What’s the Best File Format for Printing?

For graphics and picture coding, pixel and outline-based data formats are used. 

A pixel-based data format (bitmap) means the graphics or picture is split into a series of dots in a defined resolution. 

With the other format, the coding of outline-based data involves describing the information content in outlines. This data structure was introduced mainly by the PostScript page description language. It is often incorrectly described as a vector format and uses mostly parametric splines to describe outlines. 

Although generating and decoding an outline-based format involves intensive mathematical calculations, this format can ensure a resolution-independent result in the digital prepress world. PostScript files can be transferred to any output device, independently of the final resolution. It is only during the interpretative process of the output device that a discrete pixel structure will be generated from the functional outline description in the RIP (Raster Image Processor) with the parameters of the output device. A secondary advantage of outline-based data formats is that considerable data compression rates can be achieved. Many modern data formats combine pixel- and out-line-based data structures. It is also true of the PostScript page description language and the “Portable Document Format” (PDF)

Since complete documents are coded with text, graphics, and picture contents, their original data structure should be transported, too. It should mainly be the case when these are device-independent (e.g., Bézier curves for graphics;). The pixel-based “Tag Image File Format” (TIFF) and the storing of the picture in “Encapsulated PostScript” (EPS) allow the saving of vectors, for instance, cut-out paths (e.g., contour around the motif to isolate it from the background), in addition to the pixel-based picture. 

Bitmap formats are generally used to exchange and save picture data. They are primarily saved in the TIFF, EPS and JPEG/JFIF formats. 

When it comes to preparing files for print, choosing the suitable file format can make a big difference in the quality of the final product. With so many file formats available, knowing which one to use can be challenging. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common file formats for printing and explain the pros and cons of each.

PDF (Portable Document Format)

PDF is one of the most popular file formats for printing, and for a good reason. It’s a versatile format that can be created from various programs, and it preserves the formatting and layout of your document. PDF files are also easy to share and can be opened by anyone with a PDF reader.

JPG or JPEG

The JPEG File Interchange Format (JFIF) is used mainly for large data sets, optimized prepress workflows (e.g., newspaper production), and Internet solutions. The data compression mechanism developed by the Joint Photographic Expert Group (JPEG) includes several combined compression methods. The so-called baseline process offers a series of successive compression modules with defined parameters as a standard application. The JPEG picture data compression is based on a discrete cosine transform. This method which is more prone to data loss, can achieve very high compression rates (up to 1:100), depending on the parameters selected. However, the loss

rate of this method depends on the content of the picture. It is not possible to predict the exact data loss. The JPEG format is specified for RGB and CMYK data, not CIELAB data.

Pros:

• Preserves formatting and layout
• It can be created from many programs
• Easy to share and open

Cons:

• It may require special software to edit
• Can have larger file sizes

EPS (Encapsulated PostScript)

EPS is a vector-based file format often used to print logos, graphics, and other designs. Unlike raster-based file formats (like JPEG or PNG), EPS files can be scaled up or down without losing quality.

Graphics data files are mainly stored as outline-based data. The main graphics application programs already generate spline data structures internally; these can be directly converted into EPS data for further processing. Being directly derived from PostScript, EPS can transport alternatively or combined outline and pixel-based data. For the coding of graphics, EPS mainly implements outline-based coding. EPS stands for Encapsulated PostScript. It means an EPS file contains embedded information that cannot be changed. EPS is a particular file version of the PostScript page description language. Internally, it uses the same operators as PostScript, yet it can be imported as a file into other documents. To avoid interpreting the entire PostScript data set to visualize the file’s contents (which would require understanding the complete file by a PostScript RIP), a low-resolution preview image is added in the file header while creating the file. For example, when an EPS file is loaded in a page layout, the preview image is used for the screen display. An EPS file can contain both outline and bitmap-based data. As a transport format for picture data, EPS is generally only used with its own

Pros:

• Vector-based, so it can be scaled without losing quality
• Supports transparency and other special effects
• Works with both Mac and PC

Cons:

• Not as widely supported as other file formats
• It may require special software to edit

TIFF (Tagged Image File Format)

TIFF is a raster-based file format that’s often used for high-quality printing. TIFF is a classical, pixel-based data format. It was initially developed by Aldus (now Adobe Systems) and Microsoft. The basic parameters of a picture (e.g., resolution) are saved in standard “tags,” which are documented in the TIFF Reference Manual. Private tags can also be defined. Specific applications can only read their contents. Due to its freely definable tags, TIFF is a solid and extendable data format, which has become a de-facto industry standard. It is based on the Lempel-Ziv-Welch compression method(LZW), making it a simple, no-loss data compression

option. TIFF files can be compressed or uncompressed, supporting layers, transparency, and other special effects.

Pros:

• High-quality and resolution
• Supports transparency and special effects
• Can be compressed or uncompressed

Cons:

• Can have larger file sizes
• Not as widely supported as other file formats

PSD (Photoshop Document)

PSD is a file format that’s specific to Adobe Photoshop. It’s a layered file format that allows for extensive editing and manipulation of images. PSD files can be used for printing, but they’re typically only for graphics or pictures requiring high editing.

Pros:

• The layered file format allows for extensive editing
• Works seamlessly with Adobe Photoshop
• Supports transparency and special effects

Cons:

• Requires Adobe Photoshop to open and edit
• Can have larger file sizes

AI (Adobe Illustrator)

AI is a vector-based file format that’s specific to Adobe Illustrator. It’s often used for printing logos, graphics, and other designs. AI files can be scaled up or down without losing quality, and they support transparency and other special effects.

Pros:

• Vector-based, so it can be scaled without losing quality
• Works seamlessly with Adobe Illustrator
• Supports transparency and special effects

Cons:

• Requires Adobe Illustrator to open and edit
• Not as widely supported as other file formats

Choosing a suitable format is essential to ensure quality when preparing files for print. While there are many file formats, PDF, EPS, TIFF, PSD, and AI are some of the most common. Each format has pros and cons, and the right choice will depend on the specific needs of your project. By understanding the differences between these file formats, you can make an informed decision and create printed materials that look their best.

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