ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Graphics file format summary

Graphics file format is a way to store images on your computer. It's like a box that holds your pictures. There are many different types of boxes, each with its own way of organizing the picture inside.

There are two types of graphics file formats: raster and vector. Raster formats are used for pictures that are made up of tiny dots, called pixels. These formats are great for photos because they can capture lots of detail, color, and shading. Popular raster formats include JPEG, PNG, and GIF.

Vector formats are used for pictures made up of shapes like lines, curves, and polygons. They're great for logos and illustrations because they can be scaled up or down without losing quality. Popular vector formats include PDF and SVG.

JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) is a popular raster format. It is perfect for photos because it can compress the image to save space on your computer. However, this compression can also cause a loss of quality in the image. JPEGs can be opened in most programs and on most devices.

PNG (Portable Network Graphics) is another raster format that does not compress the image like JPEGs. This means that the image quality is not lost. PNGs are great for graphics with transparent backgrounds, such as logos or icons.

GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) is a raster format that can be used for short animations, such as memes or banner ads. They can also be used for simple graphics, such as icons or buttons. However, GIFs are limited in the number of colors they can display and have a low resolution.

PDF (Portable Document Format) is a popular vector format. It is great for documents because it maintains the quality and formatting of the original file. PDFs can be viewed on most devices and can be easily shared between computers.

SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) is another vector format that is great for illustrations and logos. It can be scaled up or down without losing quality or becoming pixelated. However, SVGs may not be supported by all devices and programs.