A Photographer’s Complete Guide to Image File Formats

In digital photography, understanding image file formats is crucial to mastering your workflow. Whether you're editing in Lightroom, sharing on social media, printing for exhibitions, or archiving for future use, the file format you choose plays a significant role in image quality, flexibility, storage, and compatibility. This guide explores the most common image formats, how they are used, and which is best suited for your creative or professional goals.

How Image File Formats Work in Photography

In the world of photography, choosing the right image file format is more than a technical detail—it’s a fundamental part of your creative workflow. Understanding how different formats operate, compress, and store visual information is crucial for optimizing quality, storage, editing, and final presentation. Whether you’re an enthusiast exploring editing software for the first time or a professional preparing files for commercial print, mastering image file formats helps you preserve quality while maintaining an efficient digital archive.Every digital image file falls into one of two core categories: lossy or lossless. These terms describe the method used to compress image data and affect both file size and quality.Lossy compression reduces the size of an image file by permanently removing data. This process aims to discard redundant visual information that the human eye may not easily detect. As a result, the image appears mostly unchanged to casual viewers, but some detail is lost—especially in areas with gradients, shadows, or fine textures. Lossy files are more compact and easier to store or transmit, but repeated editing and saving will degrade their quality.

Lossless compression, on the other hand, retains every bit of original image data, ensuring that no quality is lost during compression. These files are typically larger but allow for precise edits, better tonal recovery, and are ideal for tasks like printing or professional retouching. Photographers working with high-resolution sensors or preparing images for clients often rely on lossless formats to maintain the highest image fidelity.

The most recognizable lossy format is JPEG, which is widely used across the web, social media platforms, smartphones, and consumer cameras. JPEGs are easy to handle due to their small file sizes and broad compatibility. However, they apply aggressive compression to achieve that size, which can cause artifacts, banding in gradients, and a lack of sharpness when enlarged or heavily edited. For casual photography, quick previews, or online use, JPEGs are often sufficient, but professionals typically avoid them during the editing phase.

Emerging alternatives like WebP and AVIF are gaining popularity, especially in web development and digital publishing. These formats offer superior compression ratios compared to JPEG while retaining higher visual quality. WebP, developed by Google, supports transparency and animation, making it useful for online graphics. AVIF, a newer standard, provides even better compression efficiency and is supported by modern browsers and platforms. While not yet standard in photography workflows, these formats show potential for optimized delivery of images online without sacrificing detail.

Lossless formats are essential in any serious photographic workflow. They preserve all the visual data recorded by the camera, ensuring that images remain pristine and can withstand multiple edits without degradation.

RAW files are the most significant type in this category. They are not one specific format but rather a family of unprocessed image data formats used by different camera manufacturers. Canon uses CR3, Nikon offers NEF, Sony provides ARW, Olympus uses ORF, and older formats include SRF and DCR. RAW files capture everything recorded by the camera’s sensor without applying any in-camera processing such as sharpening, contrast, or noise reduction. This means photographers have full control over exposure, white balance, tone curves, and color grading during post-processing. Because of their flexibility, RAW files are the go-to choice for professional editing, though they require specialized software like Adobe Lightroom, Capture One, or brand-specific applications.

TIFF is another widely respected lossless format, commonly used in high-end printing and publishing. It supports layers, transparency, and can handle images with extremely high bit depths. TIFFs are large and may be overkill for casual use, but they’re perfect for final exports of edited photos when preparing files for gallery shows, advertising, or commercial reproduction.

PNG is a lossless format originally designed for web graphics. It supports transparency and is well-suited for logos, composite imagery, and screenshots. While not traditionally used for storing high-resolution photographs, PNG remains useful for design work, exporting edited images with transparent backgrounds, or preserving sharp lines and text in a visual asset.

Choosing the Right Format for the Task

The best format to use depends on your specific workflow and the purpose of the image. For photographers, it's common to begin with RAW files in-camera to retain all available image data. These files are then processed and edited using software that supports nondestructive editing. Once finalized, the images may be exported as JPEGs for web use, TIFFs for printing, or PNGs for design projects.

If you're capturing images for social media or personal sharing, JPEG is a practical choice, especially if you don’t plan to edit extensively. But if you're creating a portfolio, shooting for clients, or printing large-scale photographs, working in RAW from capture to export provides the control and quality needed for professional results.

