Image Editing Export and File Formats 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a 'RAW' image file and why do photographers prefer it?
- A fully processed JPEG equivalent
- An unprocessed image file containing all sensor data, giving maximum editing flexibility (Correct answer)
- A compressed web-ready format
- A format specific to Canon cameras only
Correct answer: An unprocessed image file containing all sensor data, giving maximum editing flexibility
RAW files contain unprocessed sensor data with full dynamic range and white balance flexibility, unlike JPEG which bakes in processing at capture.
Question 2: Which format should you use to preserve Photoshop layers, masks, and adjustment layers when saving a working file?
- JPEG
- PNG
- PSD or PSB (Correct answer)
- TIFF without layers
Correct answer: PSD or PSB
PSD (Photoshop Document) or PSB (large document format) preserves all layers, masks, channels, and adjustments in their editable state.
Question 3: What is the maximum color bit depth typically offered by TIFF files?
- 8-bit
- 16-bit
- 32-bit (Correct answer)
- 64-bit
Correct answer: 32-bit
TIFF files can store up to 32-bit per channel HDR data, making them suitable for high-dynamic-range and professional archiving workflows.
Question 4: What does 'lossy compression' mean in the context of image formats?
- The image loses its color profile
- Some image data is permanently discarded to reduce file size, reducing quality slightly (Correct answer)
- The file is encrypted
- The file cannot be opened on some devices
Correct answer: Some image data is permanently discarded to reduce file size, reducing quality slightly
Lossy compression removes non-critical pixel data to create smaller files, but repeated saves degrade image quality over time.
Question 5: Why is the SVG format preferred for web logos and icons over raster formats like PNG?
- SVG files are always smaller than PNG
- SVG is vector-based and scales to any size without pixelation (Correct answer)
- SVG supports more colors than PNG
- SVG loads faster on mobile only
Correct answer: SVG is vector-based and scales to any size without pixelation
SVG stores paths as mathematical descriptions, allowing infinite scaling without quality loss — unlike raster images that pixelate when enlarged.
Question 6: What does 'Save for Web' (or 'Export As') optimize when exporting images in Photoshop?
- Converts to PSD format
- Strips unnecessary metadata and color profiles to reduce file size for web delivery (Correct answer)
- Adds SEO metadata
- Converts layers to Smart Objects
Correct answer: Strips unnecessary metadata and color profiles to reduce file size for web delivery
Save for Web removes extraneous metadata, strips unnecessary color profiles, and lets you preview and fine-tune compression for optimal web file sizes.
Image Editing Export and File Formats 2
What is a 'RAW' image file and why do photographers prefer it?