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.

When to Call A Pro

The best identifying marks personify and promote a company by helping consumers to have a positive awareness of the brand. This identity is ingrained into every facet of the brand and company culture, serving as reminder of the company purpose. Brands help consumers to differentiate one product or service from another based on reputation.

There are several reasons to invest in a professionally created brand identity:

1) Make it easy for customers to buy.

A strong identity will show consumers what makes a company different from others in the industry.

2) Make it easy to sell the product or service.

If you or your employees are not excited about the brand’s identity, the consumer won’t be excited about what is being sold.

3) The reputation of a company is one of its most valuable assets.

A strong identity will make it easier to build brand equity through awareness, recognition, and customer loyalty. All of these elements make a company more successful.

We’ve all seen business cards prepared on a home printer using perforated paper and the impression they leave. Professionally designed collateral will convey an image of expertise that consumers can trust.

The Glass is Half...

The edge that successful people have over others is their thought process. There are two types of people in the world: optimist and pessimists. Of course there is some overlapping at times. You could be the most optimistic person in the world and still have negative thoughts from time to time. It's human nature.

But here is the real difference. Pessimists tend to think that the negative situation that they are facing will last forever and is completely their fault. They throw their hands up and give in to defeat. Optimists see the same situation as a temporary setback. They know that external circumstances such as choices from others or bad timing can often affect us. Most importantly, they know and accept that this may not be their fault and move on. They believe their way through it.

Think back to a time where you allowed fear to make a decision for you. Is it a personality trait that holds you back? Maybe you procrastinate. Are you terrified of public speaking? The poison behind these things are not the traits themselves, but the mindset you have. "I've always done things at the last minute so I always will."

Here's the key: Shift your mindset! If you believe that you will always procrastinate, then you will. But if you slowly start incorporating things into your life that help you avoid procrastination, you will eventually kick the habit! What if instead of "there's no way I can do that," you said "I know I have potential in this." Set yourself up for success!

Optimistic people tend to live longer, are less likely to have depression and are most likely to be more successful in business and in life. A little self pep talk can go a long way!

(Photo courtesy of Julia Balfour, LLC)