When it comes to Graphics file formats, there's no one size fits all

EPS, TIF, GIF, JPG and WMF files are generally the file types that you'll encounter and each has their advantages and disadvantages.

EPS
EPS or vector graphics are resolution independent, meaning that you can enlarge them any number of times without having their resolution deteriorate. Vector images give you crisp, clean lines at any size. Vector graphics are best suited to artwork like logos and cartooning where flat color with gradations is preferred. They don't, however, look as nice on screen as bitmap graphics do.

TIF
TIF or raster graphics are bitmapped graphics. Raster images are best used for images such as photographs or paint style images. They are versatile and can be imported into most software but their biggest disadvantage is that they are resolution dependant. Bitmapped graphics can be reduced in size successfully but if you try to enlarge them, you will be subject to serious deterioration.

JPEG
JPEG's or JPG's for short, are another bitmap style format. You'll most often see them used on the web where you want smooth gradations in images that are photographic or painterly. Most, if not all digital cameras store their images as JPEG's so they're pretty universal. The disadvantage to JPEG's is that they are compressed using a process that throws away pixels. It might not be noticeable depending on the amount of compression applied, but if they're edited and saved several times, you will start to see degradation.

WMF
WMF (Windows Metafile) is a Windows format used primarily for clipart. The majority of WMF files are vector based so they can be resized without degradation in quality.

GIF
Gif files are the old standby for using on web pages. Outside of that, they have limited use. They're limited to 256 colors which makes them very small in size for quick loading of web pages but they're generally only useful for images with flat color areas. Logos and cartoon style artwork work well but photos just won't cut it as GIF's.

The Bottom Line.

If you're planing on using graphics in a publication that will be printed on a press, then the usual format of choice is either EPS or TIF.

Ron Leishman is a Full time cartoonist. He has been online for almost 10 years. He is an obvious expert in subjects dealing with Graphic Arts.

For More Information Contact:

Ron Leishman
ron@toonclipart.com
http://www.toonclipart.com
http://www.toonaday.com

This release was published on openPR.