Don't Save That JPEG

The JPEG format is popular because images can be compressed to reduce their size, but the quality of a JPEG image will degrade if it is edited and saved multiple times. It's better to edit and save your images in the TIFF format, and in this article I'll explain why.

JPEGs Are For Sending
Most digital cameras use the JPEG format to save the images you capture. The advantage of a JPEG is its relatively smaller file size. JPEG images are compressed substantially so more can be stored on the camera's memory card and downloaded to your computer faster. The smaller size also makes JPEGs the best choice for emailing or uploading images. If you are sending someone an image of your artwork, a JPEG file is what you want.

But the reduced file size comes at a price. When a JPEG image is compressed, some of the detail is lost because the algorithm used to make it smaller is "lossy". The more the image is compressed, the more detail that is lost. Fortunately, you aren't likely to notice the effect of the compression if you use the highest image quality setting on your camera or when saving the file on your computer.

However, each time you open the image on your computer, edit it, and then save it as a JPEG, you are compressing it again and losing more of the detail. After repeatedly editing and saving the image, you will start to notice the cumulative effect of compression on its quality.

... TIFFs Are For Editing
The TIFF format provides an alternative for editing your images and is supported by most software. TIFF is a "lossless" image format, and the quality of a TIFF image is not affected by repeated editing and saving. This makes the TIFF format the right choice for images that will be edited further.

The first time you open a JPEG image to edit it (to crop or correct the color, for example), immediately use "Save As" to save the image as a TIFF file in a different "working" folder. Use this file as your "master" image for any editing. Never edit your original JPEG image because many changes you make cannot be undone later. Instead, make all of your edits to the TIFF master image.

Save The JPEG For Last
Eventually, though, you'll need a JPEG image to send to a gallery or submit to a juried show. And the best way to prepare that JPEG is from your master image and only when you need it.

Open your master image, resize it for the intended use (or according to any instructions you received), and save it as a new JPEG image. Be sure to save the JPEG as "Baseline (Standard)", not "Progressive", and use the JPEG Quality setting in the software to adjust the file size (usually between High and Maximum). You're done! Now you have the JPEG to send, and you still have your master image for future use.

So edit the TIFF image all you want, but save it as a JPEG last.

And click here to learn more about TIFF and JPEG formats in the Learning Center at ShootMyArt.com™.