Information Technology IT – 19 Graphics creation | e-Consult

Lossless image compression aims to reduce file size without discarding any image data. This means the original image can be perfectly reconstructed from the compressed file. Common lossless methods include PNG and GIF.

Advantages of Lossless Compression:

• No data loss: The reconstructed image is identical to the original.
• Suitable for images requiring high fidelity: Important for medical images, scientific data, and graphics where detail is crucial.

Disadvantages of Lossless Compression:

• Larger file sizes: Generally results in larger files compared to lossy compression.
• Less effective for photographic images: The compression ratio is often limited, making it less suitable for photographs with complex color gradients.

Lossy image compression achieves greater file size reduction by discarding some image data. This results in a smaller file size but a potential loss of image quality. Popular lossy methods include JPEG and WebP.

Advantages of Lossy Compression:

• Smaller file sizes: Significantly reduces file size, making it ideal for web use and storage.
• Effective for photographic images: Can achieve high compression ratios with minimal perceived quality loss, especially with careful parameter settings.

Disadvantages of Lossy Compression:

• Data loss: The reconstructed image is not identical to the original. Repeated compression and decompression cycles can further degrade image quality.
• Not suitable for images requiring high fidelity: Unacceptable for images where detail is critical.