Name:

Lewis Reynolds Student Number: 5167804

Table of Contents
Raster & Vector file formats .............................................................................................. 1
JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) Raster ................................................................ 2
GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) Raster ......................................................................... 3
PNG (Portable Graphics Network) Raster ........................................................................... 4
TIIF (Tag Image File Format) Raster .................................................................................... 5
BMP (Bitmap Image File) Raster ........................................................................................ 6
AI (Adobe Illustrator) Vector ............................................................................................. 7
EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) Vector ................................................................................ 7
PDF (Portable Document Format) Metafile ........................................................................ 7
WMF (Windows MetaFiles) metafile ................................................................................. 8
RTF (Rich Text Format) Metafile ........................................................................................ 8
References: ....................................................................................................................... 9


File Formats Explained

Raster & Vector file formats

There are two different types of image file formats, Vector, and raster. These two main
formats are used for different reasons, for example vector is usually used for images that
are going to be used on a physical product, because it uses vector software and deals with
different shapes to create a clear image. This is different however with raster images, as
they use pixel based programs that are
commonly used in JPEG, PNG, gif and multiple
other forms of images. Usually a lot of images
can use a vector or raster program and look
practically look the same, however images
that might have subtle transitioning gradation
of one colour to another will look different,
this is because since vector programs use
shapes within their images, it must create a
separate shape every time there is a different
shade of colour.
Image taken from (4)

Name: Lewis Reynolds Student Number: 5167804

Sometimes vector and raster elements can be applied to an image that requires colour
gradients through a vector program, this however means that the image wont be 100%
vector art.

Vector images are created through mathematical formulas that develop several shapes to
create the image, these formulas stay the same. Meaning it renders the same visual graphic
no matter what size it is. This means it doesnt lose any quality, unlike pixels. Raster images
have a set number of pixels, this means when you increase the size of the image, it will look
blurry, unless you enlarge the file by adding more pixels. Although the pixels are added
randomly, meaning a rare chance of effective results.

.JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) Raster

Defined in the dictionary, JPEG is a format for compressing image files This means that
JPEG is an image that has had its size decreased, this means it has a lower quality, but
requires less storage to download. Here is an example of an image that has been
compressed normally and one that has been heavy compressed.
Normal JPEG Further compressed JPEG












The compression may not be noticeable, however if you enhance both images you can see
that a further inspection reveals that one is more pixelated. This is because the image is
created by individual blocks called pixels, and each pixel has something called a colour
value, and when JPEG compression happens, it attempts to reduce the amount of data by
creating patterns in the colour values. It does this through approximation. This means it
attempts to match all nearby pixels and approximates most of the pixels to overall take up
less data and this results in a smaller image size. High levels of compression mean that it can
result in clusters of pixels that group together, this is due to the algorithm approximating off
nearby pixels.

Name: Lewis Reynolds Student Number: 5167804

Advantages/disadvantages: The JPEG format is the best way to send images online. This is
because it is the most popular format that is supported through social networking and in
general sharing photos. The reason for this is because it is compressed and takes less data
and time to download. It is also the friendliest format to use across phones, tablets,
computers. This is due to its high compatibility and popularity across platforms. Its best uses
involve real world images, such as photos, because the details within the photos can hide
compression artefacts, also due to complex colouring, and grading within them, the pixels
within the images can create a more vibrant, or realistic image, compared to a vector
format. It is also used for black and white images, because the scaling of light to dark can be
transitioned better with pixels.

However, there are a lot of downsides to using JPEGs, for example an image may appear
blurry when sent or downloaded, this is because the image is compressed and the algorithm
for it analyses neighbouring pixels, which can make otherwise smooth colour transitions in
images, seem harsher, or even sometimes disappear in general. With every step that
compression happens within an image, the quality is also downgraded, this means multiple
sends of an image will drastically affect the image. JPEG is also less suitable for working with
text based images, or monochrome graphics that have clear boundaries. This is because
within those images, there are sharp edges, and the compression can be seen, because of
the transitions between each pixel being less smooth. A better format for this, would be the
Graphics Interchange format, or GIF;

.GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) Raster

Image taken from (5)
A GIF file is a file that is popular in being used for
web graphics, it can contain up to 256 indexed
colours, with a colour palette with a predefined
set of colours, or can be adapted to the colours in
the image. The clarity of an image in a GIF format
is not compromised, this is because GIF files are
saved through a lossless format, this is different to
JPEGs, as they use lossy compression. GIFS can
also be animated, which are used online as basic
animations, they can also include different colour
backgrounds, but this is done by including
transparent pixels. Although pixels within a GIF image need to be either fully opaque or fully
transparent, this is so the transparency doesnt fade like a PNG file.

