Digital Graphics File Formats

Francesca Hall

Raster GraphicsRaster Graphics are typically digital images, such as images found on the internet and ones that may capture for example. They are images that are made up of several grids of pixels that are referred to as bitmaps.They are made up of pixels with a fixed resolution.The larger the image the more file space it will take up due to the increase in pixels. Due to the large file size it does make loading webpages with images time consuming so you can use different file types to compress the image and therefore reduce the file size, for example JPEG and/or GIF files. A raster file is commonly larger than a vector graphic image file.Raster graphics can be scaled down and they will typically face no loss of quality however in reverse of this if you were to enlarge the image it will most likely cause the image to become pixelated.

Vector GraphicsVector graphics are different from raster graphics due to the fact that instead of being made up of pixels they are instead composed via paths which have a definitive start and end point. The path doesn’t have to be a straight forward for the start to end there can be other ponits within as well such as angles and curves. Unlike with Raster graphics when an image is vector based it means that the image can be upscaled to a larger image and there will be no loss of quality, this is due to the fact that you the image doesn't have set pixel parameters in a grid form. This is why when creating logos it is more advisable to use vector graphics as a file format so when you convert the logo from a billboard to bussiness cards for example the logo won't change and there will be no loss of quality.In addition flash animations such as miniature games found on websites use vector graphics as they usually take up a lot less space then a bitmap image.

Raster Graphics

JPEGStands For Joint Photographic Experts Group

Used For/Example They are typically used by digital cameras to support images.JPEG is also the most common file/export format for the majority of images available on the internet

Advantage There are 16 million possible colours within an JPEG image produced with 8 bits.As a file format JPEG is universal and therefore you should be able to access images on the majority of deceives without having to have other software to access or open the file.This file type also doesn't consume a lot of storage space compared to RAW which is handy if you want to take a lot of photos on holiday for example. You can print images directly from your camera or phone without having to edit the images or convert file type.

Disadvantage JPEG compression process is lossy therefore meaning the when the image is compressed some of the image quality will be lost during the process. (Though you shouldn't notice a real difference unless you are editing the image). This can also make the images become blurry and slightly pixelated as well.

TIFFStands For Tagged Image File Format

Used For/Example This file format is typically used within graphic design/artist as well as publishing and page layout applications (InDesign)

Advantage You can send TIFF's to other people without having to worry that they won't be able to view/access the file this is because Tiff files can be edited with the majority of image editing software available on the market.TIFF's also don’t use any form of compression(lossy/lossless) meaning that when you wish to save the file there should be no loss of image quality.

Disadvantage Due to the fact that compression isn't a default part of TIFF files it does meant that the files sizes can get extremely large.This means not only will the files take up a lot more space than a JPEG image would it also means if you wish to send the file over via email for example that you may have to use another software as well such as onedrive or google docs, as the attachment may be to big to send via email.

GIFStands For Graphics Interchange Format

Used For/Example They are used on social media,to express an emotion or as a meme. You can also use GIFs on websites to show animate data as well.They can also be used to develop a brand and promote it's personality more so to a younger audience. GIFs can also be used to promote products and Television shows and films were they can show audience sneak peaks.

Advantage They are typically small file sizes which means loading and viewing them online will be easier in terms of speed but they shouldn't loss quality either. Unlike with JPEGs GIF's have a transparent background which means that if you were to upload them to a website for example they can give the website a more professional look/ appearance.

Disadvantage In comparison to a JPEG image a GIF has considerably lot less colours, in terms of the colour pallet available, 256 colours. This means that although the images are not of poor quality they can come across as being slightly pixelated.Once you have converted the images into a GIF file format It does then mean that if you wish to edit a part of the give that you have to start all over again, you can't just re-edit the file/images.

BMPStands For Bitmap(File Extension Name)

Used For/Example They can be used a file format when storing images digitally.

Advantage You don't lose image quality when you save and open an image/file several times like you can get with JPEG files.BMP is a universally file type and therefore should be recognised and supported on most devices.Because BMP or Bitmap use pixels to display the image and colour within it does mean that it can offer a realistic version of the image using this format.

Disadvantage Due to the fact that BMP is an uncompressed file format it means that the file sizes will be larger then other formats such as JPEG meaning that they will take a considerable amount of storage data.This also means that if you wish to send the image/file to some it can take longer not only to upload but also to receive and then download/open.Similar to JPEGs with wanting to rescale a BMP you can lose quality within the image and if you wish to enlarge the image it most likely will become pixelated.

Vector Graphics

PSDStands For Photoshop Document

Used For/Example When you wish to save a file in photoshop and then be able to edit afterwards.

Advantage Although the file size is a disadvantage it is also an advantage because it means that all the image information, such as the edits you have placed are stored/preserved within the file meaning that if you wish to send the file to some else they can continue to edit where you left off.

Disadvantage PSD files are typically large files size due to the fact that that it is lossless images uses no compression, the more edits you add the bigger the file size increases,it can therefore make the file harder to send to send over email.The PSD format is apart of Adobe file format and therefore means that unless you have photoshop it can be considerably difficult to open or access the file, and even though you may have photoshop unless you both have the same photoshop format they you still may not be able to access the whole file.

AIStands For Adobe Illustrator (File Extension Name)

Used For/Example Used when editing, sending or using Adobe Illustrator.They can be used to create logos and company graphics.

Advantage AI files are mostly small file sizes which means that sharing the file via email for example is easier and more connivant then having to upload it to a drive and send it that way.Illustrator files are comparatively small in size so allow easy sharing, mailing and use.

