Sandy's Great Graphic Tips: Selecting File Types

Which graphic file type is best? It depends . . .

A lot of people wonder what the difference is between file types. HereÃ¢â¬â¢s a quick description of three common types. To learn more, follow the links for examples and detailed explanations.

.jpg or .jpeg = Joint Photographers Experts Group

Superior for photographs, computer game screenshots, blends or gradients (including metallics)
Allows compression options (removes information to make the file smaller)
Can be used as an image map (single image with clickable areas)
Does not support transparency
Supports millions of colors

.gif = Graphics Interchange Format

Superior for simple shapes, line art, diagrams, or flat colors (think cartoons, icons, logos, buttons)
Supports animation
Supported by most browsers
Allows transparent backgrounds (for round or irregular shapes)
Can be used as an image map
Supports 256 colors maximum

.png = Portable Network Graphics

Designed to improve/replace .gif file but does not support animation
Supports transparency
Preserves sharp edges
Not all browsers support it but it’s gaining in popularity
Supports RGB or greyscale (does not support CMYK for print)

How do you know if you have the right file format?

If itÃ¢â¬â¢s too grainy, too fuzzy, or the file size is too large, you might want to review the descriptions above or check out Pat Kalbaugh’s GIF vs JPG page at The Sirius Web. Experiment a little – save it as a different file type and see what happens.

See you next time!

–Sandy, Purple Wren