Ever have to upload something and it asks for JPG or PDF only?
Have to print your logo and not sure what file to use? Here’s a handy guide from CreativeLive.com to help out.
JPG – Joint Photo Expert Group
A faster file format used for images. Is destructive because it compresses the image more in order to create a smaller file size which, in turn, creates more degradation of image quality.
Not good for type, logos, or graphics. Cannot be made transparent. Used for print and web.
GIF – Graphic Interchange Format
Pronounced with a G, not a J. Developed by Compuserve to save raster type, logos, and graphics to very small files and uses limited colors, so not ideal for images. Can be transparent and animated. For web use only.
PNG – Portable Network Graphic
Developed to replace a GIF, which required royalties be paid for its use. Uses limited colors, so not idea for images. Can be made transparent. Not for print.
BMP – Bitmap File
Developed by Microsoft, BMP files are like PNG and GIF files. Made specifically to render simple, yet crisp logos, type, and icons. Used mainly for web for simple graphics.
EPS – Encapsulated Postscript
Saving of vector artwork, such as an Adobe Illustrator or an Adobe Photoshop files, that contain vector shapes or type. Used only for print.
TIFF – Tagged Image File Format
For images and Adobe Photoshop files. Can be saved with layers, channels, masks, and paths, but does not support transparency when the file is flattened and saved. For print files only.
PDF – Portable Document Format
Used to present and exchange documents reliably, independent of software, hardware, or operating system. For print or web. For web, a PDF can contain links, form fields, buttons, and can be signed electronically.
