How do different image formats affect quality?

How do different image formats affect quality?

Different image formats like JPEG, PNG, and TIFF have varying compression methods and quality levels. JPEG is lossy, meaning it sacrifices some quality for smaller file sizes, while PNG is lossless, preserving quality but resulting in larger files. TIFF is often used for high-quality images.

Can you explain what lossy and lossless mean?

Sure! Lossy compression reduces file size by permanently removing some data, which can affect quality. Lossless compression, on the other hand, reduces file size without losing any data, preserving the original quality.

Which format is best for printing?

For printing, TIFF is often the best choice due to its high quality and lossless nature. However, high-resolution PNG files can also work well.

What about for web use?

For web use, JPEG is commonly used for photographs due to its smaller file size, while PNG is preferred for images with transparency or text.

Are there any other formats I should know about?

Yes, there are others like GIF for simple animations, and WebP, which offers both lossy and lossless compression with good quality and smaller sizes.