The Types of Photo Files

When exporting a photo, one is always faced with the eternal question: which format to choose? JPEG, PNG, TIFF… In photography as in graphic design, selecting the right image format is crucial. Behind a well-framed image or a polished visual, the file format plays a key role in quality, file size, and usability flexibility. But it’s important to understand the differences between a compressed JPEG file, a high-definition TIFF, or a vector SVG. A dive into the world of pixels… and vectors.

Raster Files vs. Vector Files: Two Visual Worlds

1. Raster Files (or Bitmap)

A raster file is made up of pixels. Each pixel is a small square of color, and together they form the image. The more pixels (resolution), the more detailed the image, but also the heavier it becomes.

These files are ideal for photographs and visuals rich in gradients, such as:

• A product photo in packshot
• A street scene captured on the fly
• A high-resolution portrait

But be careful: enlarging a small raster file reduces its quality. The pixels become visible, and the image becomes blurry or pixelated.

2. Vector Files

Vector files, on the other hand, are not made of pixels but of curves and points mathematically calculated. As a result, they can be resized infinitely without any loss of quality.

Perfect for:

• Logos
• Icons
• Technical illustrations
• Diagrams

They are less suited for photos but essential for files requiring high graphic precision.

Main Image Formats to Know

• JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group):

  • Type: Raster

  • Ideal for: Digital photography, web sharing

  • Compression: Lossy (but adjustable)

  • Quality loss after multiple saves

• PNG (Portable Network Graphics):

  • Type: Raster

  • Ideal for: Logos, web visuals with transparency

  • Compression: Lossless

  • Supports alpha transparency

  • Heavier than JPEG

• TIFF (Tagged Image File Format):

  • Type: Raster

  • Ideal for: Professional printing, high-quality archives

  • No quality compromise

  • Very large files, not practical for the web

• WebP:

  • Type: Raster

  • Ideal for: High-performance web visuals

  • Efficient compression, with or without loss

  • Partial support across browsers

• GIF (Graphics Interchange Format):

  • Type: Raster

  • Ideal for: Simple animations, animated emojis

  • Limited to 256 colors

  • Not suited for high-quality photos

• BMP (Bitmap):

  • Type: Raster

  • Ideal for: Raw images, uncompressed archiving

  • Very heavy, outdated for web use

• HEIF (High Efficiency Image Format):

  • Type: Raster

  • Ideal for: High-quality photos on smartphones

  • Advanced compression

  • Limited support outside of Apple ecosystems

Vector Files

1. SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics):
   • Type: Vector
   • Ideal for: Logos, web icons, simple graphics
   • Scalable without quality loss
   • Not suitable for photos
2. EPS (Encapsulated Postscript):
   • Type: Vector
   • Ideal for: Professional printing, graphic illustrations
   • Compatible with professional design software
3. PDF (Portable Document Format):
   • Type: Mixed (Vector + Raster)
   • Ideal for: Interactive documents, presentations
   • Very versatile but can be heavy

How to choose the right format?

Why this choice is crucial

A poor format can slow down a website, ruin a print job, or prevent an image from being properly used. It affects readability, user experience, and even the integrity of your brand image.

At Rétines, we master the entire process: shooting, retouching, and exporting. We guide you in selecting the most suitable format based on your distribution platforms, technical constraints, and communication objectives.

Conclusion

JPEG, PNG, TIFF, SVG… Behind these sometimes obscure acronyms lies a true visual language. Understanding the different image formats means learning to speak this language better, optimizing your visuals, and choosing the right tool for each use.

And if you’re not sure where to start, feel free to contact us: we’re here to make your images speak.