Tips and Tricks: let’s talk file types

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There are so many file types out there, we wanted to help you sort through them. We’ll start off with some of the most common file types you’ll encounter when working on a design-related project:

eps (Encapsulated PostScript)

• Infinitely scalable

• Easier to edit for designers/printers

jpg/jpeg (Joint Photographic Experts Group)

• Good for posting on social

• Typically small file size

• Can become pixelated if displayedor printed large

pdf (Portable Document Format)

• Good for printing

• Good for multi-page docs

png (Portable Network Graphics)

• Can have a transparent background

• Easy to layer

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eps

Key features:

• Scalable—no pixelation when blown up to a larger size

• Easier to edit for designers and printers

• Send to designers and printers

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JPG

Key features:

•Good for posting on social media

• Typically small file size

• Can look pixelated when scaled up

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PDF

Key features:

• Good for printing

• Can have multiple pages

• Text can be edited in Adobe Acrobat

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PNG

Key features:

• Can have a transparent background

• Easy to layer

• Can look pixelated when scaled up

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Files you might also run into

tiff
•Typically large file size photo
• Can be a layered (editable) file

heic
• Newer photo file type
• Taken on an iPhone

dng
• Camera Raw file
• Needs to be opened in Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Lightroom

indd
• Typically a multi-page document
• Native to Adobe InDesign
• Works best when in a packaged folder that includes the fonts and linked images

psd
•Typically large file size photo
• Can be a layered (editable) file
• Native to Adobe Photoshop

ai
• Vector file (infinitely scalable)
• Native to Adobe Illustrator