Let’s talk file types! It can be overwhelming to figure out which file type is relevant for a particular use. It’s important to know the difference so you can be sure to use the best file type for your project, whether you’re a designer in a digital marketing agency, a photography enthusiast, or just plain curious! To help clarify the confusion, we’ve highlighted a few key differences between file types.
What’s a JPEG?
JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)
JPEGs are the most common file type, and are often considered the “default” file type because they can be opened on almost all computers. The downside to a JPEG (or JPG) is “lossy compression,” which references the ratio of file size: quality; meaning the quality of the image will decrease when the file is resized. If you have a small file size, chances are your JPEG will be blurry and of low-quality. However, when saving an image or graphic as a JPEG, you can choose the level of quality you want in your image, therefore adjusting the compression ratio.
JPEGs are great for online and web design use because the file type can be saved at a lower resolution and won’t slow down your site. A JPEG is not a vector file and can only be scaled down, not up. It is also non-transparent, which means there will be a background that surrounds the image. Make sure to pay close attention to the resolution and file size of your JPEG to ensure a nice looking print or web project.
Where to use: Email signature, photos, web design, small print projects
What is a PNG file?
PNG (Portable Network Graphics) Meaning
PNGs have many positive qualities, and were originally created to be an improved replacement for GIF file types. A PNG supports “lossless compression,” which means they are scalable, and the quality of the image is held when being resized. They are relatively large in file size, and are best for online and web design use because they support transparency, which makes for a sharper, cleaner web-quality image or graphic.
Where to use: Photos for web design and email, transparency
What’s a PDF?
PDF (Portable Document Format)
PDF files were invented by Adobe with the purpose to capture and share informational documents from any computer and application, with anyone, anywhere. They are scalable without losing resolution or quality, and can be used for both print and web design use. PDFs can be compressed for sharing without the fear of loss in quality of your images and graphics. The PDF has become the most requested file type by most printers today. They are a great file type for sharing graphics, and have the ability to embed graphics, fonts, and colors; and can be viewed without design editing software (as long as you have the free Adobe Acrobat Reader).
Where to use: Brochures, business cards, eBooks, banners, print projects, web design, sharing documents (public or password-protected)
What’s an EPS?
EPS (Encapsulated PostScript)
An EPS is a highly customizable vector file format, and is designed to be scaled to any size. They can be used to produce high-resolution graphics to be used for printing, in both large and small formats. An EPS file is an industry-standard file in the design, and digital marketing world, but you won’t be able to open it without design editing software. They are great for printing logos or graphics on banners, or business cards, and can be easily scaled to fit the needs of your project. EPS files support transparency, and can be converted to a PNG or JPEG.
Where to use: Logos, shirts/hats, transparency, scalable art
Talk to us about your file type questions, web design inquiries, and digital marketing needs!
At Lazarus Design Team, we provide a full service, full stack marketing team of experts for companies that are hungry to grow. Drawing from deep pools of talent, our team consists of a unique fusion of creatives and entrepreneurs. We start by creating an incredibly designed and remarkably effective websites that converts visitors into customers. Then we build out a digital marketing strategy that drives your audience to your high-converting website. What makes us stand our from typical digital marketing agencies and web designers is that we build your entire digital marketing funnel from beginning to end as your “in-house marketing team.” Meaning, we are a tight-knit team that learns your business and focuses on your growth.
