Understanding File Types
What is the difference between file types?
If you don’t have experience working with computer graphics you may not know the differences between file extensions such as .jpg, .png etc. This short blog post should help give you a basic understanding.
Introduction
Have you ever wondered why some images have a white background whilst other ones have a transparent background and can be places on top of other images. This is because of the way the image file has been saved. File extensions (such as .jpg ) give images and other files different capabilities.
There are many different file types which are to be used in different situations. You can use the following text as a guide on which file to use and where.
Vector (Scalable)
Vector Image files are incredibly useful as they can be blown up to any size without losing any quality. Vector files are often used for printing anything from business cards to a huge billboard. The down side of vector files as they can sometimes only be opened on certain devices or with certain software. You would likely send these files to a professional to print. Another limitation is that they are generally used with limited colours. For example a logo with few colours on it is perfect. A high resolution photo image is not suitable for a vector image file.
Examples of Vector Files are
.pdf – Can be viewed on most devices. You would use this file for printing your logo. It is important to keep these files as they don’t lose quality.
.ai – This is the raw file which can only be opened with professional software. If you ever need your logo amended by a professional you will give them this.
.eps – This is also a raw file which can generally only be opened with professional software. If you ever need your logo amended by a professional you will give them this.
Non Vector (Non Scalable)
This is the most common format you will see as most images online are made up of non scalable image graphics. Anything from facebook or a website will be made up of these images. These are useful as they can be used on most devices making them the files you would most likely work with yourself. You can use them on invoices, your website, social media and much more. They are versatile and easy to work with.
.jpeg/.jpg – A compressed image which can be small in size and can be viewed anywhere. Most images on web are .jpeg. You would use this file for social media or on your own web page or blog. The down side of these is that they cannot be transparent.
.png – usually larger file as they are uncompressed. These have the ability of having a transparent background which comes in useful on a website when you want to have your graphic on top of background.
.gif – usually small files which can be animated in a loop.