Ever wondered when you should use a JPEG instead of a PNG? Unless you’re specifically trained in graphic design, the differences between the different image and artwork file types aren’t always common knowledge.
Here’s a quick definition of the most popular file formats we accept and when you might use them.
JPEG (or JPG) – Joint Photographic Experts Group
This is probably the most common file type across the web! JPEG files are commonly used for high-quality printing, but it’s important to make sure you save these files as high resolution (we recommend at least 300dpi).
PDF – Portable Document Format
If you’re using an Adobe design program like InDesign to create your artwork, the best way to save your file is as a PDF. They were created with the goal of capturing and reviewing rich information from any application, on any computer, with anyone, anywhere – making them a universal option.
PNG – Portable Network Graphics
PNGs are great for interactive documents like web pages – you can edit them and they don’t lose quality! However, they tend not to be very high quality to begin with, meaning they’re not always suitable for print. You can save PNG files with a transparent background, which is perfect for T-shirts. This file is always in RGB colour format, meaning colours may slightly change when printed.
EPS – Encapsulated Postscript
EPS is a high-resolution vector file format that’s designed to be used for high-quality printing. It works in a similar way to a PDF but doesn’t necessarily need you to use an Adobe product to use it, making it perfect for designers who use alternative tools like Corel Draw or Quark.
TIFF – Tagged Image File
No matter how many times you copy and re-save this image file type, the resolution stays the same. TIFF files are also commonly used when saving photographs for print. TIFF files are significantly larger than JPEGs, meaning you would have to email this file type into us or send it online via WeTransfer.
DOC
This is the standard file format for Microsoft Word documents. Although we do accept this file type over email, you can usually save this kind of file as a PDF by going to Save As and choosing PDF, which embeds your fonts and reduces the risk of anything changing when we open it up on our end. This file is always in RGB colour format, meaning colours may slightly change when printed.
PPT
This is the standard file format for Microsoft PowerPoint documents. As above, we recommend saving this kind of document as a PDF, but we can accept it as it is if you send it over email. This file is always in RGB colour format, meaning colours may slightly change when printed.
PUB
This is the standard file format for Microsoft Publisher documents. Like with the two previous examples, we recommend saving as a PDF but will accept it in its original format via email. This file is always in RGB colour format, meaning colours may slightly change when printed.