The Role of DNG: A Universal RAW Format

To address compatibility issues between different proprietary RAW formats, Adobe introduced the DNG (Digital Negative) format. DNG files are an open standard that can store the same information as a proprietary RAW file but in a format that’s more broadly supported across software platforms. Some photographers convert their RAW files to DNG to ensure long-term accessibility, faster software performance, and reduced file sizes without sacrificing quality. While not every photographer chooses to convert, DNG can streamline archiving and avoid future software compatibility issues.

Compression and Image Fidelity in Practice

Understanding how compression affects visual quality can save you headaches in both editing and storage. High-compression JPEGs may look fine on a phone screen but will show limitations when printed or cropped. On the other hand, lossless formats allow for consistent quality, especially when enlarging images or making fine adjustments to color and contrast. Shooting in RAW is particularly valuable in scenes with challenging lighting—such as high dynamic range, low light, or mixed color temperatures—where post-processing flexibility is essential.

When saving final files, always keep a version in a lossless format like TIFF or a high-quality JPEG with minimal compression. If the image will be uploaded online, consider converting to WebP or a lower-quality JPEG for faster load times while retaining a master file in higher quality for future use.

Key Image Formats Every Photographer Should Know

For any serious photographer, understanding image file formats is as essential as mastering composition or lighting. The format in which an image is saved dictates everything from post-processing potential to print quality, storage efficiency, and long-term archiving. In the vast digital landscape of photography, where every pixel holds value, the choice of file format can either elevate a photo’s destiny or severely limit its possibilities.

Let’s explore the most critical image formats that every photographer should be familiar with, examining their characteristics, advantages, drawbacks, and the best use-case scenarios for each.

RAW – The Digital Negative of Photography

RAW files are often regarded as the digital equivalent of a film negative. These uncompressed, minimally processed files store every ounce of data captured by the camera’s sensor. Unlike compressed formats, RAW files preserve maximum detail and dynamic range, offering unrivaled flexibility in post-production.

When you shoot in RAW, you retain complete control over the final image. White balance, exposure, contrast, shadows, highlights, and color grading can be meticulously adjusted without the destructive consequences associated with lossy formats. This latitude is invaluable in scenarios involving challenging lighting, high dynamic range scenes, or professional-grade retouching.

However, RAW files come with caveats. They are significantly larger than JPEGs or PNGs, consuming considerable storage space and demanding high-performance editing software like Adobe Lightroom, Capture One, or DxO PhotoLab. Furthermore, each camera manufacturer has its proprietary RAW format—such as CR2 (Canon), NEF (Nikon), ARW (Sony)—which can sometimes complicate interoperability. Nonetheless, for photographers who prioritize detail, color fidelity, and creative latitude, shooting in RAW is indispensable.

Despite their richness, RAW files cannot be directly shared or printed. They need to be processed and exported into a more accessible format before distribution. This post-processing requirement adds an extra step, but for those seeking impeccable image quality, it's a necessary investment.

JPEG – Ubiquity Meets Convenience

JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) remains the most widely used image format worldwide, known for its compact size and broad compatibility. Almost every digital camera, smartphone, and social media platform supports JPEGs, making them a default choice for many users.

This format employs lossy compression to reduce file size, discarding some data in the process. As a result, JPEGs are significantly smaller than RAW or TIFF files, which makes them ideal for fast storage, online uploads, and sharing. Most JPEG images are automatically processed in-camera, with sharpening, color correction, and contrast enhancements already applied. This means the images are ready for immediate use, requiring minimal or no post-editing.

However, the compression comes at a cost. Each time a JPEG is edited and saved, the file undergoes further compression, leading to cumulative quality degradation. This artifacting can be particularly noticeable in areas with subtle gradients or fine textures. Photographers who rely heavily on post-production may find JPEG’s limitations restrictive, especially in recovering overexposed highlights or deeply shadowed regions.

Still, JPEGs are perfect for scenarios where convenience outweighs perfection. Travel photography, event coverage, and quick social media updates are ideal use cases. For casual photographers or those working under tight deadlines, JPEG offers a practical balance between quality and efficiency.

PNG – The Precision Format for Graphics and Transparency

Originally developed for the web, PNG (Portable Network Graphics) has earned a place in the photographer’s post-processing toolkit due to its lossless compression and support for transparency. Unlike JPEGs, PNGs retain all the original data without sacrificing quality, making them a preferred choice for exporting images that require frequent edits or layers.

