What type of file is best for uploading a picture to social media platforms? What program type is best when creating a printed pamphlet or a logo? With several file types and programs available, it can be overwhelming to comprehend which ones to use. Below, the short guide will help you realize the different file types and their uses.
1.  PDF or Portable Document Format
A PDF is utilized to present documents with pictures and text that anyone can easily download or open. PDFs are universally used, and hence, they can be shared across devices and platforms. PDFs are multilayered, and that’s considered their best feature in the design world. It gives the owner the ability to edit and adjust the document without much hassle.
PDFs are used when you need to share a document with many people. The document maintains its integrity even when you’ve shared or emailed across several platforms, and you can even password-protect the document. PDF is also used to create digital fillable forms.
2.  HEIC
Images captured on your iPad or iPhone are saved as HEIC files. It stands for High Efficiency Image Container. The file type is an upgraded version of the HEIF (High Efficiency Image Format), a format traditionally used by Apple for all its mobile devices.
HEIC is used by Apple for HEIF pictures, and it saves pictures in higher quality than JPG/JPEG while using less space owing to its advanced compressive technology. The space-saving format utilizes HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding) to compress and save images on device drives, and it takes up half the space of JPEGs and other image file formats. Depending on the number of pictures inside, the HEIC file uses the .heics or .heic extension. Furthermore, the file contains the required metadata explaining the images’ resolution, size, and location.
While HEIC is a great image file format for Apple users, there’s a specific issue that iPhone users encounter when sharing HEIC documents and photos with others. A popular workaround to this problem is to convert HEIC files to PDF. You can learn how to do that quickly by clicking on https://setapp.com/.
3.  JPEG or JPG
JPEGs are compressed image files that are considered lossy. This is because the files don’t include several layers, and they cannot be edited. For a JPEG, the recommended standard resolution is 300ppi at 100% when printing. If the resolution is less, it will show the individual pixels and make the photo appear pixelated or blurry.
JPEGs are great for images as they keep the integrity of the photo. The file format shows all the intricate parts of the photo without getting bogged down with every layer. JPEGs can also be shared across multiple platforms, making them versatile.
4.  GIF or Graphics Interchangeable Format
GIFs are a commonly used file type, and they can be animated. Today, GIFs have become the go-to format for expressing their emotions across social media platforms. GIFs can allow transparency for a single color, and they have become extremely popular due to the fun animations that they make out of pictures.
You can use GIFs to create animated images or for making small icons. You will find several online tools to create GIFs easily and share them across platforms.
5.  AI or Adobe Illustrator Files
Adobe Illustrator is a one-of-a-kind program because vectors create all of their graphics. It is unique because the design portions are created with lines and not pixels. It empowers the designer to shrink or enlarge the photo to any size without compromising the image’s integrity. That’s why it is a designer’s best friend.
You can use Illustrator files when you want to create illustrations, logos, and other similar artwork. Several tools help designers manipulate the lines and create multilayered artwork that can be fully edited.
6.  EPS or Encapsulated PostScript
EPS files are made using Adobe Illustrator or other vector graphics editor software. It is the only file format that saves images in a vector, and hence, they can be shrunk or enlarged to any size without losing their integrity. However, the files can be tricky because they need specific programming to open them. Therefore, they’re not very versatile.
EPS files are widely used for icons, logos, and similar projects. For example, if a logo is saved as an EPF file, it can be sent to any printer, and depending on your project, you can put the logo onto a billboard or a pen.
Summing Up
These are some widely used and popular file types that you must know when you need to save files and share them across various platforms. By understanding each file type, you can decide which one to use for your projects.
