In referencing file formats generated by different software applications, the format is generally referred to by the 3 character extension following the file name. Formats are also referenced as native file formats and purposed formats. A native file format refers to the file type generated by default by the software application/program being used. Most programs allow for (re)purposing opportunities to either SAVE or EXPORT files out in another file format for specific intended uses or application. It is always a good idea to first save files as their native source, then for whatever other purposes in the desired/needed format.
Common file formats students will use in these courses:
MS Word: – .docx (.doc much older version), native. .txt (text format, formatting striped out), .rtf (rich text format, some formatting retained), .pdf (portable document file)
Graphic File Formats:
.jpg = Joint Photographic Expert Group – universal format for moving graphic files between applications, specified format for many applications.
.tif = Tagged Information File Format – Specified for print, high resolution both gray-scale and color.
.gif = Graphic Information File – Web application format, 256 (216) color palette, uses hexadecimal ID for specifying web colors.
.png = Portable Network Graphic – Web application format, allows for specifying color channels, transparency.
Adobe Photoshop – .psd (Photoshop Document), native file format. Allows for multiple exported file formats. Photoshop is a PIXEL based program, not a DRAW program.
Adobe Illustrator – .ai (Adobe Illustrator), native file format. Allows for multiple exported file formats. AI is a DRAWing program, a VECTOR program that all LOGO DESIGN should be done in.
Publishing
InDesign – .idd (InDesign Document), native file format. Variety of export options, including commonly used .pdf for handing off files to press, also for web interactive.
Multimedia formats to be added soon.
Resolution
Screen Resolution (Low Res) – 72 DPI, great for screen display, proofs, etc. NOT for print.
Print Resolution (Hi Res) – 300+ DPI, specifically for print or other output media that requires it.
Image Size
The Physical size of an image based on the image resolution.
