training in educational tools and as it related to
encouraging teachers to make their class fun and interactive. I would use JPEG for the clours and
the real-life images, such as photographs. Because they work well especially when posting
images on social media. In this technological arena, it is obvious that file format is inescapable.