Disadvantage Similar with photoshop if you don't have access to Adobe Illustrator because AI is apart of Adobe file format it means that you won't be able to access the file. Furthermore if you don’t have the latest updated version of Illustrator it may mean that although you will be able to access some of the file not all of it will be available to you.

FLAStands For Flash File

Used For/Example Used to create games and animations.

Advantage They have a small file size which means if you wish to upload them onto the internet such as onto a webpage it won't take long for them to load, even though it may be a small file size they can be produced with good quality. Not only can a flash file contain a video but it can also contain audio as well.

Disadvantage Not all applications can open FLA formats as it is a specailist file,you also have to consialtiy update the software which allows you to view this file as well.

WMFStands For Windows Metafile

Used For/Example They are files in which can be used for logos and possibly company graphics.It is a windows format that is most commonly used as clipart for example. They are similar to AL files

Advantage You can rescale the image both enlarging and descaling the image and it won't create any loss in quality or definition. The file can also contain both bitmap and vector components.

Disadvantage Due to the fact that is a is a windows file this means that you can only access this on a windows platform this also therefore means you can also only create then on a windows platform.

File Format Capture and Optimising

CompressionDefinition Compression is the reduction in the file size achieved by reducing the amount

of data stored/saved, it also changes attributes such as the bit depth and resolution. Compression can either be lossless or lossy.Lossless compression is where when the file size is compressed the picture will remain the same. Lossy compression is where the file data can't be restored and is permanently lost after compression.

Advantage By compressing a file you therefore reduce the file size meaning that it is easier to store more files/data.You are more likely to be able to store your work all in one place or on the same memory stick due to them being smaller files. It may be that when you compress a file that it is small enough to be sent via email to a recipient instead of having to use a different method.

Disadvantage When an image is compressed it can change how the image will look meaning the image can become pixelated.In some circumstances you can lose data when compressing files that you won't be able to get back.

Image CaptureMethod Scanner

How is it used for image capture of graphics

A scanner will capture an image such as photographic prints, magazine pages, documents and posters.Once an image has been scanned it will create a digital copy of the image and this can then be edited on the computer. (Scanning is good for backing images up as a digital copy but also to restore images via photoshop).

Method CameraHow is it used for image

capture of graphicsCapture images as you go via your camera, or camera phone and then they are stored onto the memory card or via your storage data. You can then if you wish transfer all the files/images over to a computer to digital back them up or leave them on the memory card.

Method Graphics TabletHow is it used for image

capture of graphicsAllows for the user to hand-draw images for anything use a portraits, animations or graphics with a stylus pen compatible with the tablet. A graphics tablet will work with most applications such as photoshop or Adobe Illustrator.

OptimisingWhy would you optimise? If you wished to upload images or gifs for example onto a website or

blog it would be ideal to optimise them because not only does this mean that they will upload quicker it also means that as an audience who wish to access your website they will upload easier.

How can you optimise? You can optimise an image by reducing the file size or you can readjust the image by resizing the height and width with the exact measurements for where you wish to upload the file.

Advantage to optimising Because you have optimised the image it therefore means that the file size is smaller, this means that not only is it easier for you to upload but it means that not only can you possibly upload more files/images but that the intended audience who wish to download the image or even just view it via your website will be able to do this a lot faster.

Disadvantage to optimising Due to the fact that the image file size has been reduced it does meant that the image may appear pixelated. It could also mean that if the audience wish to download said file that if they were to enlarge it the image may become to pixelated to do so.

Storage

File SizeWhat could affect a Working Scale (Photoshop) document

file size?

How much work/edits you have done to the image, the more layers the bigger the file size will become.

How could you reduce the file size of a Working Scale

document without affecting quality?

You can optimise but instead of adjusting the height and width of the image you will adjust the bit depth by reducing it.

What is an advantage of scaling up images before exporting?

By scaling the images up it makes it a lot easier for not only yourself but for audiences to view more so if the file is saved as a JPEG or a GIF for example.

What is a disadvantage of scaling up images before

exporting?

If you were to save the image as a JPEG or a GIF file it means that once you have saved it you can't go back and readjust the image you will have to start again. There is also a possibility that the image could become pixelated.

File Naming ConventionsWhat naming conventions could

you use when creating your video game assets?

Name the file name to what it actually is but name it something simple don't over complicate it. Not only do you want to name the file something appropriate but also grouping or placing the files that are similar together will also make it easier alongside the file names to locate the right file/layer.For example if you have more than one character you will name the file said character but say if you have one file where the character is facing the audience and another where all you can see is the characters back you would name one file "CharacterName– Back"

Why is it a good idea to accurately name your assets?

Not only does it make it a lot easier for you when you wish to go back and edit the work but if you wish for someone to help you as well it will make it a lot more organised for them to also locate the file, this not only saves time when editing but it can also reduce the file size because you won't have so many layers because you've created another one when one already exists but you can't locate it.

Asset ManagementWhy would you use folders when storing your assets?

Not only does it make it a lot easier to locate your work when looking back for it later but it also means that you are less likely to save over the work, if another file is saved with the same file name. It also saves time if you need to locate more then on file of the same topic as they would be located together. It also means it easier if you are asking someone else to locate the file when they are editing the work as if you have more than one character it can be confusing to look through hundreds of layers.

What folders would you create and what would you save

within them

I would create overall all folders for example if I was creating a video game I would create a folder for "Characters" and then other folder called "locations"Then within those folders I would create different folders for the different characters and different locations and then within those folders I would create again more folders for other elements such as character back, character front or sky day, sky night. This will not only make it easier for me to locate when looking for a file but it means I am less likely to loss a file.