For simplicity’s sake, I’ll categorise the file types.
Image files
Before looking into the distinctions among image files, it’s important to understand the difference between vector and raster files.
Difference between vector and raster
You are probably most familiar with raster files: those that look pixelated if you scale them beyond 100%. That is because the image itself is built on squares (pixels). The more pixels you have in a file, the higher its quality.
Vector files, on the other hand, don’t have any pixels, and use mathematical equations, lines, and curves with fixed points on a grid. This means you can scale the image up as much as you like without this impacting the design.
Most used image file types
- JPG / JPEG: Of the most used image formats, often used for photography. JPEGs are raster files that can lose quality if scaled too extensively. They do not support transparent backgrounds. A JPG will always be square, so even if the actual image is round, the file itself will have a visible background.
- PNG: Often used for graphics, icons and other visuals that need to support transparency. Because it supports transparency, you can create the illusion of a round or other-shaped visual. Another raster file, they cannot be scaled too much.
- GIF: GIFs are used for moving/animated images. They only support a limited number of colours, so are ideal mostly for visuals that do not contain a complex colour palette.
- SVG: A vector file commonly used for web graphics. As the file is vector, it allows us to save it as a small file that is scaled up, meaning the file size itself is small. SVGs support transparency, however does not support all types of blending modes and other effects.
- WebP: WebP files are an image format intended for use on the web, such as websites. They are generally smaller in size, which can ultimately boost website performance and speed.
Design files
My primary software choice is Creative Cloud/Adobe, which is one of the most widely supported and commonly used design software suites. Please note, that to open any of these files, you will need software that supports them. I will send you the files so that you have the original artwork for any future design needs you might have, however you will not be able to open them without the appropriate tools.
If you need to get anything printed, any professional printer should be able to read the files.
- AI / EPS: This is an Illustrator file, which means it is vectorised and can be scaled up as much as you need. This file is commonly used for logos, icons and other graphics.
- PSD: A photoshop file, commonly used to handle photographs and other imagery. A PSD file can have unlimited of layers, allowing a design to be edited and elements added/removed as you need.
- INDD: InDesign files are commonly used to handle type heavy projects, such as brochures, magazines and documents. If your project holds any visuals (images, graphics and other assets), it is important that you keep the images in their original location as the INDD file will be following the image path defined.
- XD: Files from Adobe XD are generally used for website layouts. These can set up connections between elements, and define interactions at different points in a user journey.
Document files
- PDF: PDFs are good for many types of use cases, including design files and documents such as contracts that need to be signed, and can be used for print purposes. One of the benefits of a PDF is that they maintain the original document layout, allowing it to be altered.
- Doc (Word): Created by Microsoft, Doc files are great for text-heavy documents.
Media files (Video and audio)
- MP4: A popular and highly supported file type for video. MP4 files generally have a lower resolution than many other video files, however is often good for video content on websites.
- MOV: A video file type created by Apple, MOV files are often associated with QuickTime. The file type is good for longer videos, but the size can get large.
- MP3: Very popular audio file type that has been compressed to make the file size smaller.
- WAV: Normally an uncompressed audio file, WAV are popular and often of higher quality than MP3. They are, however, normally larger in size.
Why do we have so many different types of files?
With the amount of file types that actually exist, this topic can feel overwhelming. Luckily, you won’t need to know most of them. However, they all have their individual use cases and pros and cons.
Many factors influence the choice of file type, such as the platform (certain software only accept specific file types), whether it is digital or print (vector files are normally better for print), use of transparency, the level of compression accepted, and whether or not it is going on a website. In most cases, you’ll want images destined for websites to be under 100kb in size.
Generally you’ll find that uncompressed files have better quality, but have larger file size, so you need to prioritise what is best. A general rule of thumb: Uncompressed for print, and compressed for web/digital.
What file types will I receive for my project?
The file types you need depends on the individual project. If you choose to work with Healthy Pixels, you can rest assured you will be provided with the most appropriate files for your project and intended usage.
If you’re getting a logo, for example, the package typically includes:
- AI file with original vector artwork,
- PDF file with vector artwork that you can open without any design tools,
- PNG files with transparent background,
- JPG version for social media profile picture,
- and perhaps an SVG if you have a website.
If you need any other specific formats for a specific use case, I will be happy to provide you with this.
