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PCX vs. JPEG

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I work in a company where we help other companies, law firms etc with presentations. For many of our graphic needs we use PCX files. I understand on a very basic level the difference between these file types, but I have been assigned the task of exploring the benefits of one over the other. If you know, I would love to hear from you. If you can point me to a resource where I can learn this I would appreciate that as well. Any help is appreciated.
Thanks,
Rosstamon

7 replies

by jschein

JPEG - Any computer can open a JPEG, JPG.

Smaller in size.

PCX - Imaging software or 3rd party software is required to open.

Larger in size.

by oz_media

PICT (MAC) or PCX files (Win) are for print and print layout usage, good quality and high reslolution.

JPEG is a very lossy format that over compresses files best used for internet as it will reduce load times.

For sharing across customer PC's I would recommend TIFF or BMP for high quality (larger files size) images.

For shring via email or online with other clients, I would choose Jpeg, GIF or PNG as they compress the data and while they lose image quality to a certain degree, they are much smaller file sizes for sharnig.

if yuo are sharnig artwork for presentations or printing, you should choose, EPS, TIFF, AI (Illustrator) formats, as they all offer vector graphics resizing and the ability to convert to outlines for print use. Mind you, the other company will need equivalent software to view PNG's, TIFF's or AI files.

If you can explain further what problems you are facing or what their intended use of the files is, it is easier to recommend a file type based on the end user needs or point you to resources that explain the differences as they will apply to you.

by tj8

All of the answers you have been given are accurate. However, each format has its strengths and weaknesses. Some work better than others. Determine first how you will use the graphic (type of program being used to generate it and the program used to develop the presentation) and the needed result for the end product. I do a lot of graphic design work for clients and we have multiple copies of art in different formats (and resolutions)depending on whether it's needed for print, web,projections, powerpoint, etc. Use the best format for the project. Here's a web site that may help with understanding the different formats: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,4149,1524991,00.asp

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