Logo Resized as a Vector (left) versus a Bitmap (right)
Why we don’t use Bitmaps
Bitmap images (scans, digital photos, web images, and the like) are created from a series of tiny colored squares, called pixels, that when viewed at 100% produce a seamless image similar to a photograph. A pixel is a variable-size unit meaning that you can fit a number of pixels within an inch, eg 72 pixels means 72 pixels fits into an inch to produce an image. The more pixels used to create the image, the higher the quality. A scan made up of 300 pixels per inch(ppi) will look much better than the same image at 72 pixels per inch set at the same dimensions. Low resolution images (72ppi - 200ppi) will look jagged and grainy when printed on a press because there is simply not enough information, in terms of pixels, to create a quality image.
File formats (Bitmaps) we do not use in production:
| Format | Description |
|---|---|
| BMP | an outdated and limited file format that is not suitable for use in prepress. |
| GIF | mainly used for internet graphics |
| JPEG | or rather the JFIF file format, which is mainly used for internet graphics |
| PICT | file format that can contain both bitmap and vector data, mainly used on Macintosh computers, not very suitable for prepress. |
| PSD | the native file format of Adobe Photoshop (which can also contain vector data such as clipping paths) |
| TIFF | a popular and versatile bitmap file format. |
| DOCX | Microsoft word Document |
| XLSX | Microsoft Excel Document |
If you require assistance with determining whether your artwork is in the correct format or need assistance with converting your artwork, give us a call and we'll be more than happy to assist with converting the file to the proper format if required.