When downloading images in Record Exchange, you can choose from 3 formats:
- JPG (recommended)
- TIFF
- JPEG 2000
Not sure which one to choose? Explore the details of each format below.
JPG
JPG images are ideal for web display. They have a small file size and shorter download times, making them a great choice for many record custodians.
However, when you zoom in on a JPG, the image may start to appear fuzzy or blurry. These distortions are called compression artifacts, and they occur because JPGs are highly compressed. You'll notice these artifacts sooner than in other formats.
TIFF
If you need a high-quality image, TIFF might be the best option. TIFFs are great for long-term preservation and storage, and they can be converted into other formats. They also don’t show compression artifacts when zoomed in.
However, TIFF files are large, take much longer to download, and are less ideal for web display.
JPEG 2000
JPEG 2000 images are highly compressed and require less storage space than TIFFs.
However, they are not often requested because converting them to a usable format requires significant computer resources. Preparing these files for download can also take several weeks or months.
Regardless of which format you choose, we strive to fulfill requests accurately. Please note that some images may only be available in one format, so in rare cases, the file type might not match your request.