Picture Format

JPEG/JPG (.jpg, .jpeg): JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) is a widely used image format known for its lossy compression method. It efficiently reduces file sizes while retaining good image quality. This format is ideal for photographs and complex images. JPEG files are supported by virtually all devices and platforms, making them universally accessible and easy to share.

PNG (.png): PNG (Portable Network Graphics) is a lossless image format designed to replace GIF. It supports high-quality images with transparent backgrounds, making it suitable for logos, icons, and images that require sharp edges and clarity. PNG files retain image quality without compression artifacts but tend to be larger than JPEGs.

GIF (.gif): GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) is widely used for animations and low-resolution images with limited colors. It uses lossless compression, making it suitable for simple graphics, icons, and short looping animations, but not recommended for high-quality photographs.

BMP (.bmp): BMP (Bitmap Image) is a basic, uncompressed image format associated with Windows. It offers high image quality but results in large file sizes, making it less practical for web use. BMP files are mainly used for storing images without compression.

TIFF (.tiff, .tif): TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) is a versatile, high-quality image format often used in professional photography and printing. It supports lossless compression, multiple color depths, and can store layers. TIFF files are large but maintain image fidelity.

WebP (.webp): WebP is a modern image format developed by Google. It uses both lossy and lossless compression, offering high image quality with smaller file sizes compared to JPEG and PNG. WebP is gaining popularity on the web for faster loading times.

HEIF (.heic, .heif): HEIF (High-Efficiency Image File Format) is a container format for images that uses advanced compression algorithms. It provides excellent image quality and supports features like animations and multiple images in one file. HEIF is common on newer Apple devices and is gaining support on other platforms.

PSD (.psd): PSD (Adobe Photoshop Document) is the native file format for Adobe Photoshop. It preserves layers, transparency, and other editing features, making it ideal for editing and manipulation within Photoshop.

SVG (.svg): SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) is a vector image format that uses XML-based text to define shapes, lines, and curves. It is resolution-independent and ideal for logos, icons, and graphics displayed on different-sized screens.

RAW (.raw, .arw, .nef, .cr2, etc.): RAW formats vary by camera manufacturer (e.g., .arw for Sony, .nef for Nikon). These files contain unprocessed data captured by the camera's sensor, preserving the highest image quality for later editing.

ICO (.ico): ICO is a file format used to store icon images on Windows. It supports multiple image sizes and color depths, allowing icons to display correctly in different contexts.

PNM (.pnm, .pgm, .ppm): PNM (Portable Anymap Format) includes three sub-formats: PBM (Portable Bitmap), PGM (Portable Graymap), and PPM (Portable Pixmap). These formats store grayscale and color images in a simple, portable manner.

PICT (.pict, .pct): PICT is an image format primarily associated with Apple's Macintosh computers. It supports both bitmap and vector graphics and was widely used in older Mac applications.

PCX (.pcx): PCX (PiCture eXchange) is an older bitmap image format that was commonly used on MS-DOS systems. It supports 256 colors and has been largely replaced by more modern formats.

XCF (.xcf): XCF is the native file format for the GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP). It preserves layers, channels, paths, and other editing data, allowing for non-destructive editing.

WMF (.wmf): WMF (Windows Metafile) is a vector image format used mainly for clip art and simple graphics in Windows applications.

EMF (.emf): EMF (Enhanced Metafile) is an updated version of WMF, supporting more advanced features like gradients and anti-aliasing.

JPE (.jpe): JPE is an alternative extension for JPEG image files, but it functions the same as .jpg and .jpeg.

JP2 (.jp2): JP2 is an improved version of JPEG 2000, offering higher compression efficiency and better image quality.

EPS (.eps): EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) is a vector image format often used in print graphics and illustrations. It can include both vector and raster elements.

EXR (.exr): EXR is a high-dynamic-range (HDR) image format that preserves a wide range of colors and luminance values. It is commonly used in visual effects and animation industries.

HDR (.hdr): HDR is a raster image format that stores high-dynamic-range data, capturing a broader range of light and color information compared to standard images.

CRW, CR2 (.crw, .cr2): CRW and CR2 are specific RAW formats used by Canon cameras to store unprocessed image data.

NEF (.nef): NEF is Nikon's RAW image format used to retain unprocessed data from Nikon cameras.

SRW (.srw): SRW is a RAW image format used by Samsung cameras to save unprocessed data.

RAF (.raf): RAF is a RAW image format used by Fuji cameras to store unprocessed image data.

ORF (.orf): ORF is Olympus' RAW format, preserving unprocessed data from Olympus cameras.

DNG (.dng): DNG (Digital Negative) is an open standard RAW image format developed by Adobe. It aims to provide a standardized, publicly documented RAW format that can be used across various camera brands.

ARW (.arw): ARW is Sony's RAW format, retaining unprocessed data from Sony cameras.

RW2 (.rw2): RW2 is Panasonic's RAW format used to store unprocessed data from Panasonic cameras.