Learn about different digital asset file formats, their uses, advantages, and when to use each type for optimal results.
Raster images are made up of pixels and are best for photographs and complex images with gradients and detailed color variations.
Key Features: Lossy compression, small file sizes, 24-bit color, no transparency support
Typical Use: Web photos, digital photography, print materials
Key Features: Lossless compression, transparency support, larger file sizes than JPEG
Typical Use: Web graphics, logos, icons, UI elements, overlays
Key Features: Superior compression, transparency support, 25-35% smaller than JPEG/PNG
Typical Use: Modern websites, progressive web apps, Google services
Key Features: 256 color limit, animation support, transparency (1-bit), lossless
Typical Use: Animated memes, simple animations, retro graphics
Vector graphics use mathematical equations to define shapes, making them infinitely scalable without quality loss.
Key Features: XML-based, infinitely scalable, small file size, CSS/JS animatable
Typical Use: Website icons, logos, infographics, data visualizations
Key Features: PostScript-based, universal compatibility, embeds fonts, print-ready
Typical Use: Print logos, professional design files, packaging design
Key Features: Native Illustrator format, fully editable, layers and effects, Adobe-specific
Typical Use: Working files, design source files, complex vector artwork
Different font formats serve various purposes from web to desktop to mobile applications.
Use: Desktop applications, older web browsers
Compatibility: Universal support, larger file size
Use: Professional design, advanced typography features
Compatibility: Modern systems, supports more glyphs and features
Use: Web fonts (WOFF2 is newer and more compressed)
Compatibility: All modern browsers, optimized for web delivery
Use: Legacy Internet Explorer support
Compatibility: IE only, rarely needed today
Universal document format that preserves layout and formatting across all devices.
Best for: Final deliverables, print-ready files, presentations, forms
Features: Preserves fonts, supports vector and raster, universal compatibility
Adobe Photoshop's native format for raster image editing with layers.
Best for: Photo editing, digital painting, working files
Features: Layers, effects, masks, adjustment layers, Adobe-specific
Reduces file size by permanently removing some data. Cannot be reversed.
Formats:
Use when: File size is critical and minor quality loss is acceptable
Reduces file size without losing any data. Original quality preserved.
Formats:
Use when: Quality is critical and file size is less important
For Web Photos:
Use WebP (modern) or JPEG (legacy support)
For Logos & Icons:
Use SVG (web) or EPS (print)
For Transparency:
Use PNG (raster) or SVG (vector)
For Print:
Use PDF, EPS, or high-res TIFF
For Animations:
Use WebP or GIF (simple), MP4 (complex)
For Web Fonts:
Use WOFF2 (primary) with WOFF fallback
Design to Web:
PSD/AI → Export as PNG/SVG → Optimize → WebP (optional)
Design to Print:
PSD/AI → Export as PDF or EPS → Ensure CMYK color mode
Vector to Raster:
SVG/AI/EPS → Export at desired resolution → PNG or JPEG
Web Optimization:
Original → Resize to needed dimensions → Compress → Convert to WebP