File types can sometimes be confusing. To help, I’ve broken down the file types you’ll receiving during your project with examples for additional support. If you have any questions, let me know.
Understanding File Formats
JPEG
JPEGs are great for images or photos that are complete. You are using the whole image size and there is no need for a transparent background.
Jpeg is the most widely used file format and the majority of your graphics will be provided this way. It is commonly used for photos and graphics. Jpegs are ‘pixel based’, which means that when you scale them up, your image will start to loose quality and become blurry or pixelated.
Use me if:
- You want to upload your logo or other graphics online and on social media such as Instagram
- You want to add an image / graphics to your website
Don’t use me if:
- You need a logo or graphics with a transparent background
- You are sending anything to be printed. As they are pixel based, they are often low quality when printed.
PNG
PNG images are optimal when you require a transparent background.
Png’s are also a pixel based file format. However, differentiating from jpeg, png’s are transparent, meaning that the background will be removed from any of your graphics.
Use me if:
- You want a graphic with a transparent background, such as a watermark over photos or a header on your website.
Don’t use me if:
- You want to upload to Instagram. Instagram always decreases the quality of png files.
- You are sending anything to be printed. As they are pixel based, they are often low quality when printed.
EPS
EPS files contain the raw vector design and can be edited in software like Adobe Illustrator. Should you ever find yourself working with an external designer such as a web designer or packaging designer, they will need access to these, but you shouldn't need to touch them.
Use me if:
- You are working with another designer. They will appreciate having the raw files as they are high quality
- You are sending large-scale designs to be printed such as billboards or signs.
Don’t use me if:
- You need a transparent graphic.
- You are wanting to upload your graphics anywhere, eps files aren't often uploadable.
PDFs are documents that can include multiple pages and are ideal for downloadable guides. Pdf’s are often the highest quality and you can zoom as much as you want without it becoming blurry. If you want to print any or your brand assets, printing companies will require your pdf files.
Use me if:
- You are sending designs to be printed. Most printers prefer pdf’s as they are easy to prep and preview.
- You need to display any documents online or over email (price lists, e-books, posters etc.
Don’t use me if:
- You want to upload graphics anywhere. Pdf’s aren’t often an accepted format on many platforms.
Other Image File Formats Types
JPEG, PNG and PDF are the main file formats you are likely to come across when using Squarespace. These are less likely to be used in your project. However, it can be helpful to be aware of them.
SVG
This is a vector image. This is the smallest image type because it’s made up of shapes and colors. The benefit of SVG files is that they are infinitely scalable. You can make them bigger without them losing the details because there are essentially no details - it’s made up of points.
- Scalable
- High quality
- Common for graphics
WEBP
This is a recent format developed by Google. This is a higher end compression for JPEG images. This means you can get a high quality image at a much smaller size.
The only problem with this format is that it is not yet widely adopted by tools or even search engines. For instance, this file type is not supported by Safari.
To ensure accessibility, it’s not used much by website designers.
