Note: Managing Files & Compression
File formats
โ File formats are the file types used to store the data in a file
โ File formats define the structure and organisation of the data in a file and determine which software can be
used to read the contents of the file
โ There are a variety of file formats used, depending on the type of file being used
Generic ๏ฌle formats
โ Generic file formats are file types that are compatible and allow sharing between different devices and
software programs
โ Non-generic files are types that require special software or hardware to be accessed
โ Generic file types are needed for the following reasons:
โ Allowing the exchange of data across different types of applications
โ They are widely adopted and therefore can be accessed by many users or devices
โ Generic files can be created, edited and accessed across many different devices
Characteristics & uses of ๏ฌle formats: Generic Images Files
โ Joint Photographic Expert Group (.jpg)
โ JPEG is a widely used image file format which uses the lossy compression method
โ Significantly reduces file size while maintaining acceptable image quality
โ JPEG files are commonly used for storing and transmitting digital photographs
โ Portable Network Graphic (.png)
โ PNG uses lossless compression
โ PNGs preserve high-quality images whilst still providing small file sizes
โ Its transparency support allows its graphics to be placed into different backgrounds easily
โ They are commonly used for: web design, digital illustrations, logos, icons
โ Graphics Interchange Format (.gif)
โ Used for short, animated images and simple graphics
โ Use a lossless compression algorithm
โ Maintain high image quality while keeping file sizes small
โ Used in online platforms, including social media, messaging apps, and websites
Generic Video Files
โ Moving pictures expert group layer 4 (.mp4)
โ A multimedia container rather than a single file format
โ Can be used for video, image, and audio types
โ Uses advanced compression techniques to achieve high-quality video playback
โ The compression algorithm keeps file sizes relatively small
โ Popular for streaming and transferring videos online
โ Quicktime Movie (.mov)
โ A multimedia container format developed by Apple
โ Used for storing video, audio, and other media data
โ Can maintain excellent image quality while retaining smaller file sizes
โ Suitable for online streaming and local playback
โ Widely used in: professional video editing, film production, multimedia projects
