A Breakdown of File Format Types

Let’s first take a look at image resolutions.

Hi-Res (high resolution) is 300 dpi (dots per inch) and is used for magazine and high-quality prints.

Lo Res (low resolution) is 75 dpi and is used for online and screen use only.

Two things to remember a Hi-Res photo will slow down any website and a Lo-Res photo will look horrible as a portrait on your wall.

Now for files

Raster Files – These have a fixed pixel pattern

• .jpg – Joint Photographic Experts Group.

Used for high-quality photography and can also be used for low resolution online use.

A .jpg image will lose quality if you scale it over its pixel width (meaning is you make it bigger then it should be it will look aweful)

• .png – Portable network graphics

Used for graphics and images on the Internet

Do not use for print

.png files cannot be scaled over its pixel width

Transparent background allows you to see graphics behind it

• .tiff – Tagged Image File Format

Commonly known as “print ready” file format

These files are too large for website design

• .gif – graphics interchange format

Used for online use

Can be used for animation as an image

Similar to a .png but a lower quality

Vector – these are shapes created using mathematics

•  .eps – Encapsulated postscript file

Used for logo and illustrations

Can be scaled to any size without losing quality

Best for use in large format printing

• .pdf – Portable Document Format

Used for sharing documents

Can be scaled without losing resolution

Most printers prefer this type of file

Until next time,

Karri