Image formats are file formats used for storing and displaying digital images. These formats dictate how image data is encoded, compressed, and displayed.

Here are some common image formats:

JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group):

  • JPEG is a widely used format for photographs and images with natural scenes.
  • It uses lossy compression to reduce file size, making it suitable for web and digital photography.
  • JPEG images can be highly compressed, but excessive compression can result in quality loss.

PNG (Portable Network Graphics):

  • PNG is a lossless format ideal for images with sharp edges and transparency.
  • It’s commonly used for logos, icons, and graphics where image quality is critical.
  • PNG supports both indexed color and truecolor images.

GIF (Graphics Interchange Format):

  • GIF is known for its support of animations through multiple frames.
  • It uses lossless compression but has a limited color palette (256 colors).
  • GIFs are often used for simple animations and graphics on the web.

BMP (Bitmap):

  • BMP is a basic uncompressed image format that stores color data for each pixel.
  • It offers high-quality images but results in large file sizes.
  • BMP files are commonly used in Windows applications.

TIFF (Tagged Image File Format):

  • TIFF is a flexible format supporting both lossless and lossy compression.
  • It’s used for high-quality images in industries like photography, publishing, and printing.
  • TIFF files can store multiple layers and color profiles.

RAW (Camera RAW):

  • RAW formats vary by camera manufacturer (e.g., CR2 for Canon, NEF for Nikon).
  • They store unprocessed image data captured by digital cameras.
  • RAW files offer maximum flexibility for post-processing but are large in size.

WebP:

  • WebP is a modern image format developed by Google.
  • It offers both lossless and lossy compression, producing smaller file sizes with good quality.
  • WebP is optimized for web use and is supported by many web browsers.

SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics):

  • SVG is a vector format used for graphics that can be scaled without loss of quality.
  • It’s suitable for logos, icons, and interactive web graphics.
  • SVG files are represented as XML-based text files.

ICO (Icon):

  • ICO is a format specifically designed for icons and favicons.
  • It supports multiple image sizes and color depths within a single file.
  • ICO files are used for desktop icons and website icons.

HEIF (High Efficiency Image File Format):

  • HEIF is a modern format that offers high compression efficiency and flexibility.
  • It supports both images and image sequences (e.g., animations and live photos).
  • HEIF is used in newer mobile devices and browsers.

PSD (Adobe Photoshop Document):

  • PSD is Adobe Photoshop’s native format for storing layered images.
  • It’s used for advanced image editing and design work.
  • PSD files can preserve layers, masks, and editing history.

The choice of image format depends on factors such as image content, intended use, quality requirements, and platform compatibility. Different formats are optimized for specific use cases, so selecting the right format ensures the best balance between image quality and file size.