When we create images for digital and web use, it is important to consider many aspects about the context the image will be used and applied to. We need to consider who we are creating the file for, who it will be shared with and what native software would be used to create the file. A key consideration is to know whether it is for print or web as this will influence file type and resolution. For the purpose of creating a file that may need to be edited before sign off or edited by other team members it would be necessary to save it in an editable format within the initial native software such as Photoshop or InDesign. When working in a digital media organisation it is important to have an awareness of these key considerations.
Knowing whether the file is for print or web or screen display will influence the output file size and image size. It could be that it is destined for print, web, mobile, film or video. The output file size and image size will be different for each use. For instance, if an image is for web it would need to be saved at 72ppi which is suitable for display on screen but if it is for print it would need to be 300 dpi otherwise the picture would potentially print as a pixelated, blurry image.
Another factor is the physical size of a piece of work as the design may ultimately need to be scalable, with this in mind there are two main file types - raster and vector which are suitable for different purposes. A raster file is made from millions of pixels but if enlarged too far will become blurry. Some examples of raster images are jpeg's and png's which could originate from a screen shot or photograph or an image created in Photoshop. Vector images are created in a different way, from mathematical equations relating to the position of points. A vector graphic is scaleable to any size without loss of quality so would be used where scalability is important. Both types of file can be converted to each other. A raster image can be traced within illustrator, or an illustrator vector file can be imported into Photoshop and converted into a raster file.
Other things to consider are whether to use native software such as illustrator or photoshop to create and edit a file. A .psd file from Photoshop can be exported in many different forms to make it suitable for the web. Size is a major consideration as a large raster image saved at 300dpi for instance could lead to a huge file impacting on amounts of storage available and the ability to easily share. When sharing an image it is important to know whether it is to be viewed only or to be edited and this will influence the file format to use. A jpg would allow for an image to be viewed whereas a .psd would allow for it to be edited.
It is also important to think about usage rights, permissions and copyright.
File storage
Saving and organising files in a way that allows for easy retrieval is key. Above is an example of well organised file storage. This would allow other people to find the files as well the user, which is important when working on shared projects or for future retrieval. To help with file naming it's possible to use a file naming convention such as 'project author date' which is ideal.
Places to store files and share files from
Dropbox
Cloud storage - Dropbox, Google Drive I-cloud, One Drive
USB
Hard drive - Back up
Internal/external storage hub (usb, hard drive)
Internal server
File organisation
Well organised files allow for easy access and retrieval.
Organise files into a logical, hierarchical folder structure.
File size can affect where it is stored and shared, large files may need to be stored on an external hard drive in order to keep the computer itself functioning well.
File naming
Special Characters are not supported but using an underscore is supported i.e. project_author_date.pdf
Use a numbering system for version control so that a client can pick out a particular version and ensure the correct version is used.
Naming convention called Ccml or camelcase - Projectauthordate.png which is especially useful for freelance work
yyyy_MM_DD is appropriate but not 12/12/2022 - Forward slashes are not supported.
Version numbering/version control ) v0001.pdf
Draft (d)
Name length - keep short and succinct
Logical abbreviations
Think about future retrieval of files.
File formats formats for web
Different file formats are available for web based application. It is therefore important to be aware of how the image is to be displayed and used. The decision about the type of file format will be based on the considerations of usage and the characteristics of the image for the context it will be applied to.
PNG - Supports transparency, file size can be reduced using a lossless system (unlike jpeg)
SVG - Scaleable vector graphics which maintains the paths, allows adaption and is web compatible. Especially suitable for logos images.
JPEG - When saving this is a lossy process. It is good for photos but it is recompressed every time it is edited and saved so the images slowly deteriorates. It doesn't support transparency.
PDF - Portable document format, which uses embedded font/images (interactive). Widely used and compatible to different devices and platforms.
Gif - Supports animation, image file - superseded by PNG. Gif used to be a format used for logos.
HEIC - The new JPG format used by Canon and Apple on the iPhone but not yet widely supported - High efficiency image file format.
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