Image Format

Just like text can be saved under *.txt or *.doc format, pictures can be save under different formats. A few examples of picture format are: *.tif, *.jpg, *.gif, and *.bmp. The format that programs' save files as vary. Going back to the text analogy, Microsoft Word defaults to saving work as a *.doc. However, it is capable of saving work in the *.txt format. When using a program such as Notepad in Windows *.txt is the only way to save a file. You can view files written on Notepad with Word but when viewing Word files on Notepad only the text will appear. Any symbols or special styling will not show up properly.

Different programs use different image format and some use multiple formats just like word processing programs. Windows uses the *.bmp format, Microsoft Word uses the *.tif format, and *.jpg and *.gif are widely used on the web for example. All these formats are capable of the same quality of a picture. The difference between *.jpg and the others is that *.jpg compresses so that it takes up much less memory. Programs such as Lview and Adobe Photoshop are capable of viewing and converting many different formats. Some free conversion programs similar to these can be found at these Internet addresses:

http://www.mindworkshop.com

http://search.shareware.com/code/engine/File?archive=cnet-win95&file=win95%2fmultimedia%2flview1d2%2ezip&size=312320

In order to change the format of an image you only have to open the file in an appropriate program and then save the file as another format. There is not a best or worst format to use. It all depends on the applications you are using the picture for.


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Submitted by Ty Schmeirer

Virginia Tech Materials Science and Engineering

http://www.eng.vt.edu/eng/materials/classes/MSE2094_NoteBook/97ClassProj/visual/imgfor.html

Last updated: 5/7/97