Jpg, Png, Eps, Pdf : Files Types Explained

You’ve likely heard of a jpg, but do you know what makes it different from a png? And do you know what it means when a vendor asks for a vector file? Understanding the various file types is important for anyone working with images and documents, whether for online use or print. Each file format has its own strengths, weaknesses, and ideal applications.

JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)

CHARACTERISTICS

JPEGs (or jpgs) are a widely-used image format known for its lossy compression. This means that when a JPEG file is saved, some image data is discarded to reduce file size. This makes JPEGs excellent for photographs and images with complex color gradients but can lead to quality loss, especially with repeated saves. Jpeg files have a white or opaque background, so if you place a jpeg file over a photo or color, the background will not show through any area not outside your jpeg image file. A jpeg is not a vector file type.

USES

Online: JPEGs are ideal for web use due to their smaller file sizes, which facilitate faster loading times. They are commonly used for photographs on websites, blogs, and social media.

Print: While JPEGs can be used for print, they are not the best choice for high-resolution images. When printing, the quality may not be as crisp as other formats, particularly if the image is enlarged.

BEST PRACTICES

• Use JPEGs for photographs and images with many colors.

• Save at a high quality to minimize compression artifacts (pixelation or blurriness). But be aware that large jpeg files will be compressed when used on social media, leading to pixelation. Try to keep jpegs intended for online use well below 1 MB.

• Avoid saving over the same file multiple times to maintain quality.

PNG (Portable Network Graphics)

CHARACTERISTICS

PNG is a lossless image format, meaning it compresses images without losing any data. Unlike a jpeg, it supports a transparent background, which makes it particularly useful for web graphics. PNG files are generally larger than JPEGs but provide better quality for images with text or sharp edges. A jpeg is not a vector file type.

USES

Online: PNGs are widely used for logos, icons, and images that require a transparent background. This is essential for layering images on different backgrounds on websites.

Print: While PNGs can be printed, they are less common in print media than JPEG or EPS files. They are suitable for images with text or graphics but are often converted to other formats for printing.

BEST PRACTICES

• Use PNG for images requiring transparency or when quality is a priority.

• Keep in mind that file sizes can be larger, which may impact loading times if used excessively on the web.

EPS (Encapsulated PostScript)

CHARACTERISTICS

EPS is a vector file format that is widely used in professional graphic design and printing. Unlike JPEG and PNG, which are raster formats, EPS files are made up of paths defined by mathematical expressions, allowing them to be scaled without loss of quality. An eps is a vector file type.

USES

Online: EPS files are not commonly used for web purposes, as most web browsers do not support them directly. However, they are often used in creating graphics that will be converted to web-friendly formats.

Print: EPS is a standard format for high-quality print materials, including business cards, brochures, and illustrations. They are favored for logos and graphics that need to be resized frequently.

BEST PRACTICES

• Use EPS files when working on vector graphics or illustrations that require scalability.

• Use an EPS file when printing to merchandise or when a vendor asks for a vector file.

• Ensure that any text in the EPS file is converted to outlines to avoid font issues when printing.

• Use EPS files in professional design software like Adobe Illustrator for best results.

PDF (Portable Document Format)

CHARACTERISTICS

PDF is a versatile file format that preserves the formatting of documents, including text, images, and vector graphics. PDF files can contain both raster and vector images, making them an excellent choice for a wide range of applications. A PDF can be a vector file, but not all PDFs are vector.

USES

Online: PDFs are frequently used for documents that need to be shared online, such as eBooks, reports, and forms. They maintain the original layout and formatting, making them ideal for business presentations and proposals.

Print: PDF is the industry standard for print-ready files. Printers often prefer PDFs because they encapsulate all necessary elements in one file, ensuring that everything looks exactly as intended when printed.

BEST PRACTICES

• Use PDFs for documents that need to maintain their formatting across different platforms.

• Optimize PDF files for web use by reducing file size without sacrificing quality.

• Always embed fonts and images when creating PDFs for print to ensure consistency.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between JPEG, PNG, EPS, and PDF file formats is essential for anyone working with images and documents. Each format serves a specific purpose and has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

• JPEG is ideal for photographs on the web but may not be suitable for high-quality print.

• PNG offers transparency, making it perfect for web graphics, while its print applications are more limited.

• EPS is the go-to choice for scalable vector graphics in professional design and printing but is not used for online purposes.

• PDF is the best option for documents that need to retain their formatting across different mediums, making it indispensable in both digital and print worlds.

If you need a vector file and are unsure if you have one, or unsure of how to get one, a graphic designer can help!