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General Category => Freelance => Topic started by: ratintrap on July 23, 2009, 10:21:09 AM

Title: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: ratintrap on July 23, 2009, 10:21:09 AM
Since I'm stuck using outdated software at work I'm kind of behind on what the preferred file formats are for different kinds of artwork. At work we use EPS for vector art and TIFF for raster-based images. From what I've gathered on the forum, these are no longer the preferred formats. Are .AI files and PSDs pretty much the standard now?

I'm asking because I'm doing freelance design work for one of our salespeople and I want to give her the appropriate file formats on CD. For now I've just been saving them in a bunch of formats so most anyone she handed the CD off to should be able to use at least one of the formats.

:offtopic:  :offtopic:  :offtopic:  :offtopic:  :offtopic:

(I guess the salesperson knows the chair of the art department of a large university in the area. She showed him some of the stuff I've designed for her and he was really impressed. I'm not sure it that's a good thing or a bad thing. :laugh: )
Title: Re: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: DigitalCrapShoveler on July 23, 2009, 10:28:59 AM
Okay, if you are running any CS apps, PSD and AI. For pre-CS apps, Quark and OS9 Apps, do what you normally do.
Title: Re: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: Ear on July 23, 2009, 10:34:26 AM
Wow, OS9? There are people still running 9?

(http://www.arashi.com/lj/2003/04/02/dilbert-computer-holy-wars.gif)
Title: Re: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: ratintrap on July 23, 2009, 10:35:40 AM
Quote from: DigitalCrapShoveler on July 23, 2009, 10:28:59 AMOkay, if you are running any CS apps, PSD and AI. For pre-CS apps, Quark and OS9 Apps, do what you normally do.

So I probably should still save them in multiple formats (AI, EPS, PSD, TIFF) just in case she hands the disk off to someone who's not up to date I guess.
Title: Re: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: ratintrap on July 23, 2009, 10:36:43 AM
Quote from: Earendil on July 23, 2009, 10:34:26 AMWow, OS9? There are people still running 9?

Yes. :embarrassed: Not at home though.
Title: Re: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: tapdn on July 23, 2009, 10:37:07 AM
Why not just well made PDFs?
Title: Re: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: gnubler on July 23, 2009, 10:39:36 AM
Can someone break down the differences between EPS and AI? I've noticed the file sizes are dramatically different and I've been running batches through my vector clipart collections to convert all EPS's to AI. In some cases a 5Mb EPS ends up being under 1Mb once saved as AI.
Title: Re: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: ratintrap on July 23, 2009, 10:55:15 AM
Quote from: tapdn on July 23, 2009, 10:37:07 AMWhy not just well made PDFs?

They're just logos so far. :undecided:
Title: Re: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: David on July 23, 2009, 10:55:42 AM
one major difference between the two...
.eps does not support transparency, the .ai format does

 :ninja:
Title: Re: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: Ear on July 23, 2009, 10:59:45 AM
Quote from: gnubler on July 23, 2009, 10:39:36 AMCan someone break down the differences between EPS and AI? I've noticed the file sizes are dramatically different and I've been running batches through my vector clipart collections to convert all EPS's to AI. In some cases a 5Mb EPS ends up being under 1Mb once saved as AI.

Yes, I can explain it but I'm too lazy today.  :sleepy: Where's DCS?  :laugh:
Title: Re: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: David on July 23, 2009, 11:14:22 AM
for all the lazy ones:


http://forums.adobe.com/thread/421351


 :sleepy:
Title: Re: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: Ear on July 23, 2009, 11:16:55 AM
You mean I have to click a link? too much work...

Thanks Dave.  :grin:
Title: Re: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: tapdn on July 23, 2009, 11:19:42 AM
you think that's a lot of work try actually reading through the entire post!  :cry: :sleepy:
Title: Re: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: David on July 23, 2009, 11:33:13 AM
nobody said it was easy...

hell, I didn't read it myself

I'm too lazy

 :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Title: Re: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: frailer on July 23, 2009, 07:20:51 PM
Quote from: gnubler on July 23, 2009, 10:39:36 AMCan someone break down the differences between EPS and AI? I've noticed the file sizes are dramatically different and I've been running batches through my vector clipart collections to convert all EPS's to AI. In some cases a 5Mb EPS ends up being under 1Mb once saved as AI.

