Have you ever gone to save a photo and wondered whether you should save it as a JPG or PNG? With so many types of files to choose from, something as simple as saving your logo can become quite a challenge. While there are over 20 common types of files, these are the ones you need to know about!
GIF – Graphics Interchange Format
Think memes. GIFs are the second most used graphics format on the world wide web, after JPGs of course. A GIF can be a static image, but are usually animated graphics and used for sharp, crisp imagery. Although GIFs don’t permit sound, the graphics usually move or are a piece of a video. No quality is lost when you resize a GIF.
When to use: Use GIFs on your website for animated buttons or banner ads. GIFs should only be used for online purposes.
JPG – Joint Photo Expert Group
JPGs are the most recognizable file type and are predominately used for their flexibility. These file sizes are small, which makes it easier to share them through emails and texts. JPGs allow graphics to be compressed into smaller sizes without losing much of the graphic's quality, unlike other types of files. Small graphics come in handy because they can be stored on smaller devices! However, although they retain much of the quality of the original photo, each time you resize or save a JPG, the graphic loses a piece of itself. So, limit the number of times you alter them.
When to use: Use JPGs to display or send images in social media posts, texts, and in emails.
PNG's transparency ability allows you to easily apply a watermark to your photos.
PNG – Portable Network Graphic
PNGs are commonly used for logos because they allow for transparency. Unlike a JPG, a PNG won’t lose it's quality each time you save it. But, it will lose quality if you resize it.
When to use: Use PNGs for logos and images on your website.
TIF – Tagged Image File Format
TIFs are normally used by professional photographers and designers for printed material. They are of higher quality and higher resolution, making them much larger files. Since larger files take longer to load, TIFs should not be used on a website.
When to use: Use for all imagery you plan on printing.
PDF – Portable Document Format
PDFs are one of the best universal tools for sharing graphics and documents. They are versatile (although not transparent) because they can be saved in high or low resolution. This makes it easy to send high-resolution photography, mediocre images, or a document.
When to use: Use PDFs for flyers, contracts, graphics, promotional pieces, forms and other documents.
A Tip for Success
An integral part of good customer service is listening to the customer. When meeting with a new customer, it’s important that you listen well so you can determine exactly what their needs and wants are. Otherwise, you risk providing the wrong service. This applies to established customers as well. They may contact you to make updates or changes to their service(s), but they might not know exactly what it is they want. By listening and asking key questions, you are better able to provide what they need. Occasionally, it’s good to listen because they might have something to get off their chest or just need an ear. Listening to your clients is the key to good customer service and in helping your business succeed.
Mission Statement
Our mission at Old City Web Services is to navigate the world of web design, web development, and advertising for our clients so that they can focus on what they do best – manage their business! Our business intentions go beyond the metrics of graphics, coding, and SEO. Located on Florida’s First Coast, we run a personable home front service and consider our relationship with our clients as a partnership in their success. If you are looking to increase your business’ visibility give us a call at 904-867-4112 or contact us today.
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Photo credits: OldCity.com, Twitter.
Disclaimer: Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information on Old City Web Services Blog.
