What File Type Does My Print Job Require?

If you are like a lot of Core Print & Packaging customers, you are probably managing a dozen different tasks on any given day. So it’s safe to assume that knowing the correct file type for your print job may not be a top priority. If this sounds like you, then you have come to the right place. At Core, we understand that knowing which file types is best for a particular job can be a bit complex. To help with your next order, here is a brief guide to the most common file types, and the jobs for which they are best suited.

Portable Document Format (.PDF)

For many jobs, the Portable Document Format or PDF is ideal. Designed to be a way of distributing small size, platform-agnostic documents, the PDF can be utilized for a variety of print jobs, including posters, flyers, sales collateral and some signage. The versatility of the PDF document makes it an ideal choice to capture formatting information from a variety of desktop publishing applications in a relatively small file size. This format is actually preferred for many job types.

Encapsulated PostScript (.EPS)

This is typically the preferred file type for most larger jobs like large signs and banners. EPS is a vector format often considered the best choice for high resolution printing of illustrations, graphics and other high-impact imagery. Vector images can be resized very easily without losing quality, which makes them the perfect choice for any designs that need to be used in multiple sizes. These files are created and edited in illustration programs like Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW.

Joint Photographic Experts Group (.JPG)

This file type is preferred for photo images used in flyers, posters, banners and other materials, as well as a single image project like a basic image print. Pronounced “jay-peg,” this file type enables very small sized files that help keep overall file sizes to a minimum when .jpg images are incorporated into larger print jobs.

Tagged Image File Format (.TIFF)

This file type is typically used when high resolution images are required. An industry standard for handling raster or bitmapped images, TIFF files are versatile and can be saved in a variety of color formats and forms of compression. TIFF files are often used in professional photography and within large print jobs like banners and oversized posters.

Of course, this is just a brief description of the most commonly used file formats. If you are still uncertain about the file type needed for your next job or have other questions, don’t hesitate to contact us for more information. We’ll figure it out together.