Once a file is created it must be managed. Otherwise, it remains at risk until action is taken on it:
- Files take up space on a hard drive and high-resolution images can take up a lot of space. File volumes are expressed in bytes
- Pay attention to the sizes of files, they can provide hints to potential problems in the digitalization process. For example a corrupted file may be incomplete and therefore dramatically smaller than the others.
- Files have Metadata embedded within them. It is called EXIF data.
- File organization is important
- File names help with organization
- Archivematica
- Archivespace
- EXFTool
- Better File Rename
- ACDSE
- Preservation Master File (Required)
- The original image "raw" image file
- Little to no adjustment should be applied
- This file gets preserved for created future versions of the file
- TIFF file format
- Adobe RGB 1998 color space
- Modified Master File (Optional)
- Minor adjustments/enhancements
- Other file versions can be created from this version
- Best file for printing and publications
- TIFF file format
- sRGB Color Space
- Access file (Recommended)
- The version that most people see, download and use
- Suitable for email, presentations and ingesting into digital libraries
- Reduced file size and overall quality from the previous version
- May or may not be preserved
- These files should not be enlarged
- JPEG file format
- sRGB color space
| Use | Example Uses | Don't Use | |
|---|---|---|---|
| PNG | Graphics, small images that maintain original quality, transparency | Charts, diagrams, logos, photos | Sharing high-resolution photos on the web |
| GIF | Small, simple graphics with limited color | Ad banners, simple charts, buttons, animation | Photographs detailed imagery |
| TIFF | Editing and storage | Storing photos that will be edited, print | Images on the web |
| JPEG | Photos on the web | Photos in a slide deck, blog, or social media | Editing images, line graphics, or print |
