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PGY 4440C PHOTO COMPUTER IMAGING
Graphic File Formats
Scanned images are generally saved as graphics files, and several graphic file formats are available for use. To get the best scans, be familiar with the pros and cons of each file format and how they are compatible with your image-editing software and print method.
TIFF: Short for Tagged Image File Format. TIFF is probably the most popular file format. It's good for storing bitmaps in many different resolutions, color models and compression types, and is supported by many commercial applications. Use the TIFF format whenever possible, since this is the most widely used.
EPS: Short for Encapsulated PostScript. EPS is good for
storing vector drawings but not for line art. EPS is ideal for print applications
because it offers more control when printing to a PostScript printer.
PICT, PICT2: PICT is generally used for line art with
limited color (usually 256 colors). PICT2 is for 8-bit grayscale or 24-bit
color images.
GIF: A format used to store images with 256 colors or
256 shades of gray. GIF is a good file format for compressing images to
be used on the Web, as long as the images are made up of solid blocks
of color -- like logos, or lettering. It's not as good for images with
continuous tone or complex color shadings -- like skin or images with
rich shadow / highlight details.
JPEG: A compression algorithm used to store large color
or grayscale files. Some versions of this compression format may result
in minor degradation of image quality, but in contrast to GIF, JPEG is
the recommended file format for compressing images with continuous tone
or complex color shadings.
PCX: Developed by Z-soft for use in various paint programs.
Also suitable for scanned images and is widely supported for PC use.
PSD: Adobe Photoshop's internal image format. This file
format allows you to take advantage of Photoshop's layering functions
in creating composite images.
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