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

The most popular graphic formats, withThey have to deal with Internet users - 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 using various programs and even graphic editors, because not every device can read new or less common image formats.

What is a graphic format?

For starters, let's say a few words about the very conceptgraphic 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 complexformats. 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 with the most popular andcommon extension. Thus, the JPEG file format (which is also denoted by another abbreviation, JPG) is found most often on the Internet. Remember: even your photos taken on a camera or phone have the extension .jpeg.

In this format, the compression method is widely usedimage, which sometimes affects the quality of the picture. 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 shouldand the second most popular is GIF. He is one of the oldest raster graphics in the world. It is also used to exchange images via the Internet, especially e-mail. Compression occurs without loss of quality, and the depth of color 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 of GIF

We parsed the JPEG and GIF formats with you, nowtalk about png. Many Internet users call it an improved version of GIF. The reason for this is that it is based on the same storage methods as in files with the .gif extension. Immediately recall that, unlike its predecessor, it does not require a license, which is important.

When compressing information, the picture quality is notsuffers as in the previous format. The main difference is that it allows the use of an unlimited number of colors. It is worth noting that the color depth can reach 48 bits. Due to the fact that 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 picture? Programs to change the extension

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

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

To change the format, you canuse the standard Paint program. For example, let's look at how to convert any image to JPEG format. To do this, simply open the desired photo using the Paint program or, by clicking on the desired image with the right mouse button, select the “Edit” option. After opening a picture, select the “Save As” item in the File menu (in new versions) and then select the format you need in the window, in this case JPEG or JPG.

For these purposes, well-known to all CorrelDRAW, PhotoShop, as well as special photoconverters are suitable: 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

You and I figured out whatgraphic format, indicated the main differences between the main popular graphic formats, the scope of their application, gave a brief description of each of them. We also found out that the JPEG format is the most popular at present.

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