What is Lossless Compression? (Stop Ruining Your Images)
DefinitionA method of reducing file size without losing a single pixel of data.
1The Simple Explanation
Imagine folding a piece of paper to fit it in an envelope, then unfolding it later to read it. That is Lossless Compression. You make the file smaller for transport, but when you open it, it is 100% identical to the original.
2Technical Deep Dive
Lossless algorithms like DEFLATE (used in PNG) or LZW (used in TIFF) identify statistical redundancies. Instead of storing 'White Pixel, White Pixel, White Pixel' (3 units), it stores '3x White Pixel' (1 unit). No data is discarded.
Common Misconceptions
Myth: Compressed files always look worse. Fact: Lossless compression looks exactly the same. Only 'Lossy' compression degrades quality.