Graphics and Photos in

Teaching and Learning

Image File Formats

There are three primary graphic
file formats for Web images: GIF
(Graphic Interchange Format),
JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts
Group), and PNG (Portable
Network Graphics). Each of these
graphic file formats is cross-
platform and uses some form of
compression to be optimized for
use on the Web.
GIF (Graphic Interchange
Format)
GIF is the preferred file format for
images with large areas of solid
color, such as logos, text as
graphics, cartoons, etc. The GIF file
format supports 8-bit images (up to
256 colors).
Here are some other important
features of GIF images:
1.GIFs use a lossless
compression scheme, i.e.,
images do not lose data when
compressed and, therefore,
don't lose image quality.
2.GIF 89a images allow for one
transparent color.
3.GIF interlaced images can be
displayed as low-resolution
images initially and then develop
clarity and detail gradually.
4.GIF images can be used to
create simple animations.
5.GIFs are saved with a .gif
extension.
JPEG (Joint Photographic
Experts Group)
JPEG is the preferred file format for
photographic images. In addition,
the JPEG format works well with
subtle transitions in color, such as
watercolors, pencil or charcoal
drawings, etc. The JPEG file format
supports 24-bit images (over 16
million colors).
Here are some other important
features of JPEG images:
1.JPEGs use a lossy compression
scheme; data is removed from
the image to make the file size
smaller when compressed.
2.JPEG images allow for various
compression levels, providing for
the adjustment of compression
to best display the image without
losing too much of the image
 quality. Due to the various
compression levels, it is
suggested that the original
image be saved and used for
editing purposes; don't edit a
JPEG image that has been
compressed.
3.JPEG images are not interlaced;
however, progressive JPEG
images can be interlaced.
4.JPEGs are saved with a .jpeg or
.jpg extension.
PNG (Portable Network Graphics)
PNG is a relatively new image file
format that has many advantages
over GIF and JPEG. The PNG file
format can be 24-bit or 8-bit,
eliminating some of the limitations
of the other formats.
Here are some other important
features of PNG images:
1.PNG images use a lossless
compression scheme.
2.PNG images are interlaced.
3.PNG images support 8-bit
transparency.
4.PNG images include the ability
to correct for gamma information
based on the computer monitor
on which they are being viewed.
5.PNGs are saved with a .png
extension.