When working with images, each file type comes with pros and cons. Most of the time, it's a matter of quality versus file size. File types that are typically used for print specialize in maintaining very high image quality, which also means really big file sizes.
Graphics displayed on a computer screen, rather than printed on paper, require substantially fewer pixels to appear crisp. This makes it best to opt for file types that are effective at keeping file sizes small while still looking good on a webpage. This narrows the choices down to three widely used formats for web graphics. Click through the slides below to learn about the strengths and weaknesses of these file types.
See how well you understand what formats to use for different kinds of images. Match each image below with its most appropriate file type option.
Which one?
Photographs or photo-realistic color palettes should be set as JPEGs.
Photographs or photo-realistic color palettes should be set as JPEGs.
Photographs or photo-realistic color palettes should be set as JPEGs.
PNGs are best used when an image needs detailed transparency and a variety of colors in an illustration.
PNGs are best used when an image needs detailed transparency and a variety of colors in an illustration.
PNGs are best used when an image needs detailed transparency and a variety of colors in an illustration.
GIFs are most appropriate for images that use very few colors and require only basic transparency, or short animated images.
GIFs are most appropriate for images that use very few colors and require only basic transparency, or short animated images.
GIFs are most appropriate for images that use very few colors and require only basic transparency, or short animated images.
GIFs are most appropriate for images that use very few colors and require only basic transparency, or short animated images.
GIFs are most appropriate for images that use very few colors and require only basic transparency, or short animated images.
GIFs are most appropriate for images that use very few colors and require only basic transparency, or short animated images.
Photographs or photo-realistic color palettes should be set as JPEGs.
Photographs or photo-realistic color palettes should be set as JPEGs.
Photographs or photo-realistic color palettes should be set as JPEGs.
PNGs are best used when an image needs detailed transparency and a variety of colors in an illustration.
PNGs are best used when an image needs detailed transparency and a variety of colors in an illustration.
PNGs are best used when an image needs detailed transparency and a variety of colors in an illustration.
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