Artwork File Formats

everything you need to know

Here we will explain what the most common file formats are for artwork. We also illustrate the difference between Raster and Vector files, so you can identify when you might need to supply/request them for different purposes.

JPEG & PNG Files

raster files

Here we will explain what the most common file formats are for artwork. We also illustrate the difference between Raster and Vector files, so you can identify when you might need to supply/request them for different purposes.

JPG Files

JPEG images are Raster files, which means they are made up of pixels, and are saved with a background colour.

PNG Files

PNG files are also Raster files, but are saved with a transparent background. Both of these formats are mostly used online.

EPS & PDF Files

vector files

You will have seen these files used mostly for printing. This is because they are high quality files which can be printed digitally in large formats (large prints such as posters, vinyl, vehicles, windows etc). JPGs can also be used for printing, but only if they are high resolution - at least 2000 pixels at their widest edge and 300 dpi. (For example, taking JPG images from the web will not print well, as they haven't been made for print - they have been saved at a smaller size for web.) If you are looking to print in large format or cut vinyl, Vector files (such as Vector PDF's or .EPS files) would be a good choice.

JPG (Zoomed In)

JPEG images are Raster files, which means they are made up of pixels, and are saved with a background colour.

EPS (Zoomed In)

In this example you can see when zoomed in to an EPS/Vector file, the quality does not decrease, because the file is made up of paths (illustrated by a pink contour)

Different File Formats for Different Uses

Uses for JPG/Raster Files

JPGs are PIXEL BASED - this means they are made up of tiny little squares of hundreds of different colours. When scaled up/zoomed in, you can see the squares increase in size, providing the 'pixelated' effect.

Raster files are better for photography, as can hold many colours, but cannot be upscaled unless high resolution

Uses for EPS/Vector Files

Vector files are PATH BASED - this means they are made up of smooth lines filled with solid colour, based on maths. If you scale up/zoom into a vector file, you will not lose any quality.

Vector files are better for large format printing, cutting/plotting vinyl, and graphics. Can be upscaled with no loss of quality.

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