Why are there different file formats?

Imagine your new design agency asks you for your logo. The email says “Preferably as a vector file, we can work really well with that!”. And you just think: ” Vector file? What does that mean now? I wonder if they could use a JPEG?”

Ok, don’t panic! File types are actually quite simple. In this blog post, we use our ultimate file types guide to explain the most common file formats in the graphics and web sector – in other words, the formats that we work with most frequently. There are many other file types that are not covered in this blog post. We will focus on the types that we use in exchange with our customers.

Print or stay digital?

When we consider in which file format we want to save a graphic or in which format we want to request a file, we ask ourselves this question first: Should the graphic be used for a digital product or will it be printed? Because some file types should not be used in print products, other files are ideal for export as print files (e.g. for printing by online print shops) and others are preferred by web designers.

In our File Types Guide, which you can download HERE, these types are marked differently: The file types that are suitable for use in digital space are marked with a mouse cursor, the file types that are suitable for printing are marked with a small document. Of course – some types are suitable for both!

Web vs. print legend

PNG (Portable Network Graphics)

These files are generally popular for their ability to support a transparent background, making them superior to jpg files in this respect. PNGs are ideal for use on the Internet. We use PNG when exporting icons, illustrations or logos. The PNG file format supports high image quality without affecting the file size too much.

PDF (Portable Document Format)

The file type that is generally and preferably used in printing. Due to its universal file format, the PDF is extremely versatile. Super practical: A lot of information such as fonts used, colors, layouts and formatting can be saved in a PDF. This is why many online print shops require PDF uploads.

SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics)

SVG is an XML-based vector format. What does that mean? Quite simply: SVG is infinitely scalable without becoming pixelated. This is a very popular property of vector graphics. They cannot become pixelated when enlarged (unlike pixel-based graphics). The SVG format is therefore ideal for use on websites and apps in responsive designs.

AI (Adobe Illustrator)

This is the source file for logos or icons directly from Adobe Illustrator and is used for vector graphics. We create logos, icons and other graphics in Adobe Illustrator. Sometimes printers require AI files for printing.

JPG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)

JPG is a compressed format that is often used for photos, web graphics or images with many color gradients. It often has a smaller file size than PNG, as it cannot support transparent backgrounds. Important to note: When compressing the original file to JPG, information can be lost, which can affect the image quality.

Download our File Type Guide now!

I hope this article has shed some light on the jungle of data. If you have any questions about other file types, please don’t hesitate to contact us! We are happy to help with small and big questions in the areas of design, illustration and web design.

Download File Types Guide

In our next blog post in this series, we will look at the different color profiles. You’ve probably heard of RGB, CMYK, HEX or Pantone – soon you’ll know exactly what they mean and, above all, which color values are used when.

We look forward to your next visit to our blog!