File formats

Raster Images vs Vector Images All electronic art images are divided into one of two types, raster images (also know as 'bitmaps') and vector images. Raster images are composed of pixels and vectors images are composed of shapes. These two formats are quite different from one another and need to be used appropriately for the desired final output method.


Raster Image (Bitmap) made up of pixels like a digital photograph. When a raster image is scaled up it can loose quality. Generally used in MS Word documents, email signatures, photography, website's etc...	Vector Image made up of connecting lines to make shapes. Vector files can increase in size and not loose quality. Generally used for printing, sign-writing etc..

PDF (Portable Document File®)
Scalable vector (shape) artwork. Best format for high-end production. PDF files are provided in CMYK color.

EPS (Encapsulated Postscript®)
Scalable vector (line) artwork. Best format for high-end production. EPS files are provided in Pantone® color.

TIFF (Tagged Image File Format)
Popular format suitable for high-end or desktop publishing. TIFF files are provided in CMYK color.

BMP (Windows® Bitmap)
RGB Windows format, suitable for Microsoft Office® applications such as Word® and Powerpoint®.

GIF (Graphics Interchange Format)
For use on Web pages. Be sure to specify correct size in html code; do not resize.