Here’s What You Need to Know About Image Types in PowerPoint

I get a lot of questions about image types and how they’re different.  Following is a simple tutorial that demonstrates the differences.

In a nutshell, there are a few basics:

• Bitmap images are made of pixels.  When you resize them up the pixels get larger which degrades the image quality.
• Vector images use calculations to draw the images.  They scale well and remain crisp.
• GIF format handles simple colors well and can be transparent.
• JPG is good for lots of colors, but offers no transparency.
• PNG combines the best of GIF and JPG – good colors and transparency.  I usually use PNG.

Click here to view the tutorial.

Wikipedia has a good article on graphic formats.  You can also learn more at the Rapid E-Learning Blog on the Rapid E-Learning 101 series.