“What File Do I Need?”
Did you know when it comes to art files, there are such things as “good files” and “bad files”? At City Paper Company, we’re taking all the guess work out with a quick tutorial to help with understanding the file formats that are needed to make your promo and print items look amazing.
Vector Images vs Raster Images
Vector files are preferred over Raster because Vector files are based on complex formulas that allow for unlimited enlargement without sacrificing any image quality. Raster files are pixel based and degrade in quality the larger that they get. At City Paper Studios, we can redraw Raster files, but additional time is needed and slight variations in your artwork may occur.
The Good Files
We give the following Vector files two thumbs up and here’s why:
- PDF (Portable Document Format) – Used to share documents without losing the design or quality. A digital version of a hardcopy, generally used for emailing and sharing. Elements and illustrations can be pulled from a PDF file to create Vector art for printing.
- EPS(Encapsulated Postscript File) – Used for logos and illustrations as a Vector file. Can be scaled to any size without losing any quality (print material), supports transparency and is desirable for large format printing.
- AI (Adobe Illustrator Program) – Developed for representing a single page Vector-based drawing in either the EPS and PDF format. It is a layered file used for illustrations and graphic design. An .ai file is in Vector format, which means it is in paths and strokes easily re-sized.
The Bad Files
Just because a file is saved as a “Vector Compatible File,” it doesn’t mean that it is in Vector format.
- JPEG/ JPG(Joint Photographic Expert Group) – Typically used for high quality photography and low res online use. Will lose quality if scaled over its pixel width. Does not support transparency (seeing an image behind it) and it is not recommended for print use.
- PNG(Portable Network Graphics) – Designed for transferring images on the Internet and not made for print. Supports transparency (to see graphics behind it) and used best for text, graphics and online use to create a crisper look. Cannot be scaled over its pixel width.
- PSD(Adobe Photoshop Program) – Used for editing photos and web design. Stores an image with support for most imaging options, including layers and mask. Cannot be scaled over its pixel width and cannot be Vectorized.
- Other Bad Files include: TIF, BMP, GIF, TGA, DOC and PPT.
Whether you have your own in-house artists, or you are working with an advertising agency, be sure to communicate with them to save your logo(s) or artwork as PDF, EPS and AI files.
Do You Need Distinctive and Impactful Artwork to Represent Your Brand?
CITY PAPER STUDIOSis the name behind our stellar in-house art department that is made up of a team of talented artists who are well-skilled, trained and educated in the following:
- Brand & Image Development
- Digital Graphic Design
- Typography
- Drawing
- Copywriting
- E-mail Marketing Design
- Custom Packaging Design
- Custom Product Design
- Painting (Oil, Watercolor, Pastels, Acrylic, etc.)
- Photography
- Photoshop Editing
Contact CITY PAPER STUDIOS today at artdept@citypapercompany.comor (205) 328-2626 for our creative team to breathe fresh life into your brand.