If
you've ever worked on an image for your Web site, blog, or
printed materials, you've probably found yourself confronted with
multiple acronyms when it came time to save the file. Staring at the
options, you may have wondered if it really makes a difference whether
the file is saved as a JPEG, a TIFF, an EPS, or other format, as long
as it looks good on screen.
In
short, yes. For although it might seem like an inconsequential detail,
different file types are best suited to different uses. While some
formats are optimal for saving Web-navigation icons, for instance, they
may not be the best choice for high-resolution photographs. And just
because a certain format works well for online graphics doesn't always
mean it is ideal for print jobs.
To
help you understand the alphabet soup of image formats, we'll discuss a
few basic factors to consider when choosing a file type, provide an
overview of some of the most common formats, and explain when you might
choose each one. That way, you'll be better equipped to make the right
decision the next time you find yourself staring at your image-editing
program's Save As prompt.