One of the standout features of PNG is its ability to preserve alpha channels, which handle transparency. This makes it incredibly useful for image overlays, digital composites, watermarks, or when integrating photographs into other media projects such as websites or graphic designs. When background removal is necessary, exporting the image in PNG ensures the cut-out remains crisp and the edges smooth.

While PNG files are larger than JPEGs, they are still more manageable than RAW or TIFF formats. However, they’re seldom used for capturing images in-camera and are more relevant during the post-processing and export stages. For photographers working closely with graphic designers, advertisers, or multimedia producers, PNG serves as a high-fidelity bridge between photography and visual design.

TIFF – The Gold Standard for Archival and Print Quality

TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) is revered in professional circles for its unparalleled image integrity. It supports a variety of color depths, multiple layers, and both lossless and lossy compression options. As a result, TIFF is frequently used in publishing, fine art photography, and high-end commercial printing.

One of the main advantages of TIFF is that it preserves all image data across edits, meaning no detail is lost when saving the file repeatedly. This feature is crucial for photographers who perform extensive retouching, composite work, or intricate adjustments that require maintaining image quality throughout multiple editing stages.

TIFFs can be exceptionally large—sometimes hundreds of megabytes per image—so robust storage and hardware are prerequisites. But for archival purposes, where longevity and data fidelity are paramount, TIFF offers peace of mind. It is also often the preferred submission format for galleries, museums, and publishing houses due to its unwavering quality and professional standard.

Despite their bulkiness, TIFF files are readable across major software platforms, ensuring compatibility and reducing the risk of format obsolescence. If your workflow demands precision, layered editing, or museum-grade archival standards, TIFF is undoubtedly your best bet.

Choosing the Right Format for the Right Purpose

The ideal image format depends heavily on your goals. If you’re capturing images for maximum post-production potential, RAW is your best ally. For immediate usability and smaller file sizes, JPEG remains unmatched in its convenience. When transparency or quality preservation during editing is key, PNG becomes indispensable. And when uncompromising detail and archival longevity are required, TIFF is the ultimate solution.

Seasoned photographers often employ a combination of these formats within a single workflow. They may shoot in RAW to ensure the best source material, export selects to TIFF for detailed retouching, and finally save versions in JPEG or PNG depending on the intended platform or audience.

Understanding the strengths and limitations of each format empowers photographers to make informed decisions that enhance both creative output and technical efficiency. By mastering these core image formats, photographers gain not only control over their artistic vision but also a strategic edge in a highly competitive field.

In the ever-evolving world of digital imaging, knowing when to prioritize flexibility, compression, transparency, or quality can make a profound difference in your photographic journey. Whether you’re an enthusiast striving to improve your craft or a professional working under demanding conditions, a deep understanding of image formats is an essential component of photographic literacy.

Understanding Camera-Specific RAW Formats

In the realm of professional and enthusiast photography, shooting in RAW is a vital practice that ensures maximum flexibility during post-processing. However, what many budding photographers overlook is that RAW is not a universal format. Instead, each camera manufacturer employs its proprietary version, tailored specifically for the unique configuration of their sensors and image processing systems.

These manufacturer-specific RAW formats are designed to preserve intricate image data captured by a camera’s sensor, including tonal range, exposure nuances, and metadata. While all RAW files share the fundamental trait of being uncompressed or minimally compressed, they diverge in their encoding structures, file extensions, and internal optimizations.

Let’s delve into the most prevalent camera-specific RAW formats in today’s digital photography ecosystem, shedding light on their purpose, functionality, compatibility, and why understanding these variations matters to every photographer striving for excellence.

CR3 – Canon’s Modern RAW Powerhouse

Canon’s CR3 format is the evolution of its earlier CR2 file type, introduced to complement the company's latest line of mirrorless and DSLR systems. It brings improved efficiency, advanced compression options, and a more contemporary container architecture.

One of the key highlights of CR3 is the inclusion of a compressed RAW option known as C-RAW. This feature dramatically reduces file sizes—sometimes by nearly 40%—without a significant compromise in image quality. This is particularly advantageous for photographers who shoot in burst mode, handle large volumes of images, or are working with limited storage capacity.

CR3 files maintain high bit-depth information, allowing for intricate adjustments in shadows, highlights, and color grading. These files are best processed in Canon’s native Digital Photo Professional software, which fully utilizes the embedded camera settings. However, they are also compatible with industry standards like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, ensuring workflow flexibility.

