Graphics File Formats

[Themisive]

I have been playing Oblivion recently (also Morrowind and the expansion packs), however, not too long ago I did ask about graphics file formats. This issue came up since I was producing PDF files and embedding JPEG files for illustration. At the same time I was wondering if I could convert JPEG files to DDS format. I was advised not to do so since both are what are called "lossy" formats. so I was advised to use a system such as Paint System (this uses a bitmap file) . However there were other formats given - all of which I have access to as of the time of writing - indeed I anticipate even more in years to come!

 

In each case I have made my own mods using the Construction Sets - which I am sure you will agree are fairly basic as far as Morrowind goes. However I do possess DDS Conveertor v 2.1 (as far as I know, the latest version). Obviously I do not wish to place the wrong type of graphics format in the wrong systems. In case you are wondering - I am working on a large-scale system for PDF modification. I have around 11 issues of a magazine to edit!

 

Anyway that is not your problem, what I would like to know is the following: What graphics types (jpeg &c) are "lossy" and which are not? That is the question.

[Nephenee13]

JPEG and GIF are the most common lossy formats. They are used frequently for posting images online due to the compression saving a lot of space.

 

.BMP, .TIFF and .PNG are lossless. BMP are essentially uncompressed, as are TIFFs, PNGs are compressed in a lossless way, but because of how they work, they can lead to a large variation in file sizes (which is outside the scope of this discussion anyway).

[Themisive]

Thanks, that gives me what I need; I want to get some images into a DDS and n.DDS format. as you will be aware, the onlyy way that is presently available is via a DDS converter. Unfortunately, you do need lossless images to start with as the DDS system is basically a loss system anyway.

[Fatalmasterpiece]

For proffessional use I make my files in Adobe CS (.psd) and save in either .pdf or .png which are lossless. I use .pdf for sending to the printers.

 

.tiff is good but most people won't know what they are and may not be able to open them.

 

I recommend getting Adobe CS (Photoshop etc.) or GIMP. You can convert into most formats from the programs and choose compression levels. I haven't used GIMP but I understand it can do most things Adobe can.

[Nephenee13]

Paint.net also has DDS support via plugin, but isn't as powerful (though commensurately less intimidating) than Photoshop or GIMP.

[Themisive]

I agree with your outlook

 

As I have found, Adobe (both Photoshop and Acrobat) tend to be extremely expensive. The reason I wanted a lossless graphics file is so if I decided to publish the document as a PDF file, I would not have troubles with compatibility issues.

 

I have published quite a few PDF files on my my website - all have JPEG illustrations - and without fail I get an error warning with respect to these files.

 

My site is devoted to various game walkthroughs and there is a link to the Adobe site, as all you need to read these files is the fre Adobe Acrobat Reader! The URL for my site is is My link ,. I hope you find this area to your needs

For proffessional use I make my files in Adobe CS (.psd) and save in either .pdf or .png which are lossless. I use .pdf for sending to the printers.

 

.tiff is good but most people won't know what they are and may not be able to open them.

 

I recommend getting Adobe CS (Photoshop etc.) or GIMP. You can convert into most formats from the programs and choose compression levels. I haven't used GIMP but I understand it can do most things Adobe can.