Six file formats, six very different jobs, pick wrong and something breaks
Grab your Guided Notes (FDD 6.1) and a pencil.
GET READY
Today's Word Bank
Every word below appears on your notes sheet. Watch closely, some get used more than once.
AI
EPS
JPG
PDF
PNG
SVG
How today works: we'll look at one blank at a time. Study the example, make your best guess, then we'll reveal the answer together. Fill in your notes as we go, don't skip ahead!
1GUIDED NOTES
What's your working file, always?
This vector format is your working file, always keep this. Not viewable without Illustrator.
GUIDED NOTES #1
.AI
Fully editable, native Illustrator format, the master file you never throw away.
2GUIDED NOTES
What's mostly replaced today?
This vector format was the legacy print vendor request, mostly replaced by .ai/.pdf today.
GUIDED NOTES #2
.EPS
Still requested by some legacy print workflows, but increasingly rare.
3GUIDED NOTES
What's best for sharing with a client?
This vector format is best for sharing with a client or printer, check "Preserve Editing Capabilities" if you'll need to reopen it.
GUIDED NOTES #3
.PDF
Universally viewable, optionally still editable, the safe sharing format.
4GUIDED NOTES
What scales infinitely on the web?
This vector format is for web use, scales infinitely (as code). Not for print production.
GUIDED NOTES #4
.SVG
Code-based vector graphics, perfect for responsive web, wrong for print.
5GUIDED NOTES
What raster format needs transparency?
This raster format is for screen use needing transparency. Larger file size than JPG.
GUIDED NOTES #5
.PNG
Supports transparency, the raster format to reach for when JPG's white background won't work.
6GUIDED NOTES
What raster format is small but has no transparency?
This raster format is for photos and small file size. No transparency, avoid for logos/text.
GUIDED NOTES #6
.JPG
Great for photos, small files, but no transparency, and compression can blur sharp text/logos.
NOW DISCUSS
Turn & Talk
Fix-This-File: your teacher describes 3 delivery scenarios (a client who needs to edit the file, a website needing a transparent logo, a print shop needing a universal viewable proof). Write the correct format for each.
Think → Pair → Share · 2 minutes · Write your answer on the Discuss line on your guided notes