Graphic format. JPEG, GIF and PNG are the most common graphic formats

The most popular graphic formats that users of the Internet have to deal with are JPEG, GIF and PNG. Let's talk about the features of each of them, give a brief description and indicate the scope. We will also discuss how you can quickly reformat images with the help of various programs and even graphic editors, because not every device can read new or less widespread image formats.

What is a graphic format?

For starters, let's say a few words about the very concept of the graphic format, in order to make it clearer with what exactly we are dealing with. This definition designates a method for storing graphic information, that is, all kinds of images and photographs. Each graphic format has its own methods, features and scope. Depending on this, the same image having different extensions may have different size, color depth, usage characteristics.

Allocate raster, vector and even complex formats. But in this article, we'll only talk about the bitmap graphics and how to store it, since most files have an extension that indicates that the image belongs to it.

JPEG - old and reliable

Let's start, perhaps, with the most popular and widespread extension. So, the format of the JPEG file (which is also denoted by one more reduction - JPG) is found on the Internet most often. Remember: even your photos taken on a camera or phone have the .jpeg extension.

In this format, the method of image compression is widely used , which sometimes affects the quality of the image. It is quite popular, despite the fact that its use requires a license. The color depth reaches 24 bits.

GIF - created to store animated images and not only

So, after analyzing the JPEG format with you, we should mention the second most popular - GIF. He is one of the oldest raster graphics in the world . It is also used to exchange images via the Internet, in particular - e-mail. Compression occurs without loss of quality, and the color depth is 8 bits. Supports not only transparency, but also animation.

Here it is worth noting that when you convert the animation effect is lost, unless, of course, the file format you selected does not support it.

PNG as the newest analog GIF

We disassembled with you the format of JPEG and GIF, now let's talk about PNG. Its many Internet users are called the improved version of GIF. The reason for this is that it is based on the same storage methods as in files with the extension .gif. Immediately recall that unlike its predecessor, it does not require a license, which is important.

When compressing information, the picture quality does not suffer, as in the previous format. The main difference is that it allows you to use an unlimited number of colors. It is worth noting that the color depth can reach 48 bits. Because the format is relatively new, it has not yet gained worldwide popularity, but now it can be found on the Internet.

How to convert a drawing? Programs for changing the extension

So, we have analyzed the format of JPEG, GIF and PNG - the most common extensions pointing to bitmap graphics. Now let's talk about how to change the format of an image.

Sometimes you have to deal with such a problem when the browser, program, device does not support the file with this or that extension, especially if the device is old, and the format is relatively new. In such cases, there is a need for reformatting the image. How to solve this problem as quickly as possible?

To change the format, you can use the standard Paint program. For example, we'll figure out how to convert any image to JPEG format. To do this, just open the desired photo using Paint or, right-click on the desired image, select "Edit". After opening the image, select "Save As" in the "File" menu (in new versions this is the main menu of the program), and then specify the format you need in the box, in this case - JPEG or JPG.

CorrelDRAW, PhotoShop, well-known to everyone, and also special photo converters for the same purposes: PicJet Converter, FastStone PhotoResizer and many others. Some of them allow you to do batch processing of images, which significantly reduces the time to work with them.

The result

We have figured out what a graphic format is, pointed out the main differences between the main popular graphic formats, the scope of their application, gave a brief description to each of them. It was also found out that the format of JPEG is the most popular at the moment.

We also learned how to quickly change the image format using standard programs installed on a computer or laptop. Also said a few words that there are special converters with which you can quickly and easily change the format of images.