Image File Formats for Editing: RAW, JPEG, TIFF, PSD

For image editing, RAW suits the unprocessed capture, TIFF and PSD suit lossless work with layers, and JPEG, PNG or WebP suit delivery on the web. The right format depends on whether an image is still being edited or is ready to be used. This guide explains the main formats, their advantages and drawbacks, and what makes sense when handing files to a retoucher.

Why does the file format matter?

A file format determines how much image information is kept, whether layers and transparency are possible, and how large the file becomes. Two questions are worth asking of every format: is the compression lossless or lossy? And can the file still be edited well later?

Lossy compression reduces the file size by permanently removing image information. Lossless compression reduces the file size without losing information. The more often a lossy image is re-saved, the more quality is lost.

RAW: what is it good for?

RAW is the camera's raw format. It stores the sensor data largely unprocessed. White balance, exposure and contrast are not yet baked in and can be changed during development.

• Advantages: A great deal of room to adjust brightness, colour and detail in highlights and shadows.
• Drawbacks: The files are large, each camera maker uses its own format, and a RAW file has to be developed before it can be used.
• Typical use: Weddings, portraits and jobs with demanding light, where the development should be adjustable afterwards.

JPEG: what is it good for?

JPEG is the most widely used image format. It uses lossy compression, produces small files and opens everywhere. It supports neither layers nor transparency.

• Advantages: Small file size, wide support, suitable for photos on the web and for sending.
• Drawbacks: Every save costs quality. With heavy compression, visible blocks and artefacts appear, especially at edges and in gradients.
• Typical use: Finished images for websites, social media and email.

TIFF and PSD: when do you need layers?

TIFF is a format for high-quality images and can be compressed losslessly. It is often used in print and archiving. Depending on the software, it also supports layers and transparency.

PSD is Photoshop's working format. It stores layers, masks, adjustment layers and paths, so every step can still be changed later. This is particularly practical for retouching, because a correction can be taken back selectively.

• Advantages: No loss of quality when saving; layers and masks are preserved.
• Drawbacks: Large files, not displayed directly everywhere, and PSD is tied to particular software.
• Typical use: Retouching, compositing, print artwork and archiving working versions.

PNG and WebP: when does transparency count?

PNG compresses losslessly and supports transparency. That makes it the standard for cutouts, logos and graphics with crisp edges. For photos with many colour gradients, PNG quickly becomes large.

WebP is a modern web format that can work both lossily and losslessly and supports transparency. It often produces smaller files than JPEG or PNG, but not every older program opens it.

• PNG: lossless, transparency, large files for photos.
• WebP: compact, transparency, intended for output on the web rather than for further editing.

For a cutout with a transparent background, PNG or WebP is therefore a good choice, provided no background is added.

What makes sense when handing files to a retoucher?

If possible, pass on the original in the best quality: a RAW file, or a high-quality JPEG straight from the camera. The less an image has been edited, reduced or re-saved beforehand, the more room remains. For shots that have already been developed, TIFF is a lossless option. If you want to hand over layers, use PSD or a comparable working format.

Which formats a service provider accepts varies. Ask before handing files over, and state which format you want for the result, such as JPEG for the shop or PNG with transparency.

If you want images retouched, from a wedding set to a product photo, you can ask Fotowerker. The Swiss company from Rorschacherberg works with its own production team in Indonesia, offers a free sample edit and charges exactly according to effort. Which file formats suit your project is best clarified beforehand via the contact page.

Frequently asked questions

Is RAW always better than JPEG?

For editing, RAW offers more room but needs more storage and a development step. For final delivery, JPEG is often the more practical choice.

Can I edit a JPEG without losing quality?

Saving again as JPEG loses quality again. To avoid this, work in a lossless format and export only at the end.

Which format works for transparent backgrounds?

PNG and WebP support transparency, as do TIFF and PSD. JPEG has no transparency.

What is PSD for if I only need a finished image?

The PSD file keeps layers and masks. Changes can then be made later without reworking the entire image.

Which format should I send to a retoucher?

Ideally the original in the best quality. Clarify beforehand with the provider which formats they work with.