File Types and Extensions

As technology continues to rapidly evolve the need for paper and fax machines decreases. Communication via email is not only time efficient and convenient, it also offers instantaneous file sharing.

When you receive an email attachment, you may wonder what the acronym at the end of the file means. These could include a .jpg, .eps, .pdf, .png and so on. Let us break it down for you.

.eps – Encapsulated PostScript. This format is the source vector file. A vector is artwork made with points and lines that allows .eps files to be enlarged without losing quality (in most cases). This can only be opened in Adobe Illustrator if you want to make changes. However, it can be placed into other programs using the “insert” or “place” tool.

.psd – Adobe Photoshop. This is an image file with the option of saving editable layers. This is a raster image, which is the opposite of a vector. Once an image is created in Photoshop, it cannot be enlarged without losing quality.

.ai – Adobe Illustrator. This format is a vector image much like the .eps, but can only be opened using Adobe Illustrator in the original version it was saved by the sender.

.pdf – Portable document format. This format can be saved with many customizable options, or can be read-only (un-editable). The .pdf is most popular with business forms or large documents that do not require the need for text changes.

.jpg/.JPEG – Joint Photographic Experts Group. A JPEG is an image file, and sizing it depends on how the original file was saved and the level of quality.

.png – Portable Network Graphic. This image file type has a transparent background and is used for the web on colored backgrounds to avoid having a white box around the image.

.doc(x) – Microsoft word document. With the addition of the optional x on the end, this file type is more compatible with older versions (in case the recipient has an older version of Microsoft).

.zip – A compressed (zipped) file. This is used to decrease the size of the original file, making it easily to share. To use a zipped file, the recipient needs to un-zip the folder, to access the original files inside. This is usually accomplished by double clicking on the folder.

Shedding a little light on the file types that can be attached to your email can save time when using these files for your business and help you to communicate with the sender on which format would work the best in your situation.