Various print media and formats

From WhiteWall expert Katharina Wergen

When it comes to printing images, choosing the right file format and the right export option plays a crucial role. A high-quality photo deserves to be printed in the best possible quality.

In the previous chapter, we have already explained what you should pay attention to when preparing for printing. This article from WhiteWall will now help you to get an overview of the various file formats and export options. And to understand when you should use which format - and why others are rather unsuitable for printing.

Why are the right formats so important for printing?

In the world of printing, choosing the wrong file format or selecting the wrong option for export can lead to poor quality results. Each format has its own characteristics and its own areas of application. It is therefore important to know the differences and choose the right format to achieve a high-quality print result.

1. File formats: TIFF, JPEG, DNG or PDF?

The right file format plays a decisive role in print quality. Each format has its advantages and disadvantages. They depend on the print medium and the desired quality.

A brief excursion into the technology behind the formats:

The format of a file begins with the so-called container. The container is basically the basic structure of a file. This basic structure contains all the information relating to the image - in predefined locations. The container is also decisive for the respective file extension. For example, “.jpg” stands for the JPEG container.

The extent to which the image information within the container is reduced in size is referred to as compression. A distinction is made between a lossless method and a lossy method. The degree of compression or non-compression is directly related to the encoding variant. In the case of the JPEG format, four of the six processing steps are associated with a loss of data.

In addition to the actual pixel image, the JPEG container can also store other data, such as recording information or text.

The TIFF format: For high-quality prints

The TIFF format is ideal for large-format prints in which even the smallest detail should be perfectly reproduced.

The “Tagged Image File Format”, or TIFF for short, is primarily used for the computer-aided typesetting of texts and images in publishing houses. It offers native support for the CMYK color model, which is the classic choice for printing. Images can be saved with a color depth of up to 32 bits per color channel.

A typical image in TIFF format is many times larger than an image in lossy JPEG format. Nevertheless, the format has become established over the years for the exchange of images in high-resolution print quality.

Today, TIFF is one of the most commonly used print formats, primarily due to its flexibility and high quality. It supports both lossless compression and a wide range of color depths. TIFF files can also contain several layers and transparencies. This makes them ideal for professional printing.

The JPEG format: The format for all cases

JPEG is the most widely used image format and offers a good compromise between file size and image quality. It uses lossy compression. This reduces the file size considerably, but at the expense of some image details.

The aim of the JPEG format is to achieve a manageable file size with acceptable quality. The exchange between different systems is ensured by a clear description of the lossy coding. The degree of compression is almost freely selectable. Compared to raw data, JPEGs only require around five to ten percent of the storage space. However, settings such as white balance, color tone or sharpness are not saved separately, but “burned” into the image.

However, the JPEG format is ideally suited for passing on the finished image files to the print service provider. Images for photo books and photo calendars are accepted by WhiteWall in JPEG format.

The PDF format: image and text

PDF is a widely used format for print documents. It contains text, images and graphics in a single, easy-to-use document. The formatting is retained. This is independent of the device or software used to open the document.

The combination of image and text in the document makes it suitable for all applications where both elements are included in the end product. Examples include photo books for weddings or vacation trips or portfolios for photographers.

To the WhiteWall photo book

The DNG format: the choice for digital presentations

Even before JPEG, Portable Network Graphics, or PNG for short, is the most widely used graphics format on the Internet. It has major advantages over its competitors: PNG can compress without loss, theoretically offers a color depth of up to 64 bits and can store transparency via an alpha channel in the image. The container is therefore mainly used for vector graphics such as logos or simple graphics.

But the format is also worth a look for photographers. As an alternative to JPEG, it offers other interesting features. For example, PNG files can also be streamed. This means that an image does not have to be fully loaded before it appears on the screen.

PNG is patent-free, i.e. any programmer can use the format in their programs without paying license fees. However, PNG is also limited in its scope of performance: it does not support the CMYK color model, which forms the technical basis for four-color printing. Images must therefore be converted before printing.

If you still want to print directly from this container, you must expect that the colors will end up slightly altered on the paper. We recommend sending images to the print service provider in JPEG or TIFF format instead.

Application examples for the formats for printing:

• TIFF (Tagged Image File Format): Ideal for high-quality prints as it saves without loss. Particularly suitable for acrylic glass or canvas prints. However, TIFF files are usually particularly large and are therefore only suitable for exporting individual images, not for long-term storage of an archive.

• JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group): Suitable for smaller prints and less critical applications. Make sure to select a high quality level when saving to minimize losses.

• PDF (Portable Document Format): Particularly useful for layouts and printed matter with text and images, such as greeting cards or photo books with text content. PDF files can contain embedded fonts and vector graphics, which makes them versatile.

2. Export for specific print media

Every print medium has its own requirements. Here are some practical tips on how to export your images for different media:

Photo books and magazines

• Page layout: Pay attention to the bleed and safety margins. Add 3 to 5 mm bleed to ensure that no important parts of the image are cut off.

• Color profile: Use the color profile of the print service provider to avoid color deviations.

• File format: Export as PDF/X-1a:2001 for reliable print production.

Canvas prints

• Size and resolution: Calculate the required resolution based on the size of the screen and the viewing distance. A lower resolution is often sufficient for large screens and, for example, large advertising prints, which are usually viewed from a distance.

• Border design: Take into account the folded edge of the canvas. Add an additional 5 cm around the picture so that important parts of the picture are not lost.

Posters and art prints

• Image size: Make sure that your image reaches the desired size without any loss of quality. If the image has to be scaled up too much, it may appear blurred and out of focus in print.

• Color profile: Convert your image to the CMYK color profile of your print service provider.

• Sharpening: Perform output sharpening for printing to emphasize details.

As you can see here, you need to know exactly what you want to present and how you want to present your works when exporting. In the section on exhibiting your works, we explain the possible carrier materials, the different ways of hanging pictures on the wall and other print options.

3. Quality control before printing

Before you have your images printed, careful quality control is essential. These three steps are recommended for professional prints:

Soft proofing: Check your image using soft proofing tools to ensure that the colors are displayed correctly.

Print sample: Have a print sample created to check the quality and colors. Sample sets can also be ordered from many print service providers to get an impression of the effect of the desired substrate. A sample is particularly advisable for several high-priced and large-format prints.

Checking the print data: Make sure that all technical specifications such as resolution, color space and file format meet the requirements of the print service provider.

The key to successful printing

Choosing the right file format and the correct export options is crucial for a high-quality print result. By understanding the different formats and considering factors such as color management, resolution and bleeds, you can ensure that your print projects turn out exactly how you want them to. WhiteWall is here to help you with professional advice and high-quality printing solutions.