Which Graphic Format Should
I Use?
Inside Graphic Image Editing
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People are always asking this question. Although no one right
answer exists, I'm going to pick a format for the following situations. In
reality, I would choose on a case by case basis, but if you don't want to
strain your brain just go with these choices:
- When working with a file in Photoshop, you'll get the most power and flexibility
by keeping it in the Photoshop format. Always keep your image in Photoshop
format and use the "Save As" command to make a different format
for different uses.
- If you're not going to work on it in Photoshop but want a great quality
image, save it as a TIFF.
- To use your image in another program (Word, WordPerfect, PowerPoint, etc.),
save it as a JPEG with "quality" set to the highest setting.
- If you're going to put the image in a Web page, use JPEG for photos ("quality"
set to medium) and GIF for flat color images like a clip art image.
Where is It Used? |
Format to Use |
Photoshop |
Photoshop |
Not in Photoshop |
TIFF |
Word Processing, PowerPoint |
JPEG ("quality" set to highest setting) |
Web Page |
- JPEG for photos ("quality" set to medium)
- GIF for flat color images (clip art, screen shots)
|