Advantages/Disadvantages: GIF file formats have multiple advantages, for example with a
GIF file, it is vastly easier to create and animation contrast to all the other file formats. This
is because you can add a number of images in a GIF format together and when it goes plays
all of them in quick succession it becomes a clip. There are many online websites dedicated
to helping you create your own animated GIF, here is one I quickly created through, GIF
Maker. (6) http://gph.is/2glr2AN

Name: Lewis Reynolds Student Number: 5167804

GIFS also have lossless compression, meaning that there isnt much distortion when it is
compressed. The file size for gifs are also relatively small, meaning that sending GIFS over
takes a small amount of time, and doesnt take too much space.

However, there are also multiple disadvantages when using GIFs, such as there is only a
limited amount of colour depth. The maximum being 256 bit. This can be a problem because
the GIF format downscales the colour, leaving it looking harsher. It can also have a pixelated
or blocky appearance, which can reduce the overall quality of the animation. Using GIFs in
animations mean you need to ensure having more than a few frames. This is because if you
have too few frames it can result in the animation looking unappealing and will jerk.

.PNG (Portable Graphics Network) Raster

PNG is a file format that is widely used as a lossless image compression format online. This
means that the image is compressed, however the compression, isnt as noticeable as a
JPEG compression. This is done by having the original data reconstructed perfectly through
compression algorithms. Here is a JPEG image that has been through lossy compression, and
here is a PNG lossless compressed image.

Lossy compression Lossless compression

Name: Lewis Reynolds Student Number: 5167804

Advantages/disadvantages: Within the
image you can see how the lossless
compression has decreased the
clusters of pixels compared to the JPEG
compression, this shows that it is
better to use in terms of quality.
Another advantage to PNG as a file
format, is it can be saved and re-saved
multiple times, and the quality is not lost. This means it is suitable for sending to family
members and storing. PNG also can support a large range and number of colours, this is
contrast to GIFS that can only use a maximum of 256 colours, whereas PNG-24 can use up to
16.7 million colours. It supports multi-level of transparency, this means it supports full
opacity and can become fully transparent. This is useful for images that involve logos and
need a fully transparent background.

The disadvantages with the PNG file format is that, it doesnt support animations, this is
contrast to GIFS who fully support it. It is also larger than other compressed files, this is due
to the fact that the PNG file goes through lossless compression. When having to deal with a
print project, it is best not to use a PNG file format, this is because the PNG graphics are
optimised for the screen, but not to print, compared to a lossy compression, such as a JPEG,
or a TIFF.
JPEG with its highest quality during compression is still smaller than a normal PNG file
compressed

.TIFF (Tag Image File Format) Raster

Name: Lewis Reynolds Student Number: 5167804

TIFF is a common format for exchanging raster graphics (10) Tiffs are most commonly
used for graphical artists, publishing, and is supported to be used for word processing,
image manipulation, publishing on desktops and even for page layout applications. This
shows that they can be edited with all sorts of
different editing software online, and this means
that people can send each other TIFF files and not
have to be concerned if they cant view it.
Compression is also not used as default for TIFF, this
means that the size is quite big, and can take up a
vast amount of space. This is problem, as sending a
tiff Through email may sometimes not work due to
file size constraints, as well as in general takes up a
lot of space. In general, a TIFF file will be used until
the product is finished and changed into a smaller
file, such as a JPEG.

.BMP (Bitmap Image File) Raster

BMP is a file format that is used to store bitmap digital images. The way BMP format works,
is that the colour data in each pixel is stored without compression, which means that when
storing images, they will be high quality, vibrant, however the file size will be quite large.
Other bitmap formats, are GIFs and JPEGs. However, they go through image compression,
that significantly reduces the file size That is why BMP is used mostly for printable images.

Advantages/Disadvantages: Advantages of BMP files include the fact that multiple saves of a
BMP file will not downgrade the image, unlike a JPEG. It is also supported on nearly every
device, showing it is mostly friendly on all platforms. Bitmap is used to store raw image
data, which PNG has now replaced, due to its lossless and greater compression. This is a
flaw for BMP files, along with the fact that BMP is uncompressed, meaning that is
significantly larger, than a PNG, or JPEG file. It also doesnt have all the feature that a
feature that another file format might have.

Name: Lewis Reynolds Student Number: 5167804

.AI (Adobe Illustrator) Vector

AI is a file format that that adobe developed to represent single-page vector drawings for
either the PDF or EPS formats. The editing program uses points, instead of bitmap image
data. The use of the vector format means that the image can be enlarged without any
quality. This is contrast to Raster formats, as image quality is lost through compression.
However, when opening AI files, it may need to be rasterized, meaning it will become a
bitmap file format. Due to it being a vector program, it is most popularly used for media
printing, and logos. This is because the quality of the image stays consistent, unlike Raster
files.

