Formats Originating From Specific Applications (cont.)

RAS (Raster)

• RAS files are generated in a raster format by Sun Microsystems computers.
• There are three types of RAS files:
  • Type 0 - Old Style.
  • Type 1 - Modern Style.
  • Type 2 - Experimental.
• Characteristics:
  • RAS - type 1 - Modern Style format supports 1, 8, 24, 32 bits per pixel.

WPG (WordPerfect Graphic File)

• WPG file format is used by WordPerfect.
• It first appeared with the release of WordPerfect 5.0, and with the release of version 5.1, the format was changed accordingly. It is advised to use the same format version as the version of WordPerfect in which the image will be used. These files can contain bitmaps, line art, and vector graphics. When using an application rather then WordPerfect for viewing a WPG file containing both bitmapped and vector elements, the vector elements will be discarded.
• Note that the WPG specification allows files of up to 256 colors, but WordPerfect itself would not read files of more than 16 colors.
• Characteristics:
  • WPG - version 5.0 format supports 1, 4, 8 bits per pixel.
  • WPG - version 5.1 format supports 1, 4, 8 bits per pixel.

IFF (Amiga Interchange File Format)

• The Amiga Interchange File Format (IFF) is used to transfer documents to and from Commodore Amiga computers.
• The IFF file standard is extremely flexible, and allows all a few formats, not only images, including text to be stored inside an IFF file. IFF files can be exported from an Amiga to a PC.
• The format can also be created on a PC, but the extension of the file name will then change to LBM or to CE (Depending on the application). However, the basic file structure remains the same. The standard form for IFF image files created on a PC is called ILBM. ILBM is formed by means of compressing all images as planes. This is much slower, but it means that these compressed files will be accessible by any application able to read an IFF file, even if they are exported back to an Amiga.

LBM

• LBM file format is used in Electronic Arts' Deluxe Paint package.
• LBM files are saved using an IFF Bitmap header and IFF color map. Its native format is a subclass of IFF called PBM, and compresses its images as bytes using the PackBits compression type, giving a ratio of up to 1:10.
• This technique is somewhat unique to Deluxe Paint, and Electronic Arts have been keeping it a total "secret".

CE

• CE file format is the name used for IFF files that were created on an MS-DOS platform using the Digital Vision's Computer Eyes video scanner board.

PIXAR

• The PIXAR format is designed specifically for exchanging files with PIXAR image computers.
• PIXAR workstations are designed for high-end graphics applications, such as work involving three-dimensional images and animation.
• There are no format options associated with the PIXAR file format.

PixelPaint

• The PixelPaint file format allows a document to be opened in the PixelPaint and PixelPaint Professional graphics applications.
• You should only use this format for writing files for Pixeliles for PixelPaint versions 1.0 and 2.0, as PixelPaint Professional no longer allows a document to be saved in this format.
• This format allows you to specify the image size (canvas). It also enables you to decide whether you want the image to appear in the center or in the upper left corner of the canvas when the document is opened.