What I really want to tell you today is that there are many different file types in the digital and print design world. It has taken me YEARS to understand the details behind each one and how they affect anything I design.
"Why does this logo look super fuzzy when I print it out?"
"Why is this file not loading on the internet?"
"My printer says they need a logo as an eps. I don't know what that means but can you help?"
These are a few of the many questions I have received from clients and non-clients. Trust me, I get it. Unless you live in this digital file format world every day, the language can be extremely foreign.
Let's look at a few:
jpg - Used for high quality photography and low resolution online use. Will lose quality if scaled over its pixel width. Does not support transparency (see through to image behind it). Not recommended for print use.
- pdf - Used as a way to share documents without losing the design or quality. A digital version of a hard copy, generally used for emailing and sharing. Even elements and illustrations can be pulled from certain .pdf files.
- png - Designed for transferring images on the internet and not made for print. Supports transparency (see graphics behind it). Used best for text, graphics, and online use to create a crisper look. Cannot be scaled over its pixel width.
- eps - Used for logos and illustrations as a vector. Can be scaled to any size without losing any quality (print materials/tshirts/posters). Supports transparency and is common for large format printing
Here's a key part of my design offering:
At the end of my process of creating your brand, I will provide you with ALL of the necessary file formats - in color, in black, and in white (with a transparent background). Also, I will help you understand which one you need for a specific task.
When you want to sponsor an event and they need a 1 color logo file, you will instantly have it to share and get your business recognized. When you send the art to a t-shirt printer, they will praise you for forwarding the correct art file. Then they can move your project along to finish without tons of back and forth communications.
Because it's my birthday month, I'm sharing cupcakes with the class!
They are Gluten-FREE, nut-FREE, dairy-FREE, with no artificial dyes.
Just kidding. Well, not about the '-FREE' part!
I've created a worksheet for you to download and to keep a few of the basic file formats terms and what they mean on hand:
As always, I'm more than happy to answer any questions around file formats and how/when to use certain ones. Simply leave me a message.