About File Preparation & File Format
Creating Data
Full Colour Printing
Why File Format Matters
Choosing the correct file format has a major impact on the final print quality.
Some formats keep your artwork sharp, while others may reduce quality or cause unexpected errors.
This section explains the basics you need to know before creating print-ready files.
What Is a File Extension?
A file extension is the group of letters that appears after the dot in a file name
—for example: .doc, .xlsx, .pdf, .jpg.
The extension tells you what type of file it is and which software can open it.
Common file extensions
- AIAdobe Illustrator vector file. The standard format used for professional printing.
- GIFA common web image format, often used for simple animations.
- JPG (JPEG)A compressed image format, widely used for photos.
- PDFA reliable format that keeps layout and fonts intact on any device.
- TXTPlain text file.
- XLS / XLSXMicrosoft Excel spreadsheet.
- ZIPA compressed folder used to group and reduce file size.
Bitmap vs Vector — What’s the Difference?
Understanding these two image types is essential when preparing artwork for print.
Bitmap Images (Raster)
- Made of tiny dots (pixels).
- Examples: JPG, PNG, TIFF
- If you enlarge them too much, they become blurry or pixelated.
- Best for: photographs, textures, complex images.
Vector Images
- Made of paths and curves that can scale infinitely without losing quality.
- Examples: AI, EPS, SVG, PDF (sometimes)
- Never become blurry, no matter the size.
- Best for: logos, icons, text, shapes, illustrations.
Why this matters for printing
- Photos → bitmap is fine, but must be high-resolution (300–350 dpi).
- Logos & text → should always be vector for crisp, clean printing.
- Mixing bitmap and vector correctly ensures sharp results and fewer errors.
Bitmap Images (Raster Images)
Bitmap (raster) images are made up of tiny square dots called pixels. Each pixel has its own color, and together they form a full image—similar to a mosaic.
File types: .jpg, .psd, .tiff
Key characteristics
- Resolution-dependent: If you enlarge a bitmap image beyond its original size, it becomes blurry or pixelated.
- Larger file sizes: Because they contain millions of pixels, bitmap files tend to be heavier than vector files.
- Great for photos: Bitmap images are ideal for photographic content or artwork with complex color gradients.
Strengths
- Excellent for photographs, textures, gradients, and detailed images.
- Captures subtle color variations very well.
Limitations
- Does not scale well. Enlarging the image will reduce print quality.
- Can produce large files, especially at high resolution.
Vector Graphics
Vector graphics are created using points, paths, and mathematical formulas rather than pixels. Because they are built from shapes—not dots—you can resize and edit them freely without losing quality.
File types: .ai, .eps, .pdf
Key characteristics
- No quality loss when scaled: You can enlarge vector artwork to any size and it will always stay sharp.
- Small, efficient file sizes: Vector files are usually lighter than bitmap images.
- Fully editable elements: Shapes, colors, strokes, and positions can be changed at any time.
- Perfect for logos, icons, and illustrations: Anything with clean lines or solid shapes is ideal for vector artwork.
- Resolution-independent: Vectors do not rely on dpi. They remain crisp regardless of output size.
Strengths
- Best choice for logos, diagrams, line art, infographics, and text-based designs.
- Highly reliable for professional printing because the artwork scales perfectly.
Limitations
- Not suitable for photos or detailed textures (these should remain bitmap images).
Bitmap vs. Vector — How to Choose
Bitmap images (raster) are best for:
- Photos
- Complex textures
- Smooth gradients
- Web graphics
Vector graphics are best for:
- Logos and branding
- Icons and line-based artwork
- Diagrams and technical drawings
- Any design that needs to scale cleanly
Good File Formats for Print
Vector formats: .ai, .eps, .pdf
→ Best for print. Sharp at any size.
→ Best for print. Sharp at any size.
Bitmap formats: .psd, .jpg, .tiff
→ Suitable for print if high-resolution (300 dpi or higher).
→ Suitable for print if high-resolution (300 dpi or higher).
File Formats NOT Recommended for Print
Vector: .svg
→ Mostly for web use. Some print workflows do not support it fully.
→ Mostly for web use. Some print workflows do not support it fully.
Bitmap / Web formats: .png, .gif, .bmp
→ Designed for screens. Often low-resolution, RGB-only, or not color-accurate for printing.
→ Designed for screens. Often low-resolution, RGB-only, or not color-accurate for printing.