Advantages/Disadvantages: The advantage of this vector format, is that it can be scaled to
any size, and stay the same quality, this is very useful, as you can manipulate the image,
without loss of the quality. The disadvantages however, include that it requires a special
software to use and open, meaning that unless you rasterize the image, which means it
loses its quality, it cannot be viewed by some. It also is a large file when it is not
compressed, which can take up a lot of data. The use of this program is only useful for logos
and product images. This is because using it for images of real life landscapes and people
will look more cartoony, compared to using a raster file.

.EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) Vector

EPS is a file extension for a graphics file format (16) This means that EPS is used within AI,
and can implement text, and graphics within it. Although it is within a vector program, it can
contain images in a bit map version. This is because it is simpler to view it through a raster
program, then having the image drawn through the vector format.

Advantages/Disadvantages: Importing with an EPS file is useful, because it is the most easily
imported file when dealing with images that are being used to print onto materials. It is also
supported by adobe illustrator, and this means you can save them on other formats. This is
very useful for graphic artists who need to produce logos, or design graphics, as Eps files are
easily imported. Due to the size, however of the overall file, EPS files take a lot of space and
time to produce, meaning that working fast with it can be an issue.

.PDF (Portable Document Format) Metafile

PDF files are used for exchanging documents reliably online, it is an electronic image that
you can view instead of printing. PDF files are created though Adobe Acrobat, Adobe

Name: Lewis Reynolds Student Number: 5167804

capture, and multiple different formats. PDF files are useful for different products, such as
magazines, flyers, brochures, and work documents.

Advantages/Disadvantages: PDF files are
device friendly, on any platform, such as
phones, computers, or tablets, you can use
PDF files. This is useful, as it is highly
convenient when in use. Another advantage is
that to read PDF files, it requires Adobe
Acrobat, which is pre-installed on most
computers, free of charge. The size of PDF files
are usually compressed, so the data size is
significantly small. Although there are multiple
disadvantages when using PDF files, such as if
you receive a PDF file, it is not free to
customize, as well as it is much easy to edit in
other types of files, this is due to the fact that PDF files require different programs to edit.
PDF files are perceived as pictures on your device, this means that it can be highly difficult
to work with PDF files.

.WMF (Windows MetaFiles) metafile

WMF is a file format that can contain vector and raster files information within it. It is a
graphics file that has been created by Microsoft and is supported and can be opened by
Microsoft word and other office formats. It is most used for logos and company graphics.

Advantages/Disadvantages: The main advantage of a WMF file, is that it doesnt lose quality
when scaled, unlike raster files, however it can have both raster and vector file components
within it. The disadvantage with a WMF file however is that it is only available on windows
and isnt user friendly for other programs.

.RTF (Rich Text Format) Metafile

RTF files are file formats such as word, and office. They support text based formats, and
images within the files. Within the file it can be changed to a different type of format by

Name: Lewis Reynolds Student Number: 5167804

saving the document into another file, such as PDF. This file format is used to create
documents for assignments, informational sheets, work documents and multiple different
other uses.

Advantages/Disadvantages: The main advantage of RTF files are that there are so many
third party RTF formats that you can find one on any device and have them either free or
supported. Most applications support it also and allow you to open it within that
application. However, the size of RTF files are usually very large, meaning that it can be hard
to send online, or download. This is unlike PDF files, which are online friendly, and reliable.

References:



(1) https://petapixel.com/2015/09/23/5-common-file-types-in-photography-and-when-
you-should-use-each-one/

(2) http://learnmem.cshlp.org/site/misc/tsg_JPEG_instructions.pdf

(3) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JPEG#Effects_of_JPEG_compression

(4) http://vector-conversions.com/vectorizing/raster_vs_vector.html

(5) https://fileinfo.com/extension/gif

(6) https://giphy.com/create/gifmaker

(7) https://stories4all9858180.wordpress.com/2012/12/05/advantages-and-limitations-
of-gifs/

(8) https://99designs.co.uk/blog/tips-en-gb/image-file-types/#PNG

(9) https://www.logaster.com/blog/png/

(10) http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/TIFF-Tag-Image-File-Format

(11) https://www.techwalla.com/articles/the-advantages-disadvantages-of-tiff

(12) https://techterms.com/definition/bmp

(13) https://websitespeedexperts.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-bmp-
images/

Name: Lewis Reynolds Student Number: 5167804

(14) https://fileinfo.com/extension/ai

(15) https://www.slideshare.net/bobwatson/image-file-
formats?next_slideshow=1

(16) http://whatis.techtarget.com/fileformat/EPS-Encapsulated-Postscript-
Vector-graphics-Adobe-Illustrator

(17) https://www.logaster.com/blog/pdf/

(18) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Metafile

(19) http://www.answers.com/Q/What_are_the_advantages_and_disadvantages
_of_an_RTF_file_compared_to_Word's_doc