So your agency ask you for some files so they can get started on your next project, but you’ve got no clue what they are talking about? EPS, PDF, TIF, JPG, GIF, what’s all this garbage mean? No sweat, we’ll just take a couple of minutes and give you a brief description on each and how they fit in to projects you’ll be doing.First off you’ll need to know the difference between a vector file and a raster image. Vector files are created by lines and dots, also known as curves. They are smooth images and because of the way they are built by lines and dots, can be resized to nearly any dimension needed. These files are usually logos and illustrations. Vector images are built of pixels of color and create that lovely photo you took with your digital camera or that photo you scanned of your brother naked in the sink when he was 2. Vector files have a limit they can be blown up by the amount of pixels they are created with. The more pixels, the larger the file is and the higher the quality.
Another thing to know is image quality. What’s the difference between low-res and hi-res? About 228 DPI, or Dots Per Inch. DPI is used for printing purposes and should be at least 300 DPI. Web images are only 72 DPI and are usually only around 400-800 pixels wide. A hi-res image would typically be over 2,500 pixels wide. Now, if the image you have is 72 DPI, can you just change it to 300 DPI? Generally no, but it depends on how many pixels there are. If you want to change the DPI setting in a program like Photoshop, you have to make sure when you change the DPI that it DOES NOT change the pixel size. If it does, your image will still come out grainy and pixelized as photoshop just enlarges each pixel to make it the new size. If you want to know more on resizing an image, just shoot me an email.
EPS: Most generally used for vector art. This is the form you should have your logo in. If not, make sure you get one from the company or person that created it. Most PC users can not open an eps file unless you have Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Illustrator, or Corel Draw (hopefully you don’t have Corel). This files are ideal for large signs, your stationary, and embroidery among other things.
JPG: Most people already know of this format. Generally used for photos placed on the web, but is also used to save a photo as small as possible during storage. JPGs use very little hard drive space, depending on the pixel size of the photo. This does cause one issue, every time you use that photo, it actually loses a bit of quality. In most cases though, the vast majority of people would never notice.
TIF: This is usually a high-quality photo. You want to use this format when the highest of quality is of most importance. If you know you plan on using a photo for a high-end brochure or large print in your office, a TIF is the best way to save the file and keep it as it’s finest quality.
GIF: This is a low-res web image. These files should never be used in any print advertising, WEB ONLY. The gif format is a very high compression image to keep the file size as small as possible so page loading is as quick as possible.
PDF: If you are dealing with an agency or freelancer already I’m sure you are familiar with these, but what all can they do? PDFs are great for sending hi-res files to print, for posting a lo-res file for people do download from a website or email (say an ad you’d like to share, directions, a map, or some kind of list), for viewing proofs, or making images files small enough to send via email (but not for printing). PDFs are difficult to edit. There are some programs out there that can do it, but most either cost too much or are difficult to edit. Illustrator is a great program to edit PDFs, but is difficult and time consuming. You should also know it greatly increases the file size of the PDF. If you have a file you’d like to be edited, the native file and the artwork that goes with it is always the preferred method to send to an agency or freelance. You’ll incur a lot more fees just sending a PDF vs the native files.
These are just some of the basic files times you’ll see dealing with your agency or freelancer…although hopefully you’ll be dealing with CEA Marketing. Knowing a little more about the file types you’ll be dealing with will help you deal with your agency better and can help cut down costs and production time by delivering the correct file to your agency the first time. If you have questions about file types, don’t hesitate to ask. We are alway here to help.
