TERM
DEFINITION
JPEG
JPEG stands for “Joint Photographic Experts Group.” JPEG images are compressed at the time of capture, which means you lose some image detail right away, resulting in a lower-quality image. However, JPEG files are significantly smaller than other formats, allowing for faster file transfer times.
HEIF
High Efficiency Image Format (HEIF) files are more compact than JPEGs while providing similar or even superior quality. However, they are not easily supported by web browsers, making them less suitable for sharing images on social media or portfolio websites.
TIFF
TIFF stands for “Tagged Image File Format.” TIFF files are typically uncompressed, resulting in exceptional image quality and allowing for significant post-processing capabilities. This format enables you to make extensive adjustments in editing software.
RAW
RAW files preserve all the original data captured by the camera. They tend to be quite large and occupy considerable storage space. If you aim to produce the highest-quality images, RAW is the optimal choice.
PNG
Created in the 1990s as an enhancement to the GIF format, PNG files are compact, maintain good image quality, and are compatible with web browsers.
GIF
Similar to PNGs, GIFs are ideal for online use. Their lossless compression allows for smaller file sizes while maintaining the image quality.
PSD
The PSD (Photoshop Document) format is a key feature in Adobe Photoshop that allows for the storage of images with multiple layers, making it easy to edit without affecting the original photo itself. This is particularly advantageous for extensive image manipulation, as it supports non-destructive editing.