Chapters 4 & 5

Chapters 4 & 5

Have you ever wondered what file formats are best for printing?

Well I can tell you the three most common are jpeg, gif, and tif files. These files allow for many different functions. But the most common used format would be jpeg. Jpeg is standard on many cameras and every printer that prints pictures accepts jpeg. If you want to print Graphics though I would recommend using TIF or GIF file formats. I say this because Jpeg will compress your art or graphics, whereas TIF and GIF formats will not.

What File Formats to not use when printing?

File formats that don’t work for printing include RAW format and also PSD format, which is a Photoshop file. A RAW file is a file that contains only slightly processed data, which means these images are not ready for print. A RAW file must be brought into editing software, like Photoshop to adjust the format before it can be printed.

JPEG vs. RAW

When it comes to shooting pictures many photographers including myself prefer using RAW format compared to JPEG. The reason for this is because RAW format allows you to alter the image and allows for more edits after the picture has been taking. JPEG on the other hand does have its benefits also. When using JPEG, it allows you to take pictures without using as much file space, which can be beneficial in some situations. Also JPEG can be ready for print as soon as the image is taking, whereas RAW must be edited and then compressed to a JPEG or TIFF. The reason I prefer RAW is because to me it makes for much better picture in the end. Yes a little more work, but in the end it is well worth it.

What is ppi Resolution?

You may wonder what does “ppi” stand for. It stands for pixels per inch, which is very important when it comes to printing. For a picture or graphic to be printed with a high resolution one must print with what is called a 300 ppi. This allows the graphic or image to be exported with the best resolution possible. When it comes to the Internet on the other hand many graphics and images are only at 72 ppi. This means that if you try to enlarge that graphic or image, which is set at such low resolution the image will get blurrier or pixelated compared to if it was set for 300 ppi. This being said the higher the ppi the better the resolution will be.

Bitmap Images

Bitmap is a format that is commonly used with raster graphics. In Bitmap images the format allows for color data to be stored for each pixel in the image without any compression, unlike the JPEG or GIF formats. With that being said both JPEG and GIF formats are both bitmaps, but both use image compression.

Cropping/Rotating

When it comes to cropping and rotating your images for your final project it is best that this is done before they are added to the file. You want the images to be close to the dimensions they will be in the final project. With this being done ahead of time it helps to eliminate any unwanted errors in the final project. This is just a quick tip that could save you from having any problems in the end.

 

Transparency Tip

Transparency of a graphic or image is something that can really make a project look good, but it’s also something that can make or break you when it comes time to be printed. The transparency is something that needs to be flattened into the image. This needs to be done so the transparency is no longer “live”, which just means it cannot be altered any longer. Also another quick tip dealing with transparency is always keep in mind that what you see on your computer screen maybe different than what the printer prints off. All I mean by this is if the transparency looks perfect on your computer it may look lighter or darker when it is finally printed off.

Vector Graphics

When it comes to working with vector graphics it is great because they are called independent, which means these graphics can be made larger or smaller without losing any detail. There is always a place for vector graphics, but keep in mind raster graphics work well also.

Vector File Formats

Ok say you have a vector graphic, but now you need to know what file format you should save it as. Well the answer to that question is you need to save it as an EPS, Native File Format, or as an Adobe PDF file. This will allow for the best possible results when it comes to printing you project.

Embedding Fonts

You must embed fonts to make sure that your PDF can be seen on other computers with the same fonts that you used on your original project. Embedding your fonts have a number of benefits, whether it is just rotating the text or having the person on the other end making changes to your PDF even if they didn’t have your font on their computer.

Outlining Text

Outlining text helps to eliminate the possibility that a font that was embedded becoming un-embedded. Also it highlights all text that will be outlined if involved in transparency or because Convert All Text To Outlines is selected.

Simplify paths

The reasoning for simplifying paths is to create a graphic that has less paths so the graphic isn’t “choppy” looking. Simplifying makes for a more professional graphic.