NRPI253: Photoshop File Formats

Photoshop's file format menu is lengthy, but don't let it intimidate you. Each option has it purpose and knowing what what they are will keep you from becoming overwhelmed.

First, "file format" refers to how an image file is saved, and is determined by how the image is to be used. In Photoshop, when you choose "File / Save" (or "Save As" or "Save a Copy") you will see the menu above.

The end use of a file will determine the best file format choice. If you don't know what your end product will be, stick with the native Photoshop (.psd) format, then "Save As" when you figure it out (so you'll have your original file as a backup, just in case). The annotated charts below discuss the most commonly used Photoshop file formats.

Common File Formats for Graphic Applications

File Format	File Extension	Notes
Photoshop	.psd	Native Photoshop format -- supports Photoshop's layers and transparency. Good option for the CS workflow.
Photoshop EPS	.eps	Encapsulated Postscript File -- supported by Adobe CS but not necessarily by all other graphics applications. Supports Paths, but not transparency.
PDF	.pdf	Portable Document Format -- a versatile cross-platform format.
TIFF	.tif	Tagged-Image File Format -- a cross-platform format that supports lossless compression (no image data is discarded as it is saved; see JPG below). Supports transparency, but not Paths.
Note: Photoshop, EPS, TIFF and PDF formats are supported by all Adobe Creative Suite applications.

Common File Formats Used on the Web

File Format	File Extension	Notes
GIF	.gif	Prounounced "jif" or "gif," it stands for Graphics Interchange Format. Good choice for line art or art with limited palettes, animation; supports transparent backgrounds.
JPG or JPEG	.jpg	JPG stands for Joint Photographic Group Experts File -- a good option for displaying or sharing images on the web or via email, but degrades image through "lossy" compression. Image data is discarded in order to compress file size, that is, to make the file size smaller. Each time a file is saved in jpg format it continually degrades the image.
PNG	.png	An alternative to GIF and JPG format. Supports transparent backgrounds.
Note: Choose "File / Save for Web" when saving images for use on the Web. For more details, see Photoshop's Help menu.

Other File Formats

File Format	File Extension	Notes
Bitmap	.bmp	Windows-compatible format; lossless (loses no data when saving, unlike lossy formats such as JPG).
PCX	.pcx	A Windows file format.
PICT	.pct	A Macintosh format.
Pixar	.pxr	For use with high-end 3-D imaging programs.
PNG	.png	An alternative to GIF format.
Raw	.raw	Saves files as a stream of bytes, good fonly for moving between applications and platforms. Better to decide on end use, and use TIF or JPG.
Scitex	.sci	For high-end graphics, such as super-high resolution drum scans.
Targa	.tga	For systems using Truevision® video board.