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It is challenging to choose a file type when printing because it depends on the type of print project. Before learning about the various file types in printing posters, it is critical first to gain background knowledge about image file formats, their kinds, and the basis on which they differ.
An image file includes every single graphic seen online; whether printed on paper, plastic, or even a t-shirt, an image file is always the origin of all printed designs. Image files are available in various formats and have multiple uses.
When doing a print project, choosing the correct file type is of utmost importance because the selected file type directly determines the project’s outcome, either making or breaking it. It could be picture-perfect or a total misprint with the wrong choice of colors. Images file formats are of two categories:
Graphics primarily composed of pixels are known as raster images, typically used in photos, websites, or digital artwork. They may appear “pixelated” or blurred when enlarged because of their dependency on resolution.
Unlike raster images, vector images are graphics that are primarily composed of geometric shapes. These are resolution-independent and curve-based. They retain their clarity, detail, and sharpness despite being enlarged to more significant sizes.
- File types used in printing
Are you wondering How To Files For Printing? With a clear understanding of the differences between the raster and vector images, one may quickly delve into the different file types for printing. Follow the article below for details.
As per Chiang Rai Times the Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) is an extensively used image format. It is pixel-based and straightforward to adjust. However, when this file type gets compressed, it often degrades the picture quality. It works best when used for images, artwork, or online photos. But it is not advisable to use the JPEG format when needing a layered, editable image or when a transparent graphic is required.
PDF is a short abbreviation of Portable Document Format. A PDF can display various images, documents, form fields, and spreadsheets without issue. Usually used for web-based records, it has a robust graphic foundation irrespective of the device you use, web browser, or application. Though it is beneficial to use the PDF format for final design, web documents, production, posters, magazines, booklets, and flyers, it is unsuitable for editing images or graphics.
Encapsulated Postscript, more commonly known as EPS, is an image format primarily used for vector graphics, though you may use it for raster images. EPS is the best choice when printing illustrations of high resolution. Typically, it comprises a single design element that gets included within a larger design. This design helps in giant printing banners, large signs, and vector logos. But opting for EPS is not a good idea when printing artwork or photographs or displaying images online.
Based on the standards of PDF and EPS file formats, AI is the default file format of Adobe Illustrator. It may also be exported to JPEG, TIFF, GIF, PSD, and PNG formats for web use and editing; and exported to EPS and PDF for printing and proofing. AI does not work well when editing images but is an excellent choice when creating a logo or icon, a brand mascot, a single print piece, or editing a vector design.
The default file format and Adobe Photoshop PSD consists of original files that one may edit with adjustments and multiple layers. This file format helps to edit or create raster images. You can use it for editing artwork, video and animation, retouching photos, app, and website mockups, digital web images for banner ads, images for social media, email headers, etc. Similar to AI, the PSD file format can also get exported to other file formats. Avoid PSD to post pictures online or when submitting a design for printing.
PNG, the short abbreviation for Portable Network Graphics, is a good substitute for GIFs. Its unique feature is built-in transparency, which enables the user to layer images, allows for better compression, and displays high color depths. This format helps in illustrations having limited colors, small files of short texts or shapes, and transparent web graphics of high quality. But avoid PNG for print projects, artwork, or photos.
Tagged Image File Format gets designed to handle raster and bitmapped images typically. Though generally used in desktop publishing and photography, take TIFF for higher quality print graphics, artwork, scans, and printing photographs. Though this does not work well when paired with web graphics.
A Graphics Interchange Format, commonly known as GIF, is a web image file type typically used for animated graphics, banner ads, email images, and memes on social media. GIF supports files with small images, images with excellent transparency, and web animation. But it is not wise to use GIFs when editing or printing layered pictures or photographs of photo quality.
RAW is an image file format that contains unprocessed data from digital cameras or sensors from scanners. This file type does not work well with web graphics or ready-to-print photos but helps in editing and shooting purposes. File types of RAW format, including its other variants like NEF, CRW, and DNG, can be edited with simple photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop.
SVG or Scalable Vector Graphics is an XML-based vector image format. File types of this format can be indexed, scaled, searched, and compressed in smaller file sizes; you may edit it in simple text editors and various graphic editing software and apps. SVG should not be used as a file format when printing a project. But it works well for graphs and diagrams for web publishing.
The use of the print project determines the choice of the file type that is going to be appropriate. Knowing the correct file type suitable for any said project saves precious time and money prevents errors, and helps maintain quality in production. Another critical thing to be mindful of is to ensure before the printer processes committing that the chosen format is accepted and can.
- Common mistakes to avoid when printing your posters
Getting your posters printed in bulk effectively means marketing, advertising your label, promoting an exhibition, or raising awareness about your products and services with an exceptional layout. However, there are a few mistakes that you ought to make when getting your posters published in bulk. Initially, these mistakes are not great, but they can increase costs, cause delays, waste resources, and so on.
You must set a file that you need to get printed and plan the features and other communication attributes that you desire to be published in your advertisement beforehand. This article will cover the top mistakes you must avoid to fulfill your printing requirements without the hassle and deliver an incredible outcome.
- Ensure the number of posters required
You must plan wisely and initially about the number of posters you will need for your purpose. Whether you are getting the posters printed for promoting an event, conference, or any occurrences, discuss with all the individuals involved in the process the number of advertisements required. Getting the posters printed for the second time will cost you more money.
Timing is also essential, so you may run out of time while printing posters for a second time. If you have any doubts about the numbers of the signs, it is always safe to get them printed in large quantities. Thus if you have a character in hand, it will benefit you as new opportunities will surely emerge.
- Inaccurate format of the poster
You will likely experience a delay if you send an incorrect format of your poster to your printer. You will then get trapped in the pitfall as the posters with the wrong file format will be impractical. If your printer asks for particular file formats, you must provide that file format only. There are also options available for converting your file layout into the form your printer demands.
However, you cannot ensure the best outcome from various printers. In such dilemmas, you are supervised not to argue with your printer or the professional graphic designer to get the best results.
- Selecting an inadequate quality resolution
For printing the posters in large quantities, a particular resolution gets specified. If you set the file’s resolution higher than the specified resolution, processing will delay. You cannot set the resolution too low; you will get a flickery effect. You cannot get the posters printed that are available for online use as their solution is appropriate and is only ideal for the screens only. Various printing products have different resolutions. The resolution you need to choose for your poster relies on the distance from which the people will glare at your signs.
The points mentioned above will be effective in saving you not only time but also money. To get your job done, you should always hire a professional for the best outcome. In this way, you will accomplish your task in no time, and you can also rest assured about the quality and the expenses.