Due to their compact and optimized structure, CR3 files have become increasingly favored in Canon’s newer cameras, offering a sophisticated balance between fidelity and file management.

NEF – Nikon’s Non-Destructive Editing Ally

Nikon’s proprietary NEF (Nikon Electronic Format) is a robust RAW format that emphasizes preservation and non-destructive flexibility. NEF files encapsulate the full spectrum of unprocessed sensor data, as well as metadata such as exposure compensation, lens corrections, white balance presets, and sharpening preferences.

Unlike compressed image formats, NEF ensures that none of these adjustments are baked into the image permanently. This means photographers can revisit and modify their original captures without any loss of detail or degradation, a feature critical for advanced retouching and tonal correction.

NEF files support both lossless and lossy compression, offering photographers options to tailor their workflow based on storage constraints and post-processing demands. These files are seamlessly processed using Nikon’s NX Studio, as well as widely used applications such as Adobe Camera Raw and Lightroom. Their broad compatibility across platforms makes NEF a mainstay in the photographic world, particularly for landscape and portrait photographers who require precise tonal control and color accuracy.

ARW – Sony’s Sensor-Focused RAW Standard

Sony, a leading innovator in imaging sensor technology, utilizes the ARW (Alpha Raw) format across its Alpha and mirrorless camera systems. ARW files are engineered to preserve extraordinary levels of detail, thanks to Sony's high-resolution sensors and advanced pixel architecture.

These RAW files deliver remarkable bit-depth, enabling extensive post-processing flexibility—especially in recovering dynamic range in shadowed or overexposed regions. Whether capturing high-contrast environments or working under complex lighting conditions, ARW files respond exceptionally well to exposure adjustments, white balance tweaks, and fine-grain retouching.

ARW files are compatible with major editing suites like Adobe Lightroom, Capture One Pro, and Photoshop, as well as Sony’s own Imaging Edge software. This flexibility makes them a preferred choice for professional wedding photographers, sports shooters, and commercial creatives seeking pixel-level precision.

Sony has continued to refine ARW with enhancements in compression algorithms and metadata integration, ensuring that photographers can maximize quality without compromising workflow speed.

ORF – Olympus’ Optimized RAW for Micro Four Thirds

Olympus, known for its compact Micro Four Thirds system cameras, uses the ORF (Olympus Raw Format) to retain complete image data from the sensor, without permanent application of in-camera processing settings. This makes ORF a favored format for users seeking full autonomy over image adjustments.

ORF files are particularly appreciated for their precision in handling color profiles and tonal transitions. They integrate seamlessly with Olympus Workspace—Olympus’ proprietary editing suite—which allows for batch editing, fine detail enhancement, and profile-based adjustments.

Beyond Olympus’ native software, ORF files are supported by major platforms including Adobe Camera Raw and Darktable, ensuring accessibility across various editing environments. These files are typically smaller than their full-frame counterparts, thanks to the sensor size, yet they retain high-quality details and a commendable dynamic range.

For photographers who prioritize portability and quick access without sacrificing post-production capability, ORF stands as a versatile and responsive RAW format.

SRF – Legacy Format from Sony’s Early Days

Before the widespread adoption of ARW, Sony used the SRF format in its early DSLR and point-and-shoot models. While now considered antiquated, SRF files still surface in archival collections and are occasionally encountered by those working with legacy gear.

SRF files contain uncompressed image data and metadata similar to modern RAW formats but may lack support in newer software versions. However, they can still be accessed using updated versions of Adobe Camera Raw, Lightroom, or through dedicated file converters that translate SRF into more widely accepted formats like DNG or TIFF.

Photographers working with archival projects or restoring vintage digital photographs may encounter SRF, and having tools to open and convert them is essential for preserving image history and legacy work.

DCR – Kodak’s High-Fidelity RAW Legacy

Kodak’s DCR (Digital Camera Raw) format is a remnant from the era when Kodak played a significant role in digital SLR manufacturing. While Kodak is no longer active in the DSLR market, its DCR files continue to hold value for professionals who used Kodak gear in the early 2000s.

DCR files are built for high fidelity, maintaining extensive color depth and full sensor data integrity. These files were often used in commercial and studio work due to their exceptional tonal gradation and broad editing potential.

