Image Format USA - Photography Terms & Glossary

Glossary Of Photography Terms [1]

Image Format An image format refers to the specific file structure and encoding used to store and represent digital images on computers and other electronic devices. Image formats define how image data is organized, compressed, and interpreted by software applications and hardware devices. Common image formats include JPEG, PNG, GIF, TIFF, and BMP, each with its own characteristics, features, and suitability for different purposes. For example, JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) is a widely used format for photographic images due to its efficient compression and broad compatibility across platforms and devices.

PNG (Portable Network Graphics) is preferred for images requiring lossless compression and transparency support, such as logos and graphics. GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) is commonly used for simple animations and graphics with limited colors. TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) is suitable for high-quality images and professional printing applications due to its support for lossless compression and color depth. The choice of image format depends on factors such as image quality requirements, file size considerations, and intended use of the image.