Bildfil

Bildfil is a Swedish term meaning image file, a digital container that stores graphical image data for display on screens or in print. A bildfil may be raster (bitmap) or vector in nature. Raster image files encode pictures as a grid of pixels, while vector files describe images by geometric shapes, lines, and text.

Common raster formats include JPEG/JPG (lossy compression suitable for photographs), PNG (lossless compression with support for transparency), GIF (limited color palette and simple animations), TIFF (flexible, often used in professional workflows), and BMP (uncompressed or simple compression). Newer formats such as WebP and HEIF/HEIC provide improved compression. Vector formats include SVG (scalable, text-based and widely used on the web), as well as AI and EPS used in graphic design and printing.

Compression and quality: raster formats balance file size against image fidelity. Lossy formats (JPEG, WebP, HEIF) remove some image information, while lossless formats (PNG, TIFF in some modes) preserve it. Transparency and color depth vary; PNG and WebP support alpha channels, JPEG does not.

Metadata and color management: image files can carry metadata (EXIF, IPTC, XMP) and color profiles (sRGB, Adobe RGB, ICC profiles) to preserve appearance across devices and workflows.

Usage and interoperability: choice depends on context. The web often uses JPEG, PNG, SVG; print may require TIFF, EPS. Extensions include .jpg/.jpeg, .png, .gif, .tiff, .bmp, .svg.