FILE FORMAT

•Specific structure or arrangement of data code stored as a computer file.

•A file format tells the computer how to display, print, process, and save the data.

•It is dictated by the application program which created the file, and the operating system under which it was created and stored.

Reference: http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/file-format.html RASTER VECTOR

• JPEG • EPS • GIF • AI • PNG • PDF • TIFF • PSD RASTER FILE

• Created by a fixed set of in a grid pattern • Simple illustrations to complex images like photographs • Image sizes are dependent on number of pixels and color depth • Once set, it will lose quality a lot easier, especially if trying to make it larger RASTER FILE VECTOR FILE

• Created by a fixed set of • Mathematical term, determined by pixels in a grid pattern magnitude and direction = line or path • Simple illustrations to • Defined start and end point—more complex images like points added create curves, angles, and shapes photographs • Typefaces are created by paths and are • Image sizes are dependent mostly vector-based (i.e. font sizes) on number of pixels and color depth • File size and quality does not change by scaling it; these are only affected by • Once set, it will lose quality adding or subtracting to the file a lot easier, especially if • Easily scalable without loss of quality trying to make it larger Reference: http://www.companyfolders.com/blog/image-file-types-explained-which-format-should-you-use LOSSY vs. LOSSLESS

• Refers to image file compression = quality • LOSSY: trade image quality for file size—file looks like a perfect copy of the original but the representation is of far less quality • LOSSLESS: does not compress as much (usually larger file size)—will look like a perfect copy of the original, leaving the file most uncompressed DPI = | PPI = Pixels Per Inch

• Number of dots in a printed inch, ex. 300 dpi, 150 dpi • Number of pixels per digital inch, describes density of a screen or an image

Resolution | High or Low

• Measure of dots or pixels in an image or display, ex. 300 dpi, or width x height of a TV screen: 1920 x 1080 pixels • Resolution also represents quality—the higher the resolution, the more detail it needs to have JPEG | Joint Photographic Experts Group

• Lossy data compression, medium quality images • Lower file sizes • User friendly, share between wide variety of platforms • Best use: web design, social media,

GIF | Graphics Interchange Format

• Low resolution, lower quality images • Lower file sizes—more colors added, larger the file size • Handles transparencies well • Animation (ex. memes and vines) • Best use: web design, social media • NOT good for digital photography PNG | Portable Network Graphics

• Lossless data compression, high quality images • Can be higher file sizes (use sparingly on website, for less load time) • Detailed photo images at higher quality than a JPEG • Transparencies at higher quality than a GIF • Best use: web design, social media TIFF | Tagged Image File Format

• Lossless data compression, high quality images • Higher file sizes—too large to ever use on a website • Supports layers, keeps original quality of files • Best use: printing (professional and commercial), NOT web design, social media, or logos PSD |

• Adobe Photoshop native format • High quality, file size depends on complexity of the image • Good for internal use • Best use: printing

EPS | Encapsulated Postscript

• Uses vector and raster components • Transfer PostScript-language between applications • Raw elements, good for internal and external use • Easily converted to PNG, JPEG, or GIF • Best use: printing, screen printing, embroidery, promotional items, NOT for use on a website AI | Adobe Illustrator

• Adobe Illustrator native format • Good for internal use • Logos and illustrations • Best use: printing, screen printing, embroidery, promotional items

PDF | Portable Document Format

• Open source, universal file format • Hybrid of raster and vector images • High & low resolution = image quality • Can be used for both digital and print • Best use: printing, clients, internal and external audience, downloadable files on website Converting the File Formats

Vector to Raster • Easy • Compresses vector into pixels • Files no longer able to be manipulated or resized for same quality • Always save original of vector files before rasterizing

Raster to Vector • No easy way • Possibly trace the contents back into a vector