Format Atlas

Guides

Checking settings and rendering before photo-editing handoff

Distinguish original images, editing settings and rendered viewing copies; gather dependencies and verify results at the destination.

Which format should you choose?

Choose by the role each file plays in your workflow.

  • Agree on originals and delivered state
  • Gather settings and related files
  • Check rendering and sharing copies at the destination

Agree on originals and delivered state

Agree whether to deliver camera originals, a version with editing settings or rendered copies. Record application version, profiles and a representative finished view. Retain originals and existing editing-management data.

Gather settings and related files

Check whether settings exist only in a catalog, inside images or in saved sidecars. Lightroom Classic may require XMP and additional ACR files depending on format, version and edits. Do not assume XMP transfers every history or management detail; check needed profiles too.

Check rendering and sharing copies at the destination

Open test copies in the target application; compare loaded settings, crop, color, brightness, orientation and pixel dimensions. Check sharing exports separately and inspect location or identity metadata. Matching previews alone do not prove settings were retained.

Formats to consider

Digital Negative

Good for: Delivering DNG images and required settings to compatible applications

Less suitable for: Unconditionally guaranteeing every proprietary RAW detail or identical rendering

JPEG

Good for: Delivering a checked rendered result for viewing

Less suitable for: Replacing RAW information or editing history

XMP

Good for: Exchanging needed properties between compatible applications

Less suitable for: Storing image pixels or an application's entire editing history

ICC

Good for: Communicating color spaces or device characteristics in compatible workflows

Less suitable for: Storing image pixels or guaranteeing identical appearance on every device

Before you export

  • Setting and profile support and rendering can differ across applications. Retain pre-conversion originals, required sidecars and management data.
  • Check rights and sharing scope. Remove metadata from sharing copies without overwriting originals; removal settings alone are not proof of anonymization.

Related comparisons

JPEG vs TIFFJPEG is widely used to deliver photos efficiently, while TIFF is common in scanning, print, and image-production workflows. Choose by the delivery or production task, and check TIFF's compression and color settings.PSD vs JPEGPSD is an editable Photoshop project that can retain layers; JPEG is a widely shared raster image often used for photographs. Keep the working file separate from the export.DNG vs JPEG: editing source or viewing copyDNG is an open format for camera raw information. JPEG is widely used to view and share rendered images.

Guides

Choose a photo file formatFor photographs, the best choice depends on whether you prioritize easy sharing, smaller web files, or production and editing requirements.Choose a design production formatSeparate the editable production source, artwork for established print workflows, web graphics, and final viewing or print files.

References and specifications