Graphics file formats are formats which store computer graphics. There are two main types: raster graphics formats and vector graphics formats. These each have advantages and disadvantages, and it’s important to understand the differences between them. If you every use computer graphics, knowing how to use these files will help you.

Raster Graphics store pictures as a collection of colored or greyscale pixels. These formats include GIF, JPEG, PNG, and BMP. A good example of these types of files are photos from digital cameras. The camera stores an image by looking at the color of light from different directions and storing that in a file.

Raster graphics are probably the most widely used type of computer graphics. They’re all over the web, for one thing. There are many software tools for creating and editing raster graphics. Adobe Photoshop is one of the most commonly used by professionals and amateures alike.

One drawback of raster graphics is that they do not scale well. This means that if you try to blow up a picture, for example, it will come out looking grainy and angular.

Vector graphics are stored as instructions for drawing a particular picture. Some of the most common vector formats are PDF, PS, and EPS. Vector formats are often used for illustrations in books, magazines, and articles. The most common vector format is PDF, which is often used for page layout. If you grab a random book from the bookstore, chances are it was typeset from a PDF file.

Since vector graphics are just instructions for how to draw a picture, the can be scaled to any size, small or large. This makes them ideal for many applications like making computer icons and page layout.