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Deciding which file type to use
January 2025
Below is a high level schematic to help you choose the right file type to place into the job you're working on. More in depth information about file types follow the schematic.
VECTOR vs. RASTER​​
Vector files are built with shapes that can be enlarged as large infinitely without losing quality as the shapes are live. Raster files are built with pixels (dots) like that of a photo. They cannot be enlarged too much without losing quality. They will become blurry and pixelated the larger they become. ​For these reasons it’s always preferable to use vector files when you are able to. Obviously, a photo cannot be a vector file. But logo’s, icons, and graphics usually can.
RGB / CMYK / PANTONE ​
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RGB files are used for screen/digital use simply because screens use red, green and blue light to display images etc (eg. web, TV or phone files). Whereas cyan, magenta, yellow and black inks (CMYK) are used to print on paper, clothing etc. It’s important to use the colour correct as RGB and CMYK don’t always convert well. And companies spend a lot of time colour matching to ensure the correct colour is displayed in there online and print advertising. Some even go so far as to specify Pantone colours. Pantone colours are a special ink mix of a specific colour. If you have a file that includes a Pantone colour, do not send that out for a print job or digital job, UNLESS you have spoken to the vendor and they have requested it. Most likely if its a print ad you are submitting, you will need to send the CMYK version because a publication won't print one special ink colour just for your advert.
FILE TYPES ​​
EPS stands for “Encapsulated Postscript”. EPS is a vector file format created by Adobe. EPS files are the most common file type for logos etc used in print adverts. EPS files can also be RGB but are not uploadable to the internet so you may not always receive RGB versions of logos.
PDF stands for “Portable Document Format’. PDFs are another vector file format created by Adobe. PDF files are more common for complete artwork. ie. A complete advert or print item (brochure, map, magazine). You may also have PDF files for your logos etc.
SVG stands for “Scalable Vector Graphics”. It is a vector file format for displaying two-dimensional graphics, charts and illustrations on websites.
JPG or JPEG stands for “Joint Photographic Experts Group”. JPG files are raster images and cannot be enlarged. Once upon a time, JPGs were reserved for RGB images however, these days CMYK images are also JPG in order to take advantage of the great compression JPGs allow.Therefore, JPG images are used in both print (CMYK) and screen (RGB) environments. This is the most common raster file format.
PNG stands for “Portable Network Graphics”. PNG files are raster images that cannot be enlarged. Unlike JPG files, PNG files allow for transparent or semi-transparent backgrounds. PNGs can only be RGB in colour so are only used for online or screen work.
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