This document provides information on various file formats including JPG, PNG, BMP, PDF, PSD, GIF, CGM, TIF and descriptions of raster and vector files. JPG is used to save photos and compresses files, resulting in some quality loss. PNG can be used for photos on websites but not videos or GIFs. BMP uses pixel data for windows files and only works on windows. PDF has small file sizes and protects documents from tampering. PSD allows layering and is used for image creation and editing. GIF has limited colors and compression. CGM works across systems internationally but requires conversion. TIF is used for scanning but files do not compress. Raster files use pixels while

1. File Format help sheet
By Kenny Colliver

2. JPG
• JPG stands for Joint Photographic Group.
• This is a Raster file that is used to save photos.
• A JPG can be opened on many different programs.
• It doesn’t take up too much memory space on a computer.
• How ever there will be some loss of quality with colour and
brightness when the file is compressed.

3. PNG
• PNG is a Raster file which stands for Portable Network
Graphics.
• This format can used with photos on websites and emails, but
not any animated files such as videos and GIFs.
• It’s supported by more recent software while not being able
to work with older browsers.
• It doesn’t need a specific platform for it to work and load
files.

4. BMP
• BMP or Windows Bitmap uses pixel data to save files.
• It can be used on windows computers, it is also compatible
with other windows programs.
• It is only able to work on windows software and nothing else.
• It supports a wide range of colours with its images.
• However files are not able to be compressed and is unable to
work or be supported by web browsers.

5. PDF file
• PDF stands for Portable Document Format.
• PDF is a Vector file that can be opened on any software.
• It also has a small file size so it can be stored and not take up
too much memory, and it can be saved on documents with
large file sizes.
• Fortunately once a file is saved a PDF nobody can tamper or
change your work apart from you, so it can be protected.
• Unfortunately you are unable to manipulate images once
they have been saved in this format.

6. PSD file
• PSD is a Raster file that stands for Photoshop Document.
• This allows images to be saved as layers like on Photoshop.
• Files can also be imported to other software's such as After
Effects for an example.
• You are also able to manipulate and create Vector graphics on
Photoshop.
• Unfortunately PSD is a large file so if you intend to share your
image it will be needed to save to a smaller file.
• Sadly it also fails to work with all programs and its Vector
graphics are limited.
• This format is usually used for creation of advertisement and
posters.

7. GIF file
• GIF is Raster file that stands for Graphics Interchange Format.
• GIF files are widely supported by internet standard.
• Transparency and compression lose are both supported by gif
files, but they are limited and are inferior to other formats.
• GIF files only have a 256 colour palate.
• Also highly detailed images tend to lose colour’s and detail.
• GIF files are very easy to make and publish online.

8. CGM file
• CGM is a Raster/ Vector file which stands for Computer
Graphic Metafile.
• CGM is a free file format which works on many different
systems at a international standard (it works with your
hardware in different countries ).
• However some programs needs a filter to convert files saved
as this format.
• An example of a use of CGM files is when working with a
foreign business.

9. TIF file
• TIF is a Raster file. TIF stands for Tagged Image file Format.
• It is supported by both Windows and Mac computers.
• It is a file format used for when scanning documents.
However the files don’t compress automatically so what ends
up happening is that larger files are then created and saved.
• Unfortunately it is unable to work with web browsers.
• Some examples of uses for TIF files is when scanning images
and documnet

10. What are Raster and Vector Files?
Raster File:
•A Raster file is a file that saves images and documents in pixels. This can be seen
when some files become pixelated if zoomed in enough times.
•Cameras and scanners use Raster graphics produce work using Raster files and they
need to be Raster files when used in editing.
•Raster File often become Vector Graphics for printing because its easy to resize the
image with out the quality changing.
Vector Graphics:
•Vector Graphics use points, lines and shapes to store data.
•Both formats aren’t supported by all computers save as a more universally
compatible Raster file when working with different programs.
Meta Files:
•This format can hold different types of data at the same time. Graphic Meta files hold
Raster Vector and type data (I.E Word Documents)
•Some examples of formats Meta file can work with are PDF, RTF and SVG.