Image Files

An image file is composed of a header followed by pixel values. Depending on the file format, the header contains image information about the horizontal and vertical resolution, pixel definition, and the original palette. Image files may also store information about calibration, pattern matching templates, and overlays. The following are common image file formats:

• Bitmap (BMP)
• Tagged image file format (TIFF)
• Portable network graphics (PNG)—Offers the capability of storing image information about spatial calibration, pattern matching templates, and overlays
• Joint Photographic Experts Group format (JPEG)
• National Instruments internal image file format (AIPD)—Used for saving floating-point, complex, and HSL images

Standard formats for 8-bit grayscale and RGB color images are BMP, TIFF, PNG, JPEG, and AIPD. Standard formats for 16-bit grayscale and complex images are PNG and AIPD.