Every image appearing online is a file called an image. The majority of what you see printed on items like stationery, plastic, or clothes originated as an image file. These files are available in several forms, and each one is tailored for a certain purpose. Your design will be exactly as you wanted it to be if you use the proper type for the job. The incorrect format could result in a subpar print or web image. It's important to educate yourself about picture file formats, including their various types and differences, before settling on a particular one.

 

Raster and Vector Images

 

The two types of image files are categorized as Raster pictures and vector images. Raster images are visuals made up of individual pixels, are frequently used in websites, digital artwork, and photographs. These can become blurry or "pixelated" when enlarged.

Contrarily, vector images are visuals made up of geometric shapes. These are curve-based and independent of resolution. They keep their clarity, sharpness, and detail when extended to any size.

 

Here is a simple guide if you're unsure of which category an image file type belongs to:

 

JPEG

 

Joint Photographic Experts Group, also known as JPEG, is a popular, pixel-based, and flexible image format. Photos, images, and artwork are best used online and are also referred to as JPG. JPEG images contain a tiered system of compression that dramatically reduces file size, resulting in pixelation. Do not use JPEG format when you require transparent graphics or an editable, layered image.

 

PDF

 

Portable Document Format, or PDF, is an image format that allows documents and graphics to be shown accurately on any device, program, operating system, and in any web browser. In addition to displaying raster images, form fields, and spreadsheets, PDF files also feature a strong vector graphics base at their core. Printers frequently ask for PDF files as the file format because they are a nearly universal standard. Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator both provide direct export to PDF, which makes it simple to start your design and prepare it for printing. PDF files cannot be used for editing images/graphics.

 

EPS

 

Encapsulated PostScript, or EPS, is a picture format. An EPS file can contain both raster and vector picture data, while being used predominantly as a vector format. An EPS file often contains just one design feature that can be applied to a bigger design.

Sending a vector logo to a client, designer, or printer is necessary. You don't have to bother about the logo's placement or printing when using an EPS file. It will always display at the right resolution, regardless of size. EPS file is not suitable for use with artwork, pictures, or internet image displays.

 

AI

 

Despite the fact that they can also contain embedded or linked raster images, AI files are predominantly a vector-based format. For web use and further editing AI files can be converted to JPEG, PNG, GIF, TIFF, and PSD files in addition to PDF and EPS files (for simple reviewing and printing).

The finest applications for it include editing a vector design, developing a brand mascot, logo, or symbol, producing a single-page print piece, or needing a certain typeface for a logo. AI file cannot be used for editing images.

TIFF

 

TIFF represents Tagged Image File Format, a file format made to work with bitmapped or raster images.TIFF is commonly employed in desktop publishing and photography. The best applications are high-quality print graphics, scanning, artwork, and photo printing. It cannot be used in relation to web graphics

 

PNG

 

PNG is Portable Network Graphics, which possesses built-in transparency, allowing one to stack images. High-quality, transparent online graphics, illustrations with few colours, and compact files with little text, colour, or shape information are best used for.NEVER use it for a print project, picture, or piece of art.

 

GIF

 

GIF referred to as Graphics Interchange Format is a digital image format used for email images, dynamic graphics, memes on social networking, and banner advertisements. GIF is best for transparent images, web animation, and tiny image files.

 

RAW

 

RAW is an image format that contains unprocessed data from the sensor of a digital camera or scanner. Editable with image editing software such as Adobe Photoshop. Other raw format variations are CRW, NEF, and DNG. Best for photographing and editing photos. Cannot be used when working with web graphics or ready-to-print photos.

 

SVG

 

SVG is an abbreviation for Scalable Vector Graphics. An XML-based vector image format. Scaling, indexing, compression, and searching are all possible in a smaller file size.

Text editors and other graphic editing software can also be used to edit it. Best used for web publishing diagrams and graphs. Cannot be used for print project.

Conclusion: The file type you select depends on how you intend to use your print project. Before you save your files, make sure the format is one that your printer can handle. Knowing which file type to use for your project will not only save you time and money, but it will also help you avoid any errors or quality issues during the production process.