Understand File Types

Depending on where and how you plan to use an image, different types of files are needed. A basic understanding of the different types of image files – and when and where to use them – will ensure seamless collaboration and efficient delivery.

Let’s a delve a little deeper into the most common image file types:

JPEG or JPG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)

• Widely used format because it is the smallest file size when saved at 72 DPI

• Best for web on a white background (have you noticed a white box behind a logo?)

• Easily attaches to emails or uploaded to platforms with file size restrictions

• Often used in Word documents (needs to be RGB)

TIFF or TIF (Tagged Image File Format)

• Highest quality and largest file size

• Best for print applications

• Files are often very large

GIF (Graphic Interchange Format)

• Used to create animations for the web

• Not suitable for print

• Limited color options

PNG (Portable Network Graphics)

• Widely used on the web because of the transparent background

• Better image quality than JPEGs

PDF (Portable Document Format)

• used to share files easily

• the PDFs I create are vector files, but that is not always the case.

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Do you have more questions? Send us an email aurelie@irisheyesdesign.com