The Ultimate Breakdown Of Document File Types: Raster VS Vector?

Have you ever had the frustrating experience of having a designer ask you to "supply your company logo in a vector file"? Maybe they needed a .PNG file. But not an ordinary one – a high resolution, transparent background .PNG file.

Otherwise they simply could not start on the work you've already paid for?

You're not alone. In fact, this happens almost every single time I work with a client.

Understanding file types isn't just technical jargon – it's the difference between a crisp, professional print job and a pixelated disaster. As a graphic designer, I know how crucial it is to use the correct file types for specific applications. Having the wrong file type could potentially ruin the look you were hoping for and cause many future headaches.

<AcademyQuote>The right file format is like choosing the right tool for the job – use a hammer when you need a hammer, not when you need a screwdriver.</AcademyQuote>

Let me break down all the file types you'll most commonly encounter when working with designers. Some you'll recognise, but now you'll fully understand the differences.

What is a Raster File?#

Raster images are made up of lots of tiny dots (also known as pixels). They're perfect for adding special effects, colour correction and manipulating photos. You might have heard of the term "pixelating" – when an image looks blocky and blurry because it doesn't have enough pixels.

Here's the trade-off: The higher the amount of pixels, the better the print quality, but the longer the loading time when used online.

Adobe Photoshop is the industry-standard image editor for creating and editing raster images. .JPG and .PNG are the two most common raster file types. Here's how they differ.

Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPG)#

JPG is the most common file type for images. When you save a file as a JPG, it automatically compresses it into three different image qualities: high, medium, and low. High quality JPGs work well for desktop printing. Medium quality suits web graphics. Low quality works perfectly for emailing.

<AcademyProTip>Use 72 dpi (dots per inch) for web applications and 300 dpi for print. Not all editing programs give you quality options, so be prepared for a baseline of 72 dpi for every JPG you save.</AcademyProTip>

Used for:#

• 1File choice for <a href="https://www.printulu.co.za/product/banners" class="internal-link text-[#007756] hover:text-[#005d42] underline font-medium">banner</a> ad publishers
• 2Medium and low resolution web-use
• 3Proofing and sharing work-in-progress design work with clients

Handy to know:#

• 1Quick load time for web

Constraints:#

• 1Does not support background transparency
• 2Does not retain its quality when rescaled
• 3Flat image that is non-editable

Graphics Interchange Format (GIF)#

GIF files are most commonly used for animated graphics and transparent images. Whether you pronounce it "giff" or "jiff," GIF files are low resolution and perfect for emails and web graphics. They support only 256 colours in the <a href="/blog/clusters/artwork-prep" class="internal-link text-[#007756] hover:text-[#005d42] underline font-medium">RGB</a> colourspace, so the file size will be drastically reduced.

Used for:#

• 1Transparent images
• 2Animated images

Handy to know:#

• 1You can create your very own GIF in Adobe Photoshop!

Constraints:#

• 1Does not support many colours in the RGB colour space
• 2Does not support high quality imagery

Tagged Image File Format (TIF/TIFF)#

TIF files are the largest raster file type. They're reliable and never lose quality, so use them for saving photographs for print. Never use this file type for saving web graphics, or your page will take forever to load.

Used for:#

• 1Saving high quality photographs
• 2Images that need to be printed in excellent quality

Constraints:#

• 1This is not the best file for online media

Portable Network Graphics (PNG)#

Like GIF files, PNGs are very low resolution and support transparency. The PNG file was created to improve on the GIF file – they're higher quality and allow for more RGB colours. If you receive a logo in your email, it's most likely saved as a PNG file.

Used for:#

• 1Transferring images on the internet
• 2High quality web images

Handy to know:#

• 1Files can be created with transparent backgrounds (great for company logos and icons)
• 2Compressed file sizes allow for quick load times
• 3Displays crisp and clean on digital applications

Constraints:#

• 1Not ideal for printing
• 2Cannot be scaled over its pixel width
• 3Flat image that is not easily editable

What is a vector file?#

Vector images are the favourite child of the design world. And for good reason.

They're typically used for logos, icons, typesetting and digital illustrations. Adobe Illustrator is the industry-standard image editor for creating and editing vector images. These images are what I recommend for designing for print, because they can be scaled without losing quality.

Think of it this way: raster images are like mosaics made of tiny tiles (pixels). Vector images are like mathematical equations that describe shapes. You can make that equation bigger or smaller without losing any detail.

.PDF and .EPS files are the most commonly used vector file formats.

Portable Document Format (PDF)#

PDFs are commonly used because they retain formatting across all digital platforms. They save the images, typefaces, and layout from any editing program (including Microsoft Word) and turn them into a safe, easy-to-read document. PDFs can be shared, printed, and viewed by anyone with Adobe Reader software, which is conveniently free.

Used for:#

• 1Digital versions of hard copy documents or publications
• 2Sharing previews of work without losing image quality
• 3Universally viewable by computers
• 4Emailing documents
• 5Both print and digital
• 6Digital downloads

Handy to know:#

• 1Can be opened and edited in Adobe Illustrator
• 2Illustrator and Photoshop files can be saved as PDF
• 3PDFs can contain both raster and vector images

Constraints:#

• 1Not always suitable for viewing on smaller mobile devices
• 2Can only be edited using design software

Encapsulated Postscript (EPS)#

Last but not least, the EPS file is typically used to transport an image from one application to another. EPS files can be edited and opened in any kind of design software, including Illustrator, Photoshop, and Freehand. EPS files are vector files, so they can be scaled to any size and are used for producing high quality graphics for print.

Used for:#

• 1Logos and illustrations
• 2Infographics
• 3Icon design

Handy to know:#

• 1One of the most preferred formats by digital designers and other third-party creatives
• 2Single page vector-based drawing that can be scaled to any size
• 3Supports transparent backgrounds
• 4Fully editable artwork
• 5Retains image quality
• 6Can be exported to various file types

Constraints:#

• 1Can only be edited using design software such as Adobe Illustrator

<AcademyDadJoke>Why don't vector files ever get stressed? Because they know they can always scale back!</AcademyDadJoke>

I hope this guide has helped you understand the differences between file types and their advantages and best uses. Next time your designer asks you for a certain file, you can send it without blinking – and maybe even make a few recommendations yourself!