File formats simplified – What do I need to send my printer?

File formats

What do they mean and what type do I need to have my file printed?

As a printer we are always looking for vector images when possible, vector images can reside in PDF, EPS, or AI files depending on how they were created. Some images are created with photographs and in which case cannot always be sent as the requested formats. In those cases, PSD, TIFF, OR JPEG files are acceptable but only at high resolutions. We only ask for these so we can provide you with something you’ll be happy and excited to get back.

 

 

The Files we want to see:

PDF – Portable Document Format – The most common and friendliest, especially when they contain saved vector images originally created in Adobe Illustrator.

EPS – Encapsulated PostScript – The standard graphics file format for exchanging images, drawings or whole pages. EPS with outlined text is how you become your printer’s best friend.  More about our preferred and favorite format

AI – Adobe Illustrator – A file created in Illustrator that has not been saved as a pdf, acceptable format as long as text has been saved as outlines to prevent font swaps when loaded on other computers. Can also let creators and users go between layers and make changes if necessary.

TIFF – Tagged Image File Format – The most responsible and high resolution photo format. Great for saving scanned images, a non-compressed file.

PSD – Photoshop Data File – A file created in Photoshop that has multiple layers and allows the creator and user to go back and forth between layers or masks.

JPEG – Joint Photographic Experts Group – The most typical photo file. Good for photos, terrible for logos.

 

Images from Quality Logo Products

 

 

The files we don’t like to see:

All of these file formats either are raster files that give you that pixelated, unclear images, file formats most printers aren’t able to print, formats intended just for internet use or just involve a series of steps that could result in quality loss or lost images. Please stick to the formats listed above when printing.

 

 

BMP – Bitmap

PNG – Portable Network Graphics

GIF – Graphics Interchange Format

INDD – InDesign Document

DWG – Drawing (CAD)

PUB – Publisher Document

DOC – Word Document

XLS – Excel Spreadsheet

PPT – PowerPoint Document

 

Possibly acceptable:

ZIP – Compressed File – This always means there are multiple files, some of which may or may not be one of the files above.

 

If you’re still confused:

Feel free to contact us, we are happy to discuss what file formats will produce the best results.