Vector files

Sometimes called a lines and curves file, most images created with tools such as Adobe Illustrator and CorelDraw are in the form of vector image files. Vector image files are easier to modify than raster image files which can, however, sometimes be reconverted to vector files for further refinement. Another way to look at it is that every pixel in the image has an X and a Y axis; this allows easy resizing without loss of quality.

Bitmap files

Images are exactly what their name says they are: a collection of bits that form an image. The image consists of a matrix of individual dots or pixels that all have their own color. Unless these are in very large sized resolution, 600 DPI or better, they are unusable in the printing process.

Page Layout Documents

Page layout documents are font files and document preferences that need to be supplied for use on the supplier's end in case they do not have a rare or special font that you would like to use.

Metafile

A metafile is collection of structures that store a picture in a device- independent format. Device independence is the one feature that sets metafiles apart from bitmaps. Unlike a bitmap, a metafile guarantees device independence. There is a drawback to metafiles, because they are generally drawn more slowly than bitmaps. Therefore, if an application requires fast drawing and device independence is not an issue, it should use bitmaps instead of metafiles.

(PDF) files

Adobe ® Portable Document Format preserves the visually rich content of original files, and is easier to read than HTML content that appears in a Web browser. Adobe PDF files print cleanly and quickly, and anyone can share Adobe PDF files, regardless of their platform or software application. This is good to show the end result you would like, but usually not good for sending artwork that needs to be printed.

TIFF

Tagged Image File Format file: A file format for exchanging bitmapped images between different applications.

EPS - (Accepted)

An Encapsulated Postscript file is an alternative picture file format that allows PostScript data to be stored and edited and is easy to transfer between Macintosh, Windows machines, and other systems.

AI - (Accepted)

Adobe Illustrator File, the very best in quality to recreate your artwork in the printing process.

JPG - (Not Accepted)

Commonly used on the web due to it's excellent ability to compress the graphic to save webpage load time. This format will not work to use in the printing process.

GIF - (Not Accepted)

Commonly used on the web due to its ability to reduce the number of colors an image uses to be viewed to save webpage load time. This format will not work to use in the printing process.

BMP - (Not Accepted)

BMP is generally a low resolution Image format. This format will not work to use in the printing process.

Doc - (Usually Not Usable)

Word doc files can only be used if you would like to display typeset text. Any images in a word doc will not be able to be printed correctly.

Web Pages- (Not Usable)

As a general rule, if it can be viewed on the web it will most likely be too low of quality for printing. Web graphics are made to load quickly, thereby cutting the quality of the image. The eye may not notice on the web, but it will show up in printing.