Resources
How to understand image resolution/DPI
We’ll often ask for a high resolution image and get a low resolution cell phone or website image in return. Here’s how to tell the difference.
Images referred to as “print resolution” or “high resolution” are 300 DPI or dots per inch. Screen resolution or web quality resolution is 72 DPI.
If you want to know the maximum size that a graphic can be in high resolution, divide the number of pixels by 300.
Example: a graphic is 320 pixels by 320 pixels.
320/300=1.06
The maximum suggested size that this graphic can be used in print is 1.06 inches x 1.06 inches; you can use it in a smaller size, but if the graphic is printed any larger, it can appear blurry.
Common graphics file types and their use
EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) – EPS is a preferred format for logos because it is the most universal format for vector images. Vector means that the image can be scaled to any size without getting rough edges. Best use: print, but you can always convert it to another format for web. If you want to read more, here’s the Wikipedia entry on EPS.
AI (Illustrator file format) – The Illustrator format is also vector, but it does require Adobe Illustrator to open it. Best use: print, but can be reformatted to any other use.
TIF or TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) – TIF images are uncompressed formats, meaning that no data is lost, which is also called lossless. Best use: print, but can’t scale up to to any size like EPS. However, they can always be converted for web. TIFs also have alpha channels which enable transparency. If you want to read more, here’s the Wikipedia entry on TIF.
PNG (Portable Network Graphics) – PNG is a lossless compressed format that also enables transparency. Best use: web. It’s growing in popularity for these reasons. If you want to read more, here’s the Wikipedia entry on PNG.
JPG or JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) – This is by far the most popular graphics format; however, JPG is a compressed format that loses data, also called lossee compression. Best use: web. If you want to read more, here’s the Wikipedia entry on JPG.
GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) – GIF is a format that most people associate with the web; the format supports animation. GIF is only 256 colors and is best for few solids, where as the other formats are best for photos (24-bit or millions of colors). Best use: web. If you want to read more, here’s the Wikipedia entry on GIF.
Tips for choosing a good Website or communications vendor
We came across an excellent article on The Publicity Hound sharing some things to keep in mind when selecting a vendor. The full article is geared toward public relations services, but it applies to graphic and web design as well.
- Know your budget
- Contact several vendors
- Ask for references or samples of their work
- Don’t expect a lot of valuable information for free
- Consider more than just price
- Don’t assume you know what you need
Read the full article at Publicityhound.com.
A quick test to find out how effective your website is
Ask a few people you know (friends or family members) who are unfamiliar with your business or your website to:
- Find information about your most important product, program or service. Time them and see how long it takes. See if they get frustrated.
- Write a sentence about your company based on what they find on your website.
- Honestly share with you if they would do business with your company based on what they saw on your website.
- Share if they would recommend your company based on your website.
