Here's a handy guide for learning about the common printing and web file types.
| File Type | Best Used For | Vector or Raster |
|---|---|---|
| JPEG / JPG | Photographs and web images where small file size is important. Not ideal for images with text or sharp edges due to compression artefacts. | Raster |
| PNG | Web graphics, logos, and images requiring transparency. Supports lossless compression, making it ideal for sharp edges and text. | Raster |
| TIF / TIFF | High-quality print files and archiving. Supports lossless compression and large colour depths. Preferred by printers and photographers. | Raster |
| EPS | Print-ready artwork, logos, and illustrations. Widely supported by print vendors and can contain both vector and raster data. | Vector (can contain Raster) |
| .AI (Adobe Illustrator) | Creating and editing vector artwork, logos, icons, and illustrations. Native Illustrator format — best kept as a working/editable file. | Vector |
| SVG | Web-based vector graphics, icons, and logos. Scales infinitely without quality loss and can be styled with CSS. | Vector |
| InD / INDD (Adobe InDesign) | Multi-page print layouts such as brochures, magazines, and books. Native InDesign format — used as a working/editable file. | Vector (can contain Raster) |
| PSD (Adobe Photoshop) | Photo editing, compositing, and digital artwork. Native Photoshop format — preserves layers and editable elements. | Raster |
| Sharing and printing finalised documents. Universally compatible, can preserve vector data, and is the standard format for print-ready files. | Vector (can contain Raster) | |
| GIF | Simple web animations and graphics with flat colour. Limited to 256 colours, making it unsuitable for photographs. | Raster |
| WebP | Web images requiring smaller file sizes than JPEG or PNG. Supports both lossy and lossless compression, as well as transparency. | Raster |
| RAW (CR2, NEF, ARW etc.) | Unprocessed camera files retaining maximum image data for professional photo editing. Not suitable for direct web or print use without conversion. | Raster |
If you need assistance with deciding which size and format is best suited for what you want to achieve with your project, we can help. Contact us today.