Common Image File Formats
This category includes the common image formats as well as the file formats that are widely used to store raw image data by digital cameras. Find out what's the differences between, which format you should use, or what's the best program to open, edit, or convert them.
| Ext. | Based On | Format Description |
|---|---|---|
| .arw | TIFF | Sony Alpha RAW image format. |
| .bmp | Bitmap image format developed by Microsoft and used by most image applications. | |
| .cap | The RAW file format used by Phase One digital cameras. | |
| .cel | A cell library file created by CAD program MicroStation. | |
| .cr2 | TIFF | Canon RAW 2 image format. |
| .crw | CIFF | Canon's raw image format based on the Camera Image File Format (CIFF). |
| .cur | Cursor file format Used by Microsoft Windows. | |
| .cut | A device-independent bitmap image file originally designed for Dr. Halo software. | |
| .dcr | TIFF | Digital Camera Raw developed by Kodak. |
| .dds | DirectDraw Surface image format owned by Microsoft. | |
| .dib | A common Windows or OS/2 bitmap image format similar to BMP. | |
| .dng | A raw image format suitable as an archival format and as the native raw format. | |
| .drf | Kodak Pro Back RAW image format. | |
| .dsc | The auxiliary file created when photos are taken with Nikon digital cameras. | |
| .emf | Enhanced Metafile Format by Microsoft, mainly used in Microsoft Office. | |
| .eps | Encapsulated PostScript document to describe an image or drawing. | |
| .erf | TIFF | EPSON RAW image format. |
| .exif | Exchangeable Image File Format. | |
| .exr | OpenEXR format used in film effects for 3d rendering and hdr images. | |
| .fax | TIFF | Files that a fax received or created with fax software. |
| .gif | Graphics Interchange Format that supports transparency and animation. | |
| .hdr | Uses High Dymanic Range techniques to create or display more contrast in pictures. | |
| .icb | Created using the AT&T EPICenter Image Capture Board (ICB) video card or the ICB-PAINT software. | |
| .ico | Icon file format used by Microsoft Windows and web browsers as favicon. | |
| .iff | A common file format that may contain image, text, or audio data. | |
| .j2c | Bitmap images created using JPEG 2000 compression. | |
| .j2k | Bitmap images created using JPEG 2000 compression. | |
| .jbig | A lossless image standard designed by the Joint Bi-level Image Experts Group, | |
| .jfif | A JPEG encoded file format to transfer images between multiple platforms and apps. | |
| .jif | A JPEG encoded file format to transfer images between multiple platforms and apps. | |
| .jng | An image container format that uses the PNG file structure to wrap JPEG image. | |
| .jp2 | Photographic images, eventual replacement for JPEG. | |
| .jpe | Image format supported by most web browsers and applications. | |
| .jpeg | Image format supported by most web browsers and applications. | |
| .jpg | Image format supported by most web browsers and applications. | |
| .lbm | InterLeaved BitMap format designed for Amiga graphics hardware. | |
| .mng | PNG | Multiple-image Network Graphics based on PNG. |
| .nef | TIFF | Nikon RAW image format. |
| .nrw | TIFF | A raw image format adopted by high-end Nikon COOLPIX and digital SLR cameras. |
| .orf | TIFF | Olympus RAW image format. |
| .pal | The palette of color file used together with Dr. Halo bitmap images | |
| .pbm | An image file formats designed by NetPBM project for black and white images. | |
| .pcc | ZSoft PC Paintbrush File. | |
| .pcd | Kodak Photo CD Image File. | |
| .pct | Macintosh PICT Format. | |
| .pcx | ZSoft PC Paintbrush File. | |
| .pdd | Image files created with Adobe PhotoDeluxe | |
| .pef | TIFF | A raw image format used by Pentax digital camera. |
| .pfm | Printer Font Metrics File. | |
| .pgm | A grayscale image file format developed by NetPBM project. | |
| .pic | A widely used format for interchange of image created by IBM Lotus and other apps. | |
| .pict | Macintosh PICT Format. | |
| .png | W3C endorsed replacement for GIF which is supported by most applications. | |
| .pnm | A common image file extension for NetPBM images. | |
| .ppm | An image file formats designed by NetPBM project for color images. | |
| .psd | Used mainly for storing image manipulation & editing data. | |
| .psp | Paint Shop Pro Document | |
| .ptx | A RAW image file format adoted by several Pentax cameras. | |
| .raf | Fujifilm RAW image format. | |
| .ras | Sun Raster Graphic format. | |
| .raw | The RAW Image file format generated by digital cameras such as some Panasonic and Leica cameras. | |
| .rgb | A bitmap image format created by Silicon Graphics (SGI). | |
| .rle | Run Length Encoded Bitmap. | |
| .rpf | Rich Pixel Format File. | |
| .rw2 | TIFF | A raw image format used by Panasonic, similar to RAW image format. |
| .sgi | Silicon Graphics Image Format. | |
| .srf | TIFF | Sony RAW file format, similar to sw2 format. |
| .sti | Sinar CaptureShop Raw Image Format.. | |
| .tga | Truevision Advanced Raster Graphics Adapter image format. | |
| .tif | Tagged Image File Format, a high-quality graphics format owned by Adobe Systems. | |
| .tiff | Tagged Image File Format, a high-quality graphics format owned by Adobe Systems. | |
| .vda | TGA file format adapted by the VDA (video display adapter), similar to TGA and ICB. | |
| .vst | A file format used by Microsoft Visio. drawing. | |
| .wbm | Wireless Application Protocol Bitmap Format. | |
| .wbmp | Wireless Application Protocol Bitmap Format. | |
| .win | Another file externsion used by Targa image format. | |
| .wmf | Windows Metafile Format. | |
| .xbm | X BitMap Used by many legacy Unix applications. | |
| .xpm | X PixMap Used by many legacy Unix applications. |
