The Most Common File Types & How to Use Them
So what’s the deal with all these file types?
Distinguishing between different file types can be a minefield if you’re not in the graphic world, but it’s useful information for anyone who regularly saves or sends files. Whether you’re in marketing, social media, teaching, technology, or administration, understanding what the most common file types are used for will help you and your colleagues share information more efficiently.
Knowing what sets the different formats apart will help you choose the best file extension for the job. You’ll look like a pro and avoid time spent reformatting and resending things.
So if you’re confused about what the various file types are and how to use them, keep reading – this guide is for you!
The Most Common File Types & How to Use Them
Image Files
We’re starting with the most common file type first, image files. These types of files are used to display photos, logos, or graphics and may include:
JPEG/JPG
PNG
TIF
GIF
HEIC
JPEG/JPG
JPEG or JPG stands for Joint Photographic Experts Group. This file type is most commonly used for photos online because of its typically smaller file size. JPEGs can be used to display photos or graphics in things like social media posts or online ads.
JPEGs can’t be transparent in their background. So if, for example, your logo has been saved as a JPEG with a white background, that background (or white outlined box) will always show.
When saving an image or graphic as a JPEG, make sure that it’s the exact size you need at the lowest resolution possible (before it looks pixelated) to help it load faster and take up less space online.
PNG
PNG stands for Portable Networks Graphic. This file type is more commonly used for logos but also works well for higher resolution images.
Unlike JPEGs, PNG files support transparency, meaning you can save your logo with a transparent background so it pops on the page.
PNGs will retain their size and quality throughout multiple edits/saves, while still maintaining a relatively low file size, making it a good choice for use online.
TIF
TIFF stands for Tagged Image Format and is a high-quality file, meaning larger file sizes. The TIF format should be used only when required, such as when printing premium materials with a high-quality finish.
TIFs will take up a lot of space on your computer and are not ideal for use online.
GIF
GIF stands for Graphics Interchange Format and is used for short animated graphics or moving images and text.
GIFs are common in online advertising and ideal for simple animated files.
HEIC
HEIC stands for High Efficiency Image Container and is a relatively new file format, with Apple being the first big adopter in 2017.
HEICs contain both compressed data and metadata, like information about when and where the photo was taken.
HEIC is twice as efficient as the JPEG format, meaning it can maintain a higher resolution at a lower file size
Unfortunately, HEIC is not yet supported by Windows, making this file type less useful overall. This is why you might have issues emailing photos from your phone to someone not using an Apple computer.
It’s relatively easy to convert HEIC to JPEG when necessary and there are many articles online that explain how to do this.
Pro tip:
These image file types all fall under the category of raster files, meaning they are images made up of many small dots. If your photo or graphic is blurry, it is likely because the dots per inch count (DPI) is too low for your requirements. And that’s where vector files come in.
Vector Files
Unlike raster files, vector files are a form of computer graphics comprised of and created directly from geometric shapes. The beauty of vector files is that they can be made bigger without losing quality and will always stay clear at any size, making them ideal for preserving exact detail. The two most commonly used vector files are:
SVG
EPS
SVG
SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphics, because, you guessed it, it’s highly scalable without threatening quality or clarity.
SVGs are typically used in website design to display logos and graphics.
EPS
EPS stands for Encapsulated Post Script and is most commonly used by designers to prepare vector graphics and images for high-resolution print. They contain bitmap data, meaning they retain individual coding on color and size.
EPS files are used by designers as they create work in programs such as Adobe Illustrator.
EPS files can be scaled as large as required without losing quality (think billboards) and can also have transparent backgrounds.
Document Files
There are many types of document files, most commonly including Word documents, Pages, and HTML, but in this article, we’re focussing specifically on the document used most often in the workplace; the mighty PDF.
PDF stands for Portable Document Format and in a typical work setting, is most often used when sending text documents.
Unlike other document file types (like Word and Pages) PDFs will preserve things like font choices, branding, and original layout and formatting, meaning how you send it is how it will appear to anyone who opens it.
PDFs are universally accessible and can be opened on almost all devices, making them the ideal document type for marketing and communications.
PDF files are ideal for printed items like business cards, leaflets, and other marketing materials, and they are the most commonly used file type by printers. That being said, it’s always a good idea to ask your printer what file type they prefer.
Creative (working) Files
Creative files are the original working files that designers use when creating their work. These are files like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or Final Cut Pro files when creating video. The only way to open these files is to have the software installed on your computer. To preserve creative control and visual consistency, designers typically don’t share these files with clients.
Want to Know More?
Hopefully you’ve come away from reading this with more clarity than confusion, but rest assured a good designer can help navigate this often tricky subject. It takes years of working with different file types to truly familiarize yourself with all of the pros and cons of each format.
If you’d like to learn more or have decided that tackling file types is best left to the professionals, don’t hesitate to reach out!
