The most popular image formats that Internet users have to deal with are JPEG, GIF, and PNG. Let's talk about the features of each of them, give a brief description and indicate the scope. We will also examine how you can quickly reformat images using various programs and even graphic editors, because not every device can read new or less common image formats.
What is a graphic format?
To begin with, let's say a few words about the very concept of the graphic format, in order to make it clearer what exactly we are dealing with. This definition designates a method for storing graphic information, that is, all kinds of images and photographs. Each graphic format has its own methods, features and scope. Depending on this, the same image having a different extension may have different sizes, color depths, usage patterns.
Raster, vector and even complex formats are distinguished. But in this article we will only talk about raster graphics and how to store it, since most files have an extension that indicates that the image belongs to it.
JPEG is old and reliable
Let's start with the most popular and widespread extension. So, the JPEG file format (which is also indicated by another abbreviation - JPG) is most often found on the Internet. Remember: even your photos taken with a camera or phone have a .jpeg extension.
The image compression method is widely used in this format , which sometimes affects the quality of the image. It is quite popular, although it requires a license to use it. The color depth reaches 24 bits.
GIF - created to store animated images and not only
So, having sorted the JPEG format with you, we should mention the second most popular - GIF. It is one of the oldest raster graphics in the world . It is also used to exchange images using the Internet, in particular - e-mail. Compression occurs without loss of quality, and the color depth is 8 bits. It supports not only transparency, but also animation.
It is worth noting that when converting the animation effect is lost, unless, of course, the file format you choose does not support it.
PNG as the latest GIF equivalent
We have sorted out the JPEG and GIF formats, now let's talk about PNG. Many Internet users call it an improved version of GIF. The reason for this is that it is based on the same storage methods as in files with the .gif extension. Here we recall that, unlike its predecessor, it does not require a license, which is important.
When compressing information, the picture quality does not suffer, as in the previous format. The main difference is that it allows you to use an unlimited number of colors. It is worth noting that the color depth can reach 48 bits. Due to the fact that the format is relatively new, it has not yet received worldwide popularity, but now it can already be found on the Internet.
How to convert a picture? Programs for changing the extension
So, we have sorted out the formats JPEG, GIF and PNG - the most common extensions that indicate bitmap graphics. Now let's talk about how to change the format of a particular image.
Sometimes you have to face such a problem when the browser, program, device does not support a file with one or another extension, especially if the device is old and the format is relatively new. In such cases, there is a need to reformat the image. How to solve this problem as quickly as possible?
In order to change the format, you can use the standard Paint program. For example, we’ll figure out how to convert any image to JPEG. To do this, just open the desired photo using the Paint program or, by clicking on the desired image with the right mouse button, select the "Edit" item. After opening the picture, select “Save As” in the “File” menu (in new versions this is the main menu of the program) and then specify the format you need in the window, in this case JPEG or JPG.
CorrelDRAW, PhotoShop, as well as special photo converters: PicJet Converter, well-known to all, are suitable for the same purposes. FastStone PhotoResizer and many others. Some of them allow you to do batch image processing, which significantly reduces the time to work with them.
Total
We figured out what a graphic format is, pointed out the main differences between the main popular graphic formats, their scope, gave a brief description of each of them. We also found out that the JPEG format is the most popular at present.
We also learned how to quickly change the image format using standard programs installed on a computer or laptop. They also said a few words that there are special converters with which you can quickly and easily change the format of images.