It is often challenging to decipher which file types you should use if you’re saving an image or graphic with printing in mind. There are so many different options available, it can be confusing, especially if you’re not used to image programs.

There are specific purposes that each file type is best suited for, and not all are interchangeable. Keep in mind when you’re reviewing these file formats that those with higher resolution capabilities are generally the best for images and graphics. Here are the most common file types are for images and graphics and what they are used for.

PSD (.psd) is the default save format for all documents created and saved in Adobe Photoshop. The file is supported by many extra features that make it a favorite for many people. They are accepted by most printing companies and are also supported by other image editing programs than Adobe Photoshop.

PS (.ps), or PostScript, is a vector based file format that was developed by Adobe and still owned by them. It is an excellent file format that generally allows for high resolution images and is supported by many printers, especially laser printers.

PDF (.pdf) is the Adobe Acrobat format. It allows files with several pages and links. PDFs only function with Adobe Acrobat Reader, Adobe E-book Reader, or other complementary software.

JPEG (.jpg/.jpeg) is the format most used for storing and transmitting photographs on the internet.  It doesn’t do well with line drawings and other textual or iconic graphics because of its generally low compression.

GIF (.gif) is a file format that supports animated images and is used mostly for the internet. Because it provides only 255 colors per frame, which is very low, this file type is typically used for diagrams, buttons, images, etc. Since is it relatively low resolution, this type of file doesn’t generally translate well onto paper.

BMP (.bmp), or “bitmap,” is file type that is generally used only used for very simple graphics on the computer and on the internet. They are most commonly used by windows programs and very little else. Like GIFs, BMPs are generally fairly low resolution and not recommended for printing purposes.

TIFF (.tif) is the file format that is most widely used for traditional print graphics. It is widely used because of its ability to carry high resolution images that are excellent for printing.