Today, DCR files are primarily accessed for archival purposes. They remain compatible with Adobe’s editing ecosystem, notably Camera Raw and Lightroom, allowing legacy images to be revitalized and reprocessed using modern techniques. For anyone working with old but valuable digital assets, understanding and supporting DCR files can be vital.

Why Understanding RAW File Variations Matters

Each camera-specific RAW format offers unique advantages aligned with the manufacturer's hardware capabilities and software tools. Understanding these variations allows photographers to optimize their editing workflows, preserve image integrity, and harness the full creative potential of their cameras.

Using the appropriate RAW format and processing software ensures that you extract the best quality from each capture. It also minimizes the risk of data loss, compatibility issues, or inefficient file handling. With RAW formats serving as the cornerstone of professional digital imaging, a well-informed approach to each proprietary file type is crucial for photographers working across genres—from fine art to editorial, wildlife to fashion.

As the digital photography landscape continues to evolve, camera makers may introduce new RAW formats with advanced features such as lossless compression, enhanced metadata, or AI-assisted previews. Staying current with these developments not only elevates image quality but also streamlines the creative process, empowering photographers to tell visual stories with unparalleled clarity and authenticity.

Universal RAW Format: DNG

DNG, or Digital Negative, is an open-source RAW format developed by Adobe. Unlike proprietary RAW files that vary by brand, DNG provides consistency across different camera models and software. Converting camera RAW files to DNG can help streamline your workflow and future-proof your archives. DNG files are smaller than many proprietary RAW formats and are widely compatible with editing software, though some photographers prefer to retain the original RAW files to ensure all metadata is preserved.

Comparing Image File Types in Real-World Use

When choosing a file format, consider your end goal. If you're editing heavily, archiving important work, or printing large images, RAW or TIFF files offer the best results. For sharing online or saving space, JPEG is more practical. If your work involves transparency or layered graphics, PNG is the logical choice. The table below outlines how these formats differ in performance and application.

Software Compatibility, Workflow Integration, and Format Strategy for Photographers

In the digital age of photography, creating compelling imagery goes far beyond the click of a shutter. Your ability to manage, edit, archive, and output your work efficiently can be as important as your technical or artistic skills. As you transition from enthusiast to professional, the understanding of software compatibility and file format integration becomes indispensable for a streamlined workflow and enduring image quality.

Whether you're handling RAW files from a high-end DSLR or sharing compressed JPEGs for quick previews, the software you use and the way you structure your workflow will directly influence your creative freedom, storage requirements, and overall efficiency.

Let’s delve into the core elements of a modern photographic workflow, including software compatibility, archiving tactics, and how to choose the right format for every stage of your creative process.

Software Compatibility and RAW File Processing

Photographers dealing with high-quality file formats such as RAW and TIFF require editing tools that can fully interpret and manipulate the rich data embedded in those files. These formats are not universally interchangeable without proper support, and choosing the right software is critical to unlocking their full potential.

Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop stand as industry giants, with comprehensive support for virtually all proprietary RAW file types—be it Canon’s CR3, Nikon’s NEF, Sony’s ARW, Olympus’ ORF, or even legacy files like Kodak’s DCR. Lightroom is especially adept at batch processing and cataloging, making it invaluable for high-volume shooters like wedding and event photographers. Photoshop, on the other hand, is a powerhouse for pixel-level editing, retouching, compositing, and advanced layer work.

Capture One is another professional-grade platform, particularly renowned for its superior color grading tools, tethered shooting capabilities, and precision in handling medium format RAW files. Fashion, commercial, and studio photographers often prefer Capture One for its color science and performance with large image files.

While third-party software offers immense flexibility, most camera manufacturers provide proprietary applications optimized for their RAW formats. Canon’s Digital Photo Professional, Nikon’s NX Studio, Sony’s Imaging Edge, and Olympus Workspace allow photographers to make precise edits using brand-specific algorithms and lens correction profiles. These native tools can be especially helpful when striving for color accuracy and maintaining the unique characteristics of in-camera output.

Free and open-source options also exist for budget-conscious creatives. GIMP, while not as refined as Adobe’s suite, supports JPEG, PNG, TIFF, and can open RAW files through plug-ins like UFRaw or RawTherapee. Darktable and RawTherapee themselves are excellent alternatives, offering non-destructive editing and broad compatibility without subscription costs.

