PNG, SVG, OMG!
Most of us don’t pause to think about a file type—unless our latest print project comes out blurry or discolored. And if the issue isn’t caught in time, using the wrong file type can become a costly, time-consuming error.
If you’re like me, your Downloads folder is a haphazard collection of screenshots, images and logo files collected during busy workdays. Utilizing the correct file type (after finding it in that jungle of a Downloads folder) is one of the most important aspects of a well-executed design project.
As a graphic designer, I want to help others understand the intricacies of file types. Knowing when to ask for or supply the right file type for your project will improve communications and streamline the design process. So, let’s review the four most common file types and their use cases together!
– Claudia Bleess, Giant Graphic Designer
Image Files
Image files, also known as raster files, are widely accessible, fixed-resolution files made up of pixels. Image files are commonly used for photographs, web graphics, complex art and printed pieces that don’t require scaling. When enlarged beyond their original resolution, image files can appear blurry or pixelated, as they can’t be scaled without losing quality.
JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)
JPEGs are image files with white (non-transparent) backgrounds that can be applied for print and digital uses. JPEG files have varying resolutions and small, compressed file sizes, which are great for storage and digital sharing purposes but can present challenges with blurriness or pixelation when scaled.
Common Use Cases (Print and Digital):
- Color-rich photography
- Detailed or gradient images
- Digital image sharing for newsletters or emails
- Social media graphics
PNG (Portable Network Graphics)
PNGs, image files with transparent background capabilities and larger file sizes than JPEGs, are ideal for digital and web materials that don’t require scaling. These files exist in RGB color mode (the standard for digital uses) and are not suitable for printed materials, which are produced using CMYK ink colors.
If a PNG is provided for a print project, it must be converted to CMYK color mode and resaved as a JPEG—this is a simple fix, but the image resolution may be too low for high-quality print outcomes, and the color conversion may not be an exact match!
Common Use Cases (Digital Only):
- Web visuals
- Logos and icons
- Images or graphics with text or transparency
- Intricate artwork
Vector-Based Files
Vector-based files, which are best for scalable designs such as logos, typography, illustrations and icons, have the highest resolution possible for print and digital media. They’re often the preferred file type for web design and large printed pieces where scalability and quality are crucial.
Rather than using pixels, these files are created using mathematical equations to define shapes, lines and colors. Vector files can be scaled indefinitely without losing image quality. They can also be resaved as almost any file type, including JPEG, PNG and PDF. Ask the graphic designer in your life if they have a crush on any file types, and they’re sure to say, “Vector-based!”
EPS (Encapsulated PostScript)
EPS files are a designer’s first choice for scalable designs like logos and high-quality illustrations for print. They aren’t ideal for web use cases, as web browsers don’t natively support EPS files, and their large file sizes can significantly slow load times.
EPS file access is limited to those with graphic design platforms like Adobe Illustrator, so most non-designers can’t preview or open these files, but they can be resaved as accessible image files and other vector-based files like Ai and SVG.
Common Use Cases:
- Scalable logos
- Complex illustrations
- Banners, billboards, posters and other large-scale printed projects
- Business cards, product packaging and other smaller intricate designs
SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics)
SVGs are vector-based files formatted specifically for web applications. SVG files offer a simpler, more easily compressible structure than EPS files by omitting print-specific features that can significantly increase file sizes. They can be manipulated with CSS and JavaScript to enable dynamic and interactive web components, making them the ideal choice for responsive web design and scalable, simple graphics.
However, as the complexity of images or graphics increases, SVG files can become very large and slow load times. For photography, complex graphics and intricate artwork, image files like JPEGs or PNGs offer more richness and realism.
Common Use Cases:
- Responsive web design across devices
- Scalable logos and icons
- Animations and interactive elements such as charts and graphs
- Infographic visuals, diagrams and other flat, stylized illustrations
- Digital-to-print assets that require cohesion across web and printed materials
That’s It… Kind of!
While this is just the tip of the iceberg, having a base understanding of these four most-used file types and their use cases will streamline design communications on your next project. Happy creating!
About the Author
Claudia Bleess is a passionate graphic designer who solves business and marketing problems with creative design solutions. Many of her designs are inspired by listening to music while working—as evidenced by her 86 Spotify playlists (and counting).
