Digital Graphics File Formats

Amy Addison

Raster GraphicsRaster graphics is one of two main files for shrinking, enlarging and saving an image e.g. Through a form of

software or using a scanner. Raster graphics is made up of Bitmaps which is multiple pixels put together

making up an image.

A raster file is usually larger than a vector graphics image file. A raster file is usually difficult to alter without loss

of information, although there are software tools that can convert a raster file into a vector file for refinement

and changes. Examples of raster image file types are: BMP, TIFF, GIF, and JPEG files.

BMP – Bitmap image file

TIFF – Tagged Image File Format

GIF – Graphics Interchange Format

JPEG – Joint Photographic Experts Group

Vector GraphicsVector graphics is one of two main files for shrinking, enlarging and saving an image e.g. Through a form of

software or using a scanner. Vector is also known as paths and strokes defined by start and end points.

There are a few pros and cons to Vector Graphics these include:

Changing the size of paths – pro

No loss in definition – pro

Can be very big files – con

Perfect for company logos, business cards and/or on billboards – pro

Examples of Vector image file types are: AL, FLA and WMP files.

AL – Adobe Illustrator file

FLA – Flash file

WMP – Windows Meta file

Raster Graphics

JPEGStands For Joint Photographic Expert Group

Used For/Example Photographs, web formats and photographs on the internet are in this form.

Advantage Some of the advantages could include:-Everyone being able to view this type of file.- This file can be viewed on and technology devise e.g. Phone, computer, IPad etc..

Disadvantage Some of the disadvantages could be:-It looses quality every time it is edited due to compression and recompression.- The pixels could be large and make the image blurry.

TIFFStands For Tagged Image File Format

Used For/Example Desktop publishing – popular with graphic designers.

Advantage Some of the advantages could include:-Being a multiple-page document- Doesn’t loose quality due to compression

Disadvantage Some of the disadvantages could include:-Doesn’t open on many technology devises- Not many people can view this.

GIFStands For Graphics Interchange Format

Used For/Example Short digital animations usually used on the internet, a series of images on a loop made to look like a video

Advantage Some of the advantages could include:-Small files as it’s just some images put together- Viewed quick and easily

Disadvantage Some of the disadvantages could include:- The quality is quite bad

BMPStands For Bitmap Image File

Used For/Example It’s similar to a JPEG image therefore used on web formats, the internet and photographs

Advantage Some of the advantages could include:-No loss due to compression

Disadvantage Some of the disadvantages could include:- Has a large file size

Vector Graphics

PSDStands For Photoshop Document

Used For/Example Image manipulation, front cover of a magazine

Advantage Some of the advantages could include:-Saves layers, page formatting information, swatches etc..- Supports transparency e.g. Text.

Disadvantage Some of the disadvantages could include:-Not universal, not everyone can see it- File sizes can be really big

AIStands For Adobe Illustrator Art

Used For/Example Logo creation

Advantage Some of the advantages could include:-Can be scaled big and small- No loss in definition

Disadvantage Some of the disadvantages could include:- Some of the file sizes can be big

FLAStands For Flash File

Used For/Example Creating animation on games

Advantage Some of the advantages could include:-Can produce high quality files with a small file size- Can include sound and video

Disadvantage Some of the disadvantages could include:-Flash installation is quite complex - The application Flash would need to be on a technology device to view the files.

WMFStands For Windows Metafile

Used For/Example Crating logos

Advantage Some of the advantages could include:-Can be scaled big and small- Can contain both vector and bitmap components

Disadvantage Not too sure of any disadvantages.

File Format Capture and Optimising

CompressionDefinition Lossy compression is the way in which file

sizes are reduced by reducing the amount of information that is saved

Advantage The advantage here isFile sizes can be reduced if the file is too big.

Disadvantage The disadvantage here isImages become more pixelated as they are compressed as they save smaller amounts of compressed files

Image CaptureMethod Scanner

How is it used for image capture of graphics

Scanning photographs for printing, for web pages, for Windows wallpaper, for emailing images to friends and relatives, images for newsletters or notebooks, for PowerPoint slides shown at meetings, etc, etc. And since these photos are now digitized, you can use editing software to combine images, create special effects, etc. This is an endless artistic field.

Method Camera

How is it used for image capture of graphics

Cameras create/take 3 dimensional digital images. Digital Cameras like scanners are capable of image capture, except a digitalcamera is more transportable making them the preferable choice, this is also down to the fact that a digital camera is able to capture images of everyday life compared to the Scanner which requires invariably a flat document

Image CaptureMethod Graphics Tablet

How is it used for image capture of graphics

A graphics tablet or digitizer is a computer input device that enables a user to hand-draw images, animations and graphics, similar to the way a person draws images with a pencil and paper. These tablets may also be used to capture data or handwritten signatures. It can also be used to trace an image from a piece of paper which is taped or otherwise secured to the surface. Capturing data in this way, by tracing or entering the corners of linear poly-lines or shapes, is called digitizing

OptimisingWhy would you optimise? To ensure easy viewing of images that can

be uploaded to the internet

How can you optimise? Photoshop has a tool that is able to optimise images. They can be optimised by reducing image size, reducing bit depth, reducing resolution and compressing images.

Advantage to optimising Images that have been optimised have a smaller file type meaning a faster download time.

Disadvantage to optimising Optimising can be done by reducing bit depth, Bit depth refers to the amount of “bits” used regarding the colour of individual pixels there fore the image can become pixelated and look unpleasing.