What is PS?

PostScript, page description language for printing and vector graphics — stored as application/postscript — uses lossless encoding to handle print publishing, vector illustrations, desktop publishing. Typical file sizes: varies by content.

What is IIQ?

Phase One IIQ is a professional medium-format raw format used by Phase One digital backs, delivering exceptional image quality for commercial photography.

When Should You Use PS vs IIQ?

PS vs IIQ: Key Differences

• •The core technical difference: PS relies on lossless compression whereas IIQ uses lossless compression.
• •Both formats share lossless compression, so quality behavior is similar across the two — file size differences come from algorithm efficiency rather than compression philosophy.
• •How transparency is handled: IIQ supports transparency, so alpha information is preserved during conversion.
• •Storage footprint: varies for PS vs 50-150MB per image from medium-format backs for IIQ.
• •Use case fit: PS targets print publishing, vector illustrations, desktop publishing and IIQ targets professional studio photography, digital back capture — your choice depends on which workflow stage you are serving.

Advantages of PS

• ✓PS uses lossless compression tailored for Print publishing, vector illustrations, desktop publishing.
• ✓PS is supported natively on virtually every device, browser, and operating system.
• ✓PS files are bit-for-bit perfect, preserving every pixel and sample for professional work.
• ✓PS integrates seamlessly with all major creative tools and workflows.

Advantages of IIQ

• ✓IIQ applies lossless compression specifically calibrated for Professional studio photography, digital back capture.
• ✓IIQ enjoys broad native support across operating systems, browsers, and creative tools alike.
• ✓IIQ guarantees every bit of the original data survives — no approximations, no shortcuts.
• ✓You will find IIQ support built into virtually every tool that handles Professional studio photography, digital back capture — no plugins or converters needed.

Common Use Cases for PS to IIQ Conversion

• Mobile app UI assets
• Product photography for marketplaces
• Digital art portfolios
• Brochure and flyer design
• Newsletter graphics
• Video thumbnail creation

Industry Applications

Best Practices for PS to IIQ Conversion

• →When converting PS to IIQ, check whether IIQ supports transparency — if not, your transparent areas will be filled with a solid color
• →Use IIQ for maximum quality archival and PS for smaller file sizes when quality is less critical
• →Optimize images for web to reduce page load times — tools like our converter let you adjust quality settings before conversion
• →Maintain original aspect ratio to avoid distortion during conversion
• →Always keep a backup of your original files before converting
• →Choose the appropriate quality settings for your specific use case

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Troubleshooting PS to IIQ Conversion

• !IIQ shows visible compression artifacts → lower the compression level or switch to a lossless variant
• !The converted IIQ image looks washed out → the source PS likely uses a wider color space than IIQ supports
• !IIQ file is much larger than expected → check if the conversion preserved an unnecessarily high resolution
• !Text in the converted IIQ looks fuzzy → text-heavy images benefit from higher quality settings or a different output format

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