Image Conversion In Computers

JPEG, GIFF/JIFF, BMP, and TIFF are the most commonly used formats for storing still image files such as photographs, graphics, and drawings. JPEG stands for Joint Photographic Experts Group and is a standard for image compression.

However, some amount of data/detail is lost in the process. JPEG therefore is characterized by a glossy compression technique for still color images, just as MPEG is used for compressing motion picture files.

GIFF/JIFF stands for Graphics Interchange format, which is a bit-mapped graphics file format.

Its storage is limited to about 256 colors as against 16 million colors in JPEG. GIFF therefore is more suitable to store illustrations rather than color photos.

Other popular formats for storing bit-mapped images are TIFF (Tagged image file format), BMP,and PCX. You'll also see GIF and JPG. You may be wondering what a bit-map is? A bit-map graphic is composed of a pattern of dots (each dot containing bits of data). Vector graphics, on the other hand, use geometrical formulas to represent images. The latter can be scaled i.e. the object size can be changed while maintaining its shape. Vector images are thus more flexible than bit-maps. Also vector imageslook better on higher resolution and require less memory. This brings us to the difference between Paint programs and Draw programs. In Paint program the drawings are represented as bit-maps. Draw programs, on the other hand, represent images as vector graphics.

Why we need to convert images from one format to another?

? Converting GIFF files to JPEG can compress the files to a considerable extent. The uncompressed data is normally 24 bits/pixel for full-color images. JPEG can achieve 10:1 to 20:1 compression without apparent loss, 30:1 to 50:1 compression with small to moderate defects, and 100:1 for very low quality purposes like archiving. These smaller size files increase storage capacity and take lesser transmission time across networks.

? JPEG files are extremely useful for image archiving purposes. JPEG files store a full color range (24 bits/pixel as against 8 bits/pixels in GIFF).The display of images is particularly good on full-color hardware that is becoming common now.

Conversion rules:

? Large, high-quality, real-world scanned photos are the best material for conversion to JPEG format.

? Do not convert black and white images to JPEG that works best with smooth and subtle color palette. B&W images are best on GIF.

? Even on colored images make sure to smoothen out the sharp edges before carrying out the conversion. A gray-scale image is much easier for a JPEG format.

? Avoid converting images that have already been converted before. Re-conversion spoils the quality of images. It's best to work with original scanned images here.

To explain how format conversion is carried out here's an example:

1. In a Windows operating system go to Start menu ? Accessories ? Paint

2. Create an image with the program and save it in BMP format. Now Close the file

3. To convert it into say JPEG, re-open the file

4. Go to File menu and click Save As

5. Rename the file in File name box and in Save as Type drop down box click on the format you want it to be converted to. In this case "JPEG File Interchange Format (*.jpg, *. jpeg,)"

6. Click on the Save button. Your file is now converted from BMP to JPEG.

If you want to change BMP to GIF, follow the same procedure except that in Save as Type box click on "Graphics Interchange Format (.gif)"

Once an image has been converted from one format to another, say GIF to JPEG, some of the information is lost. You can't go back to the original file. Therefore it is always advisable that you make a copy of the original file before converting it.

Krish is striving to offer best quality ebooks to the readers. He doesn't compromise anything with quality. He always wants that his readers should have maximum satisfaction on reading his eBooks.

KRISH is a writer and seller of high quality ebooks.

KRISH is selling High quality eBooks covering various topics.The ebook "Tame Your Personal Computer" explains in a simple language about Personal Computers. Please join our mailing list mailto:ananthcbe@hotmail.com http://www.ebook-retailers.com/tame/

---

Tips For Finding Great Deals On Computer Accessories & Supplies

Tip #1. Do a Google search. Don't be to general... Read More

Why Using an Ad Blocker Can be a Bad Idea

Ad Blocking is getting to be a common sport on... Read More

How to Buy a Plasma Television Set

Most people think that all you have to do to... Read More

Customize Your Portable Player with an MP3 Player Accessory

Everywhere you look today people are listening to personal audio... Read More

Printing Multiple Copies of Photos

I do a holiday letter every year and send them... Read More

Simple Overview Of Computer

Computer is an electronic machine work on the instructions of... Read More

Deleting and Destroying Data Forever

Peoples' private information needs to stay private, even after it... Read More

PC Owners - The Largest Criminal Gang Ever?

The year is 1981. IBM has just released the Personal... Read More

Back Up, Back Up, Back Up!

This is not your typical lost data story. I was... Read More

Why Build Your Own Computer System

Have you ever thought about building your own computer system?... Read More

Consumer Electronic Information: The Basics of the DLP Projector

Projectors have come a long way in the past few... Read More

Got Virus?

GOT VIRUS? Your Data is NOT lost forever!In the wake... Read More

Are You Well Protected?

Winter?the official start of the cold and flu season. Though,... Read More

Bios Term

BIOS - Basic Input Output SystemThe central processing unit of... Read More

How to Place Home Theater Speakers

You have your television and home theater receiver; you just... Read More

An All Too Familar Pain

Lost & Found for the 21st CenturyIn today's hectic world... Read More

Smart Apple iPod Tips and Techniques

Are you thinking of buying an Apple iPod? Or have... Read More

Mail-merging: The Principles

About mail-mergingMail-merging is the process of merging variable data and... Read More

Occupational Therapy and PDAs

Occupational Therapy Made EasierMedical downloads for the pda have improved... Read More

Keeping Passwords Secure

As the web has evolved, so have the methods of... Read More

A Tale of Two Regeds

Tech support tells me to type 'regedt32' as opposed to... Read More

How To Search Your PC With Google Desktop

In this era of Internet, most people are frequent users... Read More

Be Prepared in the Event Computer Disaster Strikes

ComputersBusinesses and individuals alike have all grown to rely on... Read More

Looking For an MP3 Player?

If you don't have an mp3 player, and even if... Read More

Buying a Home Theater Receiver

Buying a receiver is one of the most important decisions... Read More

How To Increase Computer Speed And Performance - Great Tips & Tricks

Many computer users are worried about their computer's performance. After... Read More

Basic Computer Maintenance

One of the most common questions computer users ask is,... Read More

Are You Putting Off Productivity?

I recently took a good look at what was keeping... Read More

iPod - Learn How It Can Solve Everyday Problems

All over the world, people carry with them walkmans and... Read More

Basic Computer Thermodynamics

That desk in front of you and everything else around... Read More

Bluetooth Headphones For Your PDA

Nothing is worse than having to negotiate all kinds of... Read More

Does Microsoft Show Hackers How To Attack?

After another security hole recently surfaced in Microsoft's Windows operating... Read More

Buying a Personal Computer (PC)

For many people the computer industry is a seeming unsolvable... Read More