Core_Computer Studies: Native and Non Native files

When a computer file is saved on your computer, it will be saved, whether you are aware of it or not, as a certain type of file. Some programs don't give any file format options. This type of file is called a 'native' file and can only be opened by the program that created it. Other programs will offer different file format choices. A file that can be opened by a variety of programs is called a 'non-native' file. Both native and non-native files have their own advantages and disadvantages.

A native file can often contain special formatting that is specific to the program that created it. Photoshop for instance can save to its native format (.PSD) and at the same time it will save all the information on different layers.

A non-native file can be opened by a variety of programs. If you are working across a number of software programs, which you are in this course, you need to work with non- native files. A TIFF file, for example, can be opened and manipulated by Photoshop, and Illustrator. It can then be imported to a page-layout programs such as Indesign or QuarkXPress.

Examples of non-native image file formats include TIFF, EPS, JPEG and GIF files. Each non-native image file format has its own advantages and disadvantages each are best used in the appropriate way. Just as there are programs that are used for some jobs and not for others, the same is true of image file formats. You would not attempt to create high quality graphics in Word for instance. You would use word for what it is designed to do - word processing. The same applies to file formats.

These notes are written for students who undertake the Core Computer course at School of Art, Australian National University. Students of the course should feel free to contact any member of staff with comments questions and general suggestions..

< Home Index > < Staff Contact > < Class groups > < Assessment >

< Basics Module > < Photoshop 1 Module> < Photoshop 2 Module> < Illustrator Module > <3D Module > < Web Design Module >

< Terms and Jargon > < Online Resources >