22 min read
Image File Formats
PSD, JPG, PNG, GIF, SVG, PDF, TIFF and WebP — what each is for, and which to use when you save and submit.
The Formats You Need
| Image file formats | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Working Files and Output Files
Designers keep two kinds of file:
- A working (master) file — PSD — with all layers, text and effects still editable. You keep this so you can make changes later.
- Output files — flattened copies made for a purpose: JPG or PNG for screens, PDF or TIFF for printing.
Always save the PSD first, then export copies. Never overwrite your only PSD with a JPG.
Practice
Which format is best for a photo shared on social media?
More lessons in Digital Image Fundamentals · Next: Lossy and Lossless Compression · Previous: Raster and Vector Graphics