File Formats
EPS and AI (vector)
Also known as vector format, or line drawings, the .eps and .ai formats are for applications that require high-resolution artwork for reproduction, in any size. For example, anything that is press-printed or for larger-scale projects such as banners or signage. These file formats can be proportionally scaled (enlarged or reduced) without degradation in quality. This means that even a small image that is created properly in Illustrator can be blown up to any size and it will never lose quality.
These types of files can be imported into or opened by page layout and illustration software such as Quark Xpress, Illustrator or Photoshop. Many basic PC users will not be able to open these files for viewing. Vector graphics are used by printers and Graphic Designers who can ensure quality printing.
A .pdf file captures document text, fonts, images, and even formatting of documents from a variety of applications and creates a readable file that most computers have been pre-set to open. You can e-mail a PDF and it will look the same way on each types of screen, Mac or PC. Since PDFs contain color-accurate information, they should also print the same way they look on your screen. There is an exception to this statement in that if the settings were not correct before creating the .pdf, or if the .pdf is created from an image file, layout issues can occur. To view a PDF file, you need Adobe Reader.
If you are working for or with Aery Aviation, and you need to create a PDF and are having problems creating one, or opening a PDF that someone sent you, please contact marketing@aeryaviation.com for assistance.
JPEG
JPEGs/JPGs are created for use in web applications. The JPEG format is best for compressing photographic images at high quality. JPEGs should never be proportionally enlarged beyond the size supplied as the quality will degrade quickly. Pixelated images appear blurry and/or, if they are blown up way too much, images appear with color blocks making edges look jagged. This is because the pixels are each color blocks and information cannot be filled in where there is none. These files should remain the size they start at, so they do not lose image quality, nor become pixelated or blurry. If someone needs a larger version, it needs to be created from the vector files (see above).
PNG
PNGs are for web use and do not have a background, so they can be layed over a colored background without having the white box or whatever color is in the file as its background contrasting with the background on the web page. PNG is the most common type of compression file after JPG.
Image Resolution
For the best quality images, specific to the use it is for, the proper resolution is declared in the image file by its dpi or dots per inch. This affects image size and overall viewing quality. If an image is provided at low resolution in a large size, it can be adjusted to be high resolution in a small size. However, if an image is provided at 72 dpi with a size of small or extra small, these numbers cannot both go up without a drastic loss of image quality.
Print: 300 dpi
Print dpi/size example: 8.5" wide x 11" tall at 300 dpi is a good resolution to print a letter size document.
Web: 72 dpi
Web dpi/size example: 1000 pixels wide at 72 dpi is a good resolution image quality for a web page image.