
Image resolution is described by DPI (dots per inch), a graphic measurement. In addition to the specific graphic file formats detailed below, the resolution of an image also impacts the appearance.

When available, vector graphics are generally best for printing because they can be easily re-sized without the “jaggies” but many formats are not widely supported by desktop programs. Examples of vector graphic files are EPS (Adobe Illustrator) and CDR (CorelDRAW). Vector image formats contain a geometric description that can be created smoothly at any desired display size. Most commonly available images are in a bitmap or raster format. If you try to alter the size of a raster graphic it gets the “jaggies” or those rough, stairstep edges on a graphic. A raster image is also known as a bitmap and is created from rows of small dots of color called pixels (“picture elements”) or “bits.” The big disadvantage is they are a fixed size. There are two primary categories to describe the techniques used to build a graphic: raster or vector. Let’s look at your options to get the results you need. Are you confusing a JPEG with a GIF? When should you use a PNG graphic? How can you decide if you should pick a BMP or a TIF? Which graphic formats are the best choice for a document, website, or presentation? How do you sort out the alphabet soup of graphic acronyms? Including proprietary file formats, there are hundreds of different image file types although only a few dozen are widely supported by the programs on your desktop.