My, (very basic), understanding. EPS is a PostScript file, "encapsulated", as its own entity/independent...Bounding Box etc.  For placement in documents as images, text blocks...whatever. By definition, flattened. Basically, uneditable, unless you're a PostScript code geek. PostScript files are usually large files. I've just been archiving this morning. Busy dumping .ps PREPS files, and .ps pages from quack...(old stuff from months ago). File size shrinks dramatically. But I've kept all the (Distilled), PDFs. PostScript is dead...have I heard that somewhere here before?

AI: Depending on what options were ticked at save-time, its make-up can vary. But usually a layered, editable file. In most cases, contains within its bowels an Illy PDF...just hidden, is all.

EPS=Old format=Quack-safe
AI=New fandangle format. Under the Adobe umbrella, therefore Adobe app-compatible.

Hope I'm reasonably close to the money.   :undecided:
Title: Re: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: KappAdv on October 02, 2009, 10:55:50 AM
Late to the party on this one but don't forget all printing places prefer a Publisher file.
Title: Re: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: gnubler on October 02, 2009, 11:20:42 AM
Publisher's pretty cool. I play around with it at home sometimes, made a flyer for my church. I like the clip art that comes with it.
Title: Re: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: tapdn on October 02, 2009, 11:27:21 AM
all together now gang....
Dead to me
Title: Re: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: gnubler on October 02, 2009, 11:31:17 AM
What? What do you use? You must be one of those "Adobe" people.  :laugh:
Title: Re: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: tapdn on October 02, 2009, 11:33:54 AM
no, just kidding. I pretty much use Publisher for everything.  :embarrassed:
Title: Re: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: gnubler on October 02, 2009, 12:09:19 PM
See! You can't beat it, for the price. It has some pretty sophisticated effects. I might make some business cards for my taco stand. Can Publisher print on really thick, laminated paper?

 :laugh:
Title: Re: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: tapdn on October 02, 2009, 12:11:00 PM
Yes it can and I even used it to print T-shirt transfers for my kids.
Title: Re: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: gnubler on October 02, 2009, 12:24:43 PM
I heard you can even make a web page with Publisher. Have you tried it?  :laugh:
Title: Re: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: David on October 02, 2009, 01:36:00 PM
believe it or not, I was given a free copy of it just last week, got it installed on my PC and it actually works, almost better than PAP.


 :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Title: Re: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: gnubler on October 02, 2009, 01:47:59 PM
If you hadn't used the word "almost" we might have had a problem. PAP is as good as it gets.
Title: Re: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: tapdn on October 02, 2009, 01:48:42 PM
Works okay on the Mac too, but I wish they would come out with a Publisher Smear plug-in.
Title: Re: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: gnubler on October 02, 2009, 01:55:34 PM
Pfft! You must be another one of those "Mac fanboys". A computer is a computer. My cousin got a brand new eMachine at Walmart for $399 and it works fine, plus he got a rebate offer for PAP. Meanwhile you spent $3,999 - ha! For what?
Title: Re: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: David on October 02, 2009, 02:30:44 PM
for a nice apple... eh red apple...


 :laugh:
Title: Re: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: tapdn on October 02, 2009, 02:35:21 PM
...and it gives me something to talk about when I meet the gang down at Starbucks this week end. :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: gnubler on October 02, 2009, 02:48:39 PM
Working on a movie script, right?  :laugh: Or is it your autobiography?

"Tap's Prepress Dreams: A Chronology"
Title: Re: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: tapdn on October 02, 2009, 05:41:39 PM
Quote from: gnubler on October 02, 2009, 02:48:39 PMWorking on a movie script, right?  :laugh: Or is it your autobiography?

