Graphic Formats: Part III - Raster File Formats

For my third blog installment on graphic formats, I will go over raster graphics.

Have you ever noticed when you zoom into an image or try to make one bigger that it gets grainy or pixelated or when you print some images they print blurrier than they appear on your screen? That is because these images are raster graphics and are a set size based on the number of pixels it contains and how dense those pixels are on a grid.

Typically, the size is measured in dots per inch (DPI) or pixels per inch (PPI), which are essentially the same thing. As I discussed in Part I of this series, 72 DPI is typically referred to as a low-resolution image and is more commonly used in digital/web formats. 72 DPI images do not work well in print formats. Instead 300 DPI resolution is best for print and is considered high resolution.

Therefore, pulling images off the internet or using your snipping tool is not sufficient for quality, professional-looking print artwork (not to mention you likely are using an image to which you have zero rights, but that is a whole other blog topic). There is also no magic tool for adding pixels or converting a small, low-resolution image to a larger, higher-resolution image.

Common raster graphic file formats and uses are as follows:

JPEG (or JPG) - Joint Photographic Experts Group

JPEGs are very common, and probably the graphic file type with which most people are familiar. These images are a rectangular shape and have a non-transparent background, usually white for images that do not fill the entire rectangular space, such as a logo. JPEGs can be used for digital/web formats at a low-resolution as well as in print formats at a high-resolution.

PNG – Portable Network Graphics

PNGs are best in web formats and have the capability of a transparent background. They are typically low-resolution, so it is not best for printed materials.

GIF – Graphics Interchange Format

GIFs are another graphic format best in web formats. GIFs can also support animation. The colors are limited with GIFs, which allows for the image to load very quickly in web format; however the image quality is much lower.

PSD – Photoshop Document

PSDs are created in Adobe Photoshop. Typically this file type is used to modify, manipulate or create images. PSDs are used to create the raster graphic formats above and can create both high- and low-resolution images.

Comments

C'mon, Man!!! Prime Example of Why Social Media Policies are Important

Eeep! I have thankfully been busy, but I just realized my last post was several weeks ago. For shame, Meg!!! I figured I am way overdue on putting my two cents out there again. So here's a juicy little story that recently came out regarding a community figure and his personal Facebook posts, but there's a definite twist, which clearly illustrates the importance of having clear, defined social media policies for your organization and employees. My very own, "C'mon, Man!!!" On Tuesday the Baton Rouge ABC news affiliate WBRZ issued a story regarding a Facebook post made by an Ascension Parish Sheriff's deputy. The deputy shared a meme, which made a statement on riots and those who protest the national anthem. In our grossly polarized political and social climate, we all see it all of the time and typically roll our eyes or chuckle or choose to engage to support or oppose it. Clearly among his followers is someone with a strongly opposed view,...

Graphic Formats: Part II - Vector File Formats

As I explained in my last post , vector images are created mathematically by using formulas to create an image that can be enlarged or reduced with no loss of image quality. The picture shown illustrates a vector graphic. Even when enlarged, the image keeps smooth edges. I also explained that y our logo should be initially created as a vector image, and you should have a copy of the original file even if you cannot open it. The programs to create vector files, such as Adobe Illustrator, may not be available to you, but at some point you may need to make a change to the file, and most designers can use this file to make those changes. Common vector file formats and their uses include the following: · AI (Adobe Illustrator) – This is the software that most graphic designers use to create your design or illustration (as the name would suggest). This design tool is the easiest to manipulate (should you kno...

Whoooo are you??? Who? Who?

Importance of Your Brand Entrepreneurs are popping up everywhere. It is a fact that the millennial generation is creating nearly twice as many new businesses as baby boomers, and it seems that working for yourself is becoming the dream. I know it was for me! In recognizing this trend, I then started noticing the lack of guidance in branding or lack of branding all together. Next time you are making a purchase decision, take a step back and analyze your process. What is making you disregard one option over another? Did you know that people make purchase decisions from the limbic center of the brain? (Meghan, you nerd... what in the ham sandwich is the limbic center of the brain?!?!) The limbic center of the brain has no capacity for details, facts, or statistics. This part of the brain manages your feelings and emotions. So despite how much great information you may offer about your proces...