Export formats

Export photos to popular image formats, as editable Photomator documents, or as HDR photos optimized for various platforms to ensure the best HDR viewing experience.

To access the export formats, open the Export settings, then tap or click the Format pop-up menu.

Export an image to JPEG format

JPEG is a file format that uses something called lossy compression. The downside to lossy compression is that some of the image information is usually lost when an image is converted to JPEG. Since JPEG produces considerably small files that take up less space and load up quicker, they're great to use on the web.

Drag the quality slider or enter the precise quality percentage to change the level of JPEG compression. Exporting between 75% to 85% quality can greatly reduce the image size without any noticeable drop in quality. Higher levels of compression will make images lighter but can potentially reduce image quality.

Export an image to HEIC format

The HEIC or High Efficiency Image File format is a modern format that can greatly reduce the image size without visibly affecting its quality. On average, it's around 50% more efficient than JPEG.

Drag the quality slider or enter the precise quality percentage to change the level of HEIC compression. Exporting between 75% to 85% quality can greatly reduce the image size without any noticeable drop in quality. Higher levels of compression will make images lighter but can potentially reduce their quality.

HEIF may not show up as an export option on the devices that do not support this file format. The list of supported devices is available here.

Export an image to AVIF format

AVIF (or AV1 Image File Format) is a next-generation image format, designed to produce lightweight, high-quality images for the web. AVIFs can be up to 30% lighter compared to other web-facing formats such as WebP, meaning they support higher levels of compression without a noticeable drop in quality.

Export an image to PNG format

You can use PNG to export images with lossless compression, resulting in larger file sizes compared to JPEG or HEIF. PNG is also ideal for saving images with transparency.

You can change the color depth of PNG images. 8 bit images are sufficient for most cases, such as web use and smaller prints. 16 bit images offer more detail and a wider range of colors, making them a better choice for professional photography and high-quality prints.

Export an image to TIFF format

TIFF file format produces the largest files but also keeps the highest image quality. Just like PNG, TIFF also supports transparency and is largely used in professional photography and printing.

You can change the color depth of TIFF images. 8 bit images are sufficient for most cases, such as web use and smaller prints. 16 bit images offer more detail and a wider range of colors, making them a better choice for detailed photography and high-quality prints.

Export an image as a Photomator document

Photomator document is a Photomator file format. Photomator files preserve all nondestructive photo edits, making it easy to share and continue editing photos in Photomator on any device.

Export an image to OpenEXR format on Mac

OpenEXR is only available on Photomator for Mac. The format is great for exporting HDR photos to other video and image editing apps, offering high dynamic range and extensive color depth.

Export images to HDR image formats

HDR JPEG can be used for exporting photos that will be viewed in both Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) and High Dynamic Range (HDR).
HDR HEIC is used for sharing HDR photos within Apple apps, such as Motion and Final Cut Pro.
HDR AVIF provides smaller-size HDR photos with advanced compression and high quality.
HDR PNG is ideal for archiving HDR photos, ensuring lossless quality preservation.
HDR Still Image Video is only available on Mac. It lets you upload HDR photos on the web, combining image quality with web-friendly compatibility.

To export to HDR formats, you need a compatible device and software. Find the requirements and more information about working with HDR in this article.

You also need to make sure that the Load HDR Content setting is enabled in the Photomator settings.