Photoshop files and formats

People often ask me: what is image file formats open Photoshop or save? What are the advantages and disadvantages?

Photoshop offers the possibility to open and save many different graphic files. Here are some of the most popular are.

Note: When you open a an image file as a Photoshop, the image on the background layer is by default.

.PDD, PSD, EPS

Photoshop file. This format is the information in all levels. If you're going to continue working with an image, this is the best format use. File size can grow very large. Note: It is advisable to save your work in the most recent available Photoshop format. For example: If you are sent Photoshop CS and a Photoshop 7 file, you should it as Photoshop CS file, to get all elements that support might save in Photoshop 7.

.jpg, .jpeg, .jpe

This format compresses the images, so that information (information and color subtleties) will be lost. You can choose how much to compress the image. Good format for use on the Web. Small file sizes. Millions of colors.

TIF, TIFF

Common in use with early scanner. Create high quality images, but very large files. Not for use on the Web.

.gif

Pronounced "gif" both "Yifat", this file is one which is most popular for Web graphics, if it loaded quickly. 8-Bit format (256 colors max.). There are ways for transparent color, and animation.

PNG

New format for use on the Web, replacing both gif and JPEG. Compressed, millions of colors, films. It compress in a different way as JPEG, and has advanced options, such as for example alpha channel (non-transparent or partially transparent colors). The only problem is: Internet Explorer does not support them! In 8 bit (256 colors) mode it compresses better than GIF.

BMP

Windows bitmap image. Used by Microsoft Windows applications. Good quality, large file size. Not for use on the Web.

WMF

Windows MetaFile. For clip art, useful and can be used for large area, small size background files.

PCX

Older general purpose format. Now virtually obsolete. Not for use on the Web.

PSP

Internal format for Paint Shop Pro, useful if you want to Exchange files between these two applications.

.PCD

Kodak Photo CD format, used with the development of photo - although most photo processors will save your photos as JPEG files, if you you on issues.

.PDF

Portable document file. Adobe-file system, the electronic enables cross-platform sharing of documents.

So, what is the best format for Web graphics: GIF or JPEG?

The rule of thumb is to use GIFs for diagrams, drawings, illustrations and images, the large of flat color and JPEG for photos of areas and images with continuous tones. The JPEG format has a very good compression, but compression reduces the quality of the image, so it's best to experiment with the tools in image ready until you have the optimal quality/file size. On the other hand, a smaller file size - the GIF format, but has a limited number of colors.

Shaun is a writer and video maker. His latest production, "Photoshop master", is an interactive video tutorial series. It shows the most out of Photoshop, as you, and can be downloaded from http://www.learnphotoshopfast.com