Universal Format Accessibility

Unlike RAW files, formats such as JPEG, PNG, and TIFF are widely supported across all major operating systems and image viewing applications. JPEG is virtually ubiquitous and can be viewed, shared, or printed using default apps on Windows, macOS, and even mobile devices. PNG and TIFF, though larger, are also supported by basic viewers and graphic design software alike.

This broad compatibility is essential for delivering proofs to clients, sharing online portfolios, or embedding images in presentations and marketing materials. While these formats don’t provide the same post-processing flexibility as RAW, their accessibility makes them indispensable at later stages of a photographer's workflow.

Archiving and Digital Storage Considerations

High-resolution photography generates vast amounts of data. A single RAW file from a modern full-frame camera can range from 20MB to over 100MB depending on resolution and compression settings. TIFF files, especially those with layers, can exceed 500MB. When multiplied across hundreds—or even thousands—of images per assignment, the need for robust and scalable storage solutions becomes critical.

The first step is to invest in fast and reliable memory cards for in-camera storage. UHS-II SD cards or CFexpress cards provide the high read/write speeds needed for burst shooting and 4K video. Once files are offloaded, photographers should transition to solid-state external drives (SSDs) or network-attached storage (NAS) systems for faster access and redundancy.

A widely recommended safeguard is the 3-2-1 backup strategy: keep three total copies of your images, stored on at least two different types of media, with one copy housed off-site or in the cloud. This method drastically reduces the risk of data loss due to hardware failure, theft, fire, or accidental deletion.

Cloud backup services like Dropbox, Backblaze, Google Drive, or Adobe Creative Cloud provide seamless synchronization and version control. These platforms are particularly useful for remote work and collaborative editing, ensuring your files are always accessible and securely backed up.

For photographers archiving work long-term—especially for client delivery, commercial licensing, or personal portfolios—TIFF or DNG (Digital Negative) formats are preferable. TIFF maintains full image fidelity without compression artifacts, while DNG offers broader compatibility and reduced dependency on proprietary formats.

Choosing the Right Format for Each Workflow Stage

A critical aspect of photographic efficiency lies in choosing the right image format for each phase of your workflow—capturing, editing, exporting, sharing, and archiving.

1. Beginners and Everyday Use: JPEG

For those new to photography or documenting day-to-day moments, JPEG offers an effortless solution. It balances image quality and file size, and the in-camera processing makes it instantly shareable. JPEG is also ideal for travel, family events, or situations where turnaround time is key and storage space is limited.

2. Intermediate to Advanced Editing: RAW

Once you begin exploring manual controls and creative editing, switching to RAW unlocks the true potential of your sensor. RAW files capture every nuance in exposure, color, and detail, allowing for transformative adjustments without quality degradation. Every serious hobbyist and professional should eventually incorporate RAW into their shooting workflow for full creative freedom.

3. Graphic Design and Web Use: PNG

When images need to be placed over different backgrounds or integrated into branding assets, PNG is the format of choice. It preserves sharp edges, supports transparency, and retains quality over multiple edits. PNG is especially valuable for product photography, e-commerce listings, and digital composites.

4. Final Print or Long-Term Archive: TIFF

TIFF remains the undisputed champion for print-ready images and archival quality. It supports layers, alpha channels, and high bit-depth color spaces, making it ideal for portfolios, client prints, and museum-grade preservation. While the file size is hefty, the quality retention is unmatched.

5. Universal Editing and Storage: DNG

For photographers seeking cross-platform simplicity and future-proof archiving, converting proprietary RAW files into DNG is a smart strategy. Developed by Adobe, the DNG format is open-source and designed for long-term compatibility. It retains RAW data while eliminating the reliance on specific camera brand software, making your workflow more flexible and streamlined.

Final Thoughts

Every image format serves a unique purpose. RAW offers the highest quality and editing potential. JPEG balances quality with convenience. PNG is essential for design elements. TIFF is your best option for print and archival. DNG brings consistency to your editing workflow. As a photographer, choosing the right file format based on your intent—be it creative editing, client delivery, web publication, or museum-quality printing—ensures your images retain their value and integrity over time. Mastering file formats means mastering your workflow. Understanding when and how to use each type allows you to deliver better results, streamline your editing, and protect your images for years to come. If you'd like a downloadable reference chart summarizing all these file types and best practices for editing and storage, I can provide that as well.