File Types with the Cloud Image

There are several types of files and each type used can greatly affect how an image looks. I saved the same semi-transparent cloud image in a few different file formats to show how they differ.

1.cloud.jpg

This is the cloud image saved as a JPEG file. A JPEG is a flattened format that doesn't support layers which is also compressed and uses a lossy compression. So, to save space, a JPEG file selectively discards data and information by the quality settings chosen. JPEGs can't have transparency.

2. cloud.png

This is the cloud image saved as a PNG file. PNG files are good for working with apps that need a flattened image and supports multiple layers of transparency, as it is able to support 256 layers which is a main reason it is different from JPEG.

3. cloud.gif

This is the cloud image saved as a GIF file. GIF files are also flattneded and lossy but in a different way so that you have to make your image only have 256 colors in it and change it from an RGB file that has 8 bits per channel into an index color file before saving it. GIF files don't support transparency so the pixels are either on or off which can cause curved edges to appear jagged. That's one of the main reasons it is different from the JPEG and the PNG files.