PNG vs. JPG for Print
PNG vs. JPG for print, which file format is better? This is a common question among our clients. Specifically, photographers want to know if a ready to print image is better saved as a PNG or a JPG.
In this article, I'll discuss the five main file formats that photographers and artists should work with. I will explain the differences and when it's better to use one format versus the other. I will also show you why PNG is the clear winner in the png vs. jpg for print fight, especially when you are ordering prints online.
What File Formats are Available for Photography and Photo Printing
When it comes to photography, there are five main files that photographers need to consider. Each format has its advantages and disadvantages. Knowing the differences will help you choose the best one as you work with your images from capture to final print.
The file contains all the unprocessed data from the photo when you take an image in RAW format. In other words, the image data has not been compressed, modified, or manipulated in any way by the camera processor.
Why RAW is The Best Format to Capture Your Images
Why is RAW data useful?
RAW data is useful because it's uncompressed, which will allow you to open it in editing software such as Adobe's Camera Raw. Firstly, you'll be able to open the photo with and edit your image's exposure, contrast, brightness, etc., while still in RAW format. Secondly, you can continue editing in Photoshop and save your master file.
In contrast, if you take your photos with the best professional camera in the world, but set the camera to record images in JPG, loss of quality will be significant. This loss of quality occurs when the camera processes the image, and then compresses and saves the photo. Additionally, your picture will keep deteriorating as you start to fix and save your photo with your photo editing software.
Use PSD File Format to Save Your Edited Master File
PSD stands for Photoshop Format, and it's the default format you should use for saving your work. A PSD file is compatible with several Adobe products, including Illustrator, InDesign, and After Effects. In addition to this, PSD is one of the only formats that will save a photo with all Photoshop's features, including layers and editing effects.
The Photoshop format is not ideal for sharing images since the receiver would need to have Photoshop to open it. Furthermore, you wouldn't want to send your photos with layers and adjustments to a photo lab and run the risk of them being deleted or accidentally deactivated before printing. So, you're probably wondering what to do when you need to share your photo? I will get to that, but first, let's discuss TIFF files.
TIFF is Best for Uncompressed Flat Files
TIFF stands for Tagged-Image File Format. TIFF is compatible with most image editing software available. Equally important, the TIFF format supports RGB, CMYK, and Grayscale.
This type of file can hold lots of information, making it quite large at times. Therefore, a TIFF file is best for storing your flattened, uncompressed precious images in High-Quality. This option allows you to have a ready-to-print version of your image without all the layers in your master file. With this in mind, let's talk about PNG vs. JPG for printing.
Why Use PNG vs. JPG for Print
Most printing companies on the internet will ask for JPG files, while some also accept TIFF. As I mentioned earlier, there is no doubt that TIFF files are best for saving uncompressed, flattened, and ready to print copies of your pictures. The issue comes when you need to upload that large file to place an online print order.
So let us take a look at PNG vs. JPG, particularly when ordering your photo prints from an online photo lab.
What is a JPG or JPEG?
JPG is a lossy format that stands for Joint Photographic Experts Group (the developers). This file format is popularly used online, usually for photos. Saving an image as a JPG can considerably decrease file size, making it easy to upload. On the other hand, even a high-resolution JPG will degrade your photo by increasing artifacts or pixelation the more the image is compressed.
What is PNG?
A PNG file stands for Portable Network Graphics. It was created as an improved and non-patented replacement for Graphics Interchange Format (GIF). The PNG file format was published as an ISO/IEC standard in 2004. Hence, it's a generally and widely accepted format. A PNG file uses a file extension of .png or.PNG.
Unlike other file formats, such as JPG, PNG uses lossless data compression. Lossless compression means you can accurately reconstruct, with bit-for-bit accuracy, the original uncompressed image. In other words, you can correctly rebuild a TIFF file using a PNG. Consequently, PNG is ultimately equivalent to TIFF.
PNG vs. JPG for Print - The Winner Is...
PNG is the clear winner, especially for online photo printing.
One of the main reasons most professionals don't recommend PNG for printing is based on the fact that it doesn't support CMYK color. This is because the commercial printing industry that produces T-shirts, Mugs, Posters, etc. works with equipment that supports, and it's calibrated for CMYK color.
In contrast, fine art and giclee printers use RGB based professional machines such as the Epson fine art line of printers to create archival prints. Interestingly, the PNG format only supports RGB, making it perfect for fine art photography and giclee printing.
In Conclusion
Saving your work as a lossless PNG offers smaller file sizes while preserving the exact image quality of your master file.
When you are bringing your photos in a flash drive or sending them via Wetransfer to your photo lab, use a flattened TIFF file. On the other hand, if you like most people like the convenience of ordering online, then PNG files are the way to go!
