We know many of you want to keep your materials very personal and include your own images, but questions often arise about whether the images will work and be high enough resolution (high-res). With so many images being taken with cell phones these days, many are not the greatest when working in printed mediums, but generally are fine if being produced for the web.
You don't have to be a professional to know whether these images will work...if you know the key components and can visually make your own judgements. Here I'll break down some of the basics to help you better assess your images and what they can best be used for and when.
High and Low Resolution
It is best to begin with a high-quality image, which means the highest resolution and image dimensions you can get. Bigger generally is better, because you can go down in size, but not up, without losing quality; there is no way to make an image any better quality than it is originally.
Don’t confuse “image size” with “file size.” Image size refers to the dimensions of the image, while file size is how much space the image takes up on a hard drive (kilobytes [KB] or megabytes [MB]). Images that are higher-res (more dpi, or dots per inch) tend to have a bigger file size because they contain more data. A file's size can be a good indicator, though, of whether you have a good image size. If your image is 128KB, it most likely is a web image, whereas if your image is 2MB, it's probably the original high-res image. Raster images under 1MB tend to be lower resolution for web use, and images over 1MB tend to have more flexibility with quality and sizing.
For print, it's best to use the standard of 300dpi. The web standard is 72 dpi. When in doubt, our designers prefer the highest resolution original image because we can always save down to size or crop when needed.
Vector Versus Raster
When starting off a project, one of the first things we request from our client is a vector file of their logo. However, that request is often met with responses like this: “Can’t you just get my logo off my website?” Differences between image types can be confusing, and what do those extensions on the end of your image files really mean?
Raster images are based off pixels or dots. JPEGs, GIFs and PNGs are common raster types. Most images found online are raster images. Because they are based off a fixed number of pixels, they can't be resized without compromising resolution. That is why when you try to make them larger, they look pixilated or grainy.
Vector images are based off lines or formulas. The best basic example of vector is type, which is why you can make text as large or as small as you want without losing quality. EPS, AI and PDF are great for graphics that you want to be able to resize easily. Your logo should be vector so it can be resized for web and print use, and also enlarged for billboards and signage.
The extension on an image file can give you a direction for the type of file it is. But, please know that sometimes files can be manipulated; for instance, you may think an EPS is vector when it is actually a placed JPG or raster image in the file.
Tips for Acquiring Good Images
- Hire a professional photographer who supplies high-resolution images.
- If you have to take pictures with a phone, be sure your camera is on the highest possible quality setting.
- Be sure to choose highest resolution when sending images on your phone; sometimes they can be downsized with different methods of sending.
- Take photos with a high-quality camera.
- If you're dealing with poor lighting, use a tripod and autofocus to help avoid blurry images.
- Try to have good lighting, natural sunlight when possible; the best times of day are sunrise and sunset.
- Request a vector version of your logo and any other graphics from your designer.
- Utilize images.works stock photography; consult your image.works' designer for more information.
We hope this gives you a general overview of what your files are and where they can be used. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us or send your files to your designer so they can give you a better idea of what is useable where and how.
References
High Resolution Images VS. Low Resolution Images: A Short Primer for Beginners
https://ccideas.com/chatter/high-resolution-images-vs-low-resolution-images-a-short-primer-for-beginners/
What is the difference between a low and high resolution image
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-difference-between-low-high-resolution-image-vala-vincent
Understanding Printer Resolution Relative to Print Quality and Detail
https://www.lifewire.com/dpi-ppi-print-quality-settings-2769170
Understanding DPI, Resolution and Print vs. Web Images
https://vsellis.com/understanding-dpi-resolution-and-print-vs-web-images/
Vector, Raster, JPG, EPS, PNG – what’s the difference?
https://modassicmarketing.com/understanding-image-file-types