Design File Types 101: A Beginners Guide
Congratulations! Your logo is designed and completed with a branding kit. All the logo files that you need to make an impression on both the web and print are in one master file folder. However, upon clicking one of the files, you get an error message that says, “file can’t be supported.”
You may be thinking, “What gives? All the files should be the same, right?” Turns out, they may seem similar but they’re not the same. In this blog post, I’ll share a quick overview of the different file types, functions, and examples on how to use them when receiving your branding kit.
JPEG (or JPG)
JPEGs use lossy compression, meaning some quality is sacrificed for smaller file sizes. They are excellent for photographs and images with smooth color transitions.
Best for: Photographs and images with gradients (shading).
Example of JPEG File: A beautiful beach sunset photograph captured in rich, vivid colors.
PNG (Portable Network Graphics)
PNGs support lossless compression, preserving all image data. They are perfect for graphics with sharp edges or transparency needs.
Best for: Logos, web graphics, and images with transparency.
Example: Your company/brand’s logo with a transparent background, ensuring it blends flawlessly with any webpage.
GIF (Graphics Interchange Format)
GIFs support animation and have a limited color palette (256 colors). They are widely used for small, looping animations and images with bold, flat colors.
Best for: Simple animations, memes, and limited-color graphics
Example: A high-five animation that adds a touch of playfulness to your webpage.
Before we get into the next file types, you’ll see the word “vector” often. Vector graphics are based on mathematical expressions in files. They use points, lines, curves, and shapes to represent images. Because of this, they can be resized without losing quality. Here are the design file types that use vector graphics.
SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics)
SVGs are vector-based, meaning they can be scaled infinitely without loss of quality. They are perfect for crisp, clean graphics that need to adapt to various sizes.
Best for: Logos and icons, especially when scalability is crucial.
Example: Your brand’s logo that looks sharp and clear on something small as a business card and large on a billboard.
*AI (Adobe Illustrator)
AI files are editable in Adobe Illustrator or any graphic design software tool that supports this file (ie. Affinity Design), making them ideal for designs that require extensive modification. They are commonly used for logos, intricate illustrations, and vector-based artwork.
Best for: Highly editable, vector-based files for logos and illustrations.
Example: A detailed city skyline illustration showcasing intricate details and vibrant colors.
*PSD (Adobe Photoshop)
PSD files retain layers, allowing for in-depth editing and manipulation. This file is perfect for projects that require various elements to be worked on separately.
Best for: Complex image editing with layers, commonly used for web and print design.
Example: A vibrant poster design with multiple layers for text, images, and effects, giving you complete creative control.
*Note: If you don’t have the Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop app or any other design software tool, these particular design file type will not open or be supported.
PDF (Portable Document Format)
PDFs maintain fonts, images, and layout, ensuring consistent viewing across different devices and platforms. PDF files are the go-to format for print-ready documents.
Best for: Documents and vector-based graphics, perfect for print projects.
Example: An elegant brochure layout ready for print, with crisp text and high-resolution images.
As you can see, not all design files are created equally. The right file type ensures your design shines in any context! So, don't be afraid to experiment but remember to your files choose wisely.
Have any design file type tips or favorite file types that you like to use? Share them in the comments below!