"Tap's Prepress Dreams: A Chronology"

"How I Survived a Life in Prepress: the True Story of a Serial CSR killer"
Title: Re: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: DigitalCrapShoveler on October 02, 2009, 05:43:35 PM
You survived? I believe you still do it. Don't count those fuckers out just yet. Watch your back Tap.
Title: Re: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: Stiv on October 02, 2009, 05:47:00 PM
 :vampkitty:
Title: Re: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: tapdn on October 02, 2009, 05:51:18 PM
Quote from: DigitalCrapShoveler on October 02, 2009, 05:43:35 PMYou survived? I believe you still do it. Don't count those fuckers out just yet. Watch your back Tap.

You may be on to something... isn't it always the "short timer" gets killed in those war movies?
Title: Re: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: DigitalCrapShoveler on October 02, 2009, 05:54:35 PM
... or the venerable "older dude."
Title: Re: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: Joe on October 02, 2009, 06:19:25 PM
Quote from: DigitalCrapShoveler on October 02, 2009, 05:54:35 PM... or the venerable "older dude."

Huh? What? You say something Jr.?
Title: Re: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: DigitalCrapShoveler on October 02, 2009, 06:29:04 PM
Just that the old nice guy usually buys the farm in movies, to make room for the vengeful youth. I'm on your side of the fence Joe, don't kill the messenger.
Title: Re: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: Joe on October 02, 2009, 06:51:54 PM
GET OFF MY LAWN!!! :angry:
Title: Re: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: DigitalCrapShoveler on October 02, 2009, 06:57:20 PM
See? I don't make this shit up. Now get back to work.
Title: Re: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: Joe on October 02, 2009, 07:44:18 PM
Yes Master...
Title: Re: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: DigitalCrapShoveler on October 02, 2009, 07:47:00 PM
Mr. Cannon, you have the conn. I'm outta here. And don't poop in my seat again.
Title: Re: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: gnubler on October 02, 2009, 09:30:35 PM
Quote from: Joe on October 02, 2009, 06:51:54 PMGET OFF MY LAWN!!! :angry:

 :kiss:

Sorry, DCS. This man just stole your thunder.
Title: Re: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: johnhodges on April 30, 2011, 12:23:38 AM
My preference is for PDF,PSD and TIFF.
Title: Re: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: gnubler on April 30, 2011, 01:43:03 PM
I prefer compressed JPGs. Small file size and anyone can open it on their computer. All my customers send me their logos as JPGs so I figure that's the way to go to match that quality.  :laugh:
Title: Re: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: Joe on April 30, 2011, 03:04:13 PM
Quote from: gnubler on April 30, 2011, 01:43:03 PMI prefer compressed JPGs. Small file size and anyone can open it on their computer. All my customers send me their logos as JPGs so I figure that's the way to go to match that quality.  :laugh:

Don't make me get my whip out. :whip:
Title: Re: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: gnubler on April 30, 2011, 05:42:59 PM
Looks like it's too late.  May I have another?
Title: Re: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: Joe on April 30, 2011, 05:50:59 PM
 :whip: :whip:
Title: Re: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: gnubler on April 30, 2011, 06:08:39 PM
Watch it! Or else I'll have to whip out my new toy. Hi DCS.  :hello:
Title: Re: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: Joe on April 30, 2011, 06:55:41 PM
Watch what? You said "May I have another?". I was just obliging.
Title: Re: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: Farabomb on May 02, 2011, 07:41:01 AM
Quote from: gnubler on April 30, 2011, 06:08:39 PMWatch it! Or else I'll have to whip out my new toy. Hi DCS.  :hello:

Is that double edged? Even if it's not assisted opening you get into any issue involving the PoPo and you're going to have issues around where I live. I don't even carry my SOG Twitch II anymore (even though they sell it at the local lowes).
Title: Re: Currently preferred file formats
Post by: gnubler on May 02, 2011, 08:31:04 AM
Single edged.