If you’ve tried to print any logo for business cards, flyers, brochures, or swag, it might not have looked just right (or it might have been a total mistake). Why is that?
Not all file types are created equal in the graphic design world. In fact, each file type you see is intended for a specific purpose. We put together this guide so that it’s easy to understand when and where to use each file extension.
.PNG (Portable Network Graphics)
.PNG is the most versatile graphic format there is.
Good for: - use for digital graphics/logos - when you need transparent background - websites, blogs, and social media - graphics to be overlaid on images - digital presentations - graphics that require multiple edits - sharp contrast graphics
.GIF (Graphic Interchange Format)
Some might just relate the popular .GIF format just for the fun animations we share on social media, there are other uses for the .GIF format.
Good for:
- keeping file sizes small for things like icons
- short and simple animations
- images with minimal color or flat color
.JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)
JPEGs or JPGs are one of the most common file types you’d see. They have “lossy” compression which means that as the file size gets smaller, that quality decreases.
Good for: - Printing photos/artwork - Preview images
.EPS (Encapsulated Postscript)
EPS formats can contain graphics and text to store vector-based images. Many use EPS files for editing and printing.
Good for: - Editing in programs like Photoshop or Illustrator - Scalable images - Print/collateral material (brochures, shirts, business cards, water bottles, etc.)
Web graphics can’t be printed so provide your graphic designer the highest resolution you have…or the file you probably can’t open, like an .EPS file. It is the one they probably want the most.