Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Lossy compression algorithms are methods used to reduce the size of a file by permanently removing some data. These algorithms achieve high compression rates but result in a loss of quality or detail in the compressed file.
These are methods used to reduce file size without any loss of quality or detail. They achieve lower compression rates compared to lossy compression algorithms.
Bitrate: It refers to the amount of data processed per unit of time in a compressed file. Higher bitrates generally result in better quality but larger file sizes.
Image Compression: It is a specific type of compression algorithm used for reducing the size of image files while maintaining an acceptable level of visual quality.