Choosing the right file format for your digital assets is crucial when it comes to quality, usability, and how well your content performs online. Whether you’re designing for social media, websites, or print, using the correct file type can make all the difference. Here’s a breakdown of some common file types and when you should be using each one.
JPG (JPEG)
Best for: Social Media and Web Use
JPGs are the most common file type used on the web. They are simple to code, compress easily, and load quickly on websites. JPGs are ideal for downsizing images, but they lose quality when scaled up, and they do not support transparent backgrounds. If you’re posting an image to social media, JPG is often the way to go due to its low file size and quick load time.
PNG
Best for: Websites and Large Social Media Images
PNG files are similar to JPGs but with one key difference—they support transparent backgrounds. This makes them ideal for overlaying images on other content, such as logos on top of coloured backgrounds. PNGs are also a great choice for high-quality web images and social media posts, though they tend to have a larger file size than JPGs.
Best for: Printing and Sharing Documents
PDF is a versatile format that’s widely used for sharing documents because it’s compatible with almost all devices and web browsers. PDFs maintain high quality and are perfect for both printing and sharing documents online. They allow you to combine images and text into one file, preserving the layout no matter which device you open it on.
AI
Best for: Printing and Editing Source Files
AI (Adobe Illustrator) files are the native format for Adobe Illustrator, making them a favourite among designers. These vector files can be scaled infinitely without losing quality, and they are perfect for both print and web. AI files are often used as source files when the design needs further editing. If you’re working with a graphic designer on a custom project, they’ll likely use AI files for creating the design.
SVG
Best for: Websites, SEO, and Scalable Images
SVGs are a popular choice for web design because they are high-quality and scalable. Since they are vector-based, they don’t lose quality when resized, making them perfect for logos and icons. SVGs are also compatible with search engines, which helps improve SEO. If you’re working with responsive web design or need a logo to scale, SVG is the best choice.
Using the right file type for the right project can save you a lot of headaches, ensuring your images look crisp, load quickly, and perform well, whether online or in print. If you’re unsure about which format is best for your next project, feel free to reach out to us at TPD Creative. We’re happy to help make sure your content is perfectly optimised for its intended use.
