Descriptions of Basic Save Formats (Based off Photoshop)

.PSD: This is the basic format Photoshop files are saved. This format allows the user to open the project itself, displaying each individual layer themselves, as if it was just being created.

.GIF: The basic animation format. This format is a simple file that all-in-all is a video which is usually set to loop a short clip. These are mostly used as Avatar or Signatures.

.JPG (JPEG): This is the most common format. It is used for any still-images due to it's high quality. On Photoshop you are able to alter the quality to lower the size of the image itself (Measured in KBs). These are the best choice if you are saving a file that doesn't have a transparent background.

.PNG: This format is most seen when the file is a "render," or "cut-out." These aren't as a Maximum quality-set JPEG, but, allow for a transparent background. Only use these for renders, or a file that has a transparent background.


*Will Update with More. If you'd like to sticky these please do. I just always used to get confused with JPEGs and PNGs so I thought I might as well make this simple explanation for newer Graphics Artists!

.XCF the standard format for any GIMP based image. This format allows you to save an image with all current modifications so that it can be changed at a later date. It is not a viewable file if GIMP is not installed on your HDD.

cool

Also note that the GIMP can open PSD's.