> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://overleaf-pro.ayaka.space/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://overleaf-pro.ayaka.space/latex/latex-errors/21-latex-error-unknown-graphics-extension-.xxx.md).

# LaTeX Error: Unknown graphics extension: .XXX

This error appears when you have used a graphics extension which LaTeX does not recognise. It can also appear when you have used a 'bad' file path which causes LaTeX to get confused.

The allowed image formats in LaTeX depend on the choice of compiler you are using. This is specified in the left hand menu as shown below.

![Choosecompiler.PNG](/files/HvMTcNevjZNywiAyHkuz)

**Compiling with `pdfLaTeX`:**

When compiling with `pdfLaTeX`, you have a wide choice of image formats to choose from. These are listed below

* JPG - This is the most common image format for basic use. It does not take up much space and is useful for inserting pictures in most instances.
* PNG - This is another very common format. This is better for images which require higher resolution as it is a lossless format. Diagrams should be included in PNG format
* EPS - To use EPS images when compiling with `pdfLaTeX`, you must use the [`epstopdf` package](https://www.google.ie/#q=ctan+etstopdf).
* PDF - This is useful for including documents in your LaTeX projects. It supports vector images, as with EPS, and as such is very useful when you want high resolution images for large documents such as posters.

**Compiling with LaTeX:**

When compiling with LaTeX, the only image format you can use is *Encapsulated PostScript* or *EPS*. EPS files are vector based, which means that the images are invariant under scaling and is useful for if you want to create large documents such as posters, with high quality images. EPS files naturally declare the size of the image, so it is easier for LaTeX to structure the text and graphics in a nice way.

## Common Causes

**Using a image format which is not supported:**

The most common cause of this error is when an image format which is not supported by a given compiler, such as **`.gif`** or **`.ps`** is used. The best way around this is to convert to a supported format wherever possible.

**Using a bad file name:**

Whenever LaTeX sees a full stop, it will interpret whatever follows to be the file extension. Therefore, if there is a full stop in the file name, such as `image.logo.jpg`, LaTeX will get confused as it will think that the file extension is `.logo.jpg`. For this reason, you must always name your images such that they do not have full stops in their titles.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://overleaf-pro.ayaka.space/latex/latex-errors/21-latex-error-unknown-graphics-extension-.xxx.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.