When collaborating with professional designers and engineers for projects like product development, branding, web design, manufacturing, and the list goes on, you will encounter a variety of file types, each serving a distinct purpose.
While no one expects people outside the industry, or even people within the industry to know all these file types, understanding the basics may help you request or utilize the appropriate files, streamlining your workflow.
Ai (Adobe Illustrator)
Not to be mistaken with artificial intelligence, Ai is a vector graphics file format created in Adobe Illustrator. When files are properly prepared, they can retain a high-quality at any size.
CAD (Computer-aided Drafting)
CAD files are created using CAD software and contains detailed information about the geometry, dimensions, and specifications of a design. Some common CAD file formats are DWG, DXF, SLDPRT, STEP, IGES, and STL, which we'll go over below.
DXF (Drawing Exchange Format)
A CAD file format developed by Autodesk to enable data interoperability between AutoCAD and other programs. They can be used in various CAD, CAM (computer-aided manufacturing), and CNC (computer-numerical control) software. It is commonly used for technical drawings to ensure 3D geometry is preserved accurately.
EPS (Encapsulated PostScript)
A versatile vector file for creating scalable graphics, such as logos and illustrations because they maintain high quality at any size. They are widely used in professional printing because they support high-resolution graphics and precise color management. Adobe Illustrator is the most common program for creating and editing EPS files.
FBX (Filmbox)
A proprietary file format developed by Autodesk for exchanging 3D assets. FBX files can store complex 3D models, animations, lighting, and other scene elements, making them commonly used for animation, game development, and virtual reality.
INDD (InDesign Document)
InDesign files are created using Adobe InDesign, a desktop publishing software used primarily to create and layout publications such as books, magazines, brochures, flyers, and other print or digital media.
JPG, JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)
The most commonly used compressed image format that reduces file size by selectively discarding data. They are advantageous because they can be saved at high-quality without taking up a lot of file space.
MOV
A multimedia file format developed by Apple, primarily used for storing video and audio that can be opened by both Mac and Windows.
MP3 (MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3)
Common audio format used for background music, voiceovers, music, podcasts, and sound effects because of its ability to compress audio data while maintaining quality.
MP4 (MPEG-4 Part 14)
Widely used for streaming and sharing video content due to their efficient compression and compatibility with various devices and platforms, including smartphones and tablets.
OBJ
A 3D model file format that contains information about the geometry and texture of 3D objects. OBJ files are widely supported by various 3D modeling and 3D rendering software, making them a popular choice for exchanging 3D models between different applications.
PNG (Portable Network Graphics)
Ideal for web use, PNG files support transparent backgrounds and have a smaller file size compared to TIFF without losing much quality.
PSD (Photoshop Document)
Native to Adobe Photoshop and perhaps the most well-known, PSD files are used for creating and editing high-quality images, graphics, and complex photo manipulations.
RASTER
These images are composed of a grid of pixels, each with a specific color value. These files are resolution-dependent, meaning their quality can degrade when scaled up. Common raster file formats include JPG, PNG, and TIFF.
RAW
An unprocessed image file that contains all the image data without any compression or adjustments, allowing for maximum flexibility in post-processing. RAW files are preferred by photographers because they preserve the highest quality and detail, enabling precise control over exposure, color balance, and other editing parameters.
SLDASM (Solid Assembly)
Consists of multiple individual SLDPRT files and includes data about how they are organized and assembled together, including spatial relationships, constraints, and configurations of the parts.
SLDPRT (Solid Part)
Often essential for precise modeling and analysis in product development, SLDPRT files are a file format created by Solidworks by Dassault, a 3D CAD software.
STEP or STP (Standard for The Exchange of Product data)
Due to it's ability to be opened, viewed, and edited across various CAD (Computer-aided Design) and CAM (Computer-aided Manufacturing) software programs, STEP files are a commonly used standardized file format for exchanging 3D CAD data.
STL (Stereolithography)
A widely used format in 3D printing and computer-aided design (CAD) that represents the surface geometry of a 3D object using a mesh of raw unstructured triangulated surfaces.
SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics)
Defines 2D vector graphics and includes a variety of elements such as paths, shapes, text, and images. These graphics can be scaled to any size without losing quality, making them commonly used for high-resolution and responsive web design.
TIFF (Tagged Image File Format)
A raster graphics file format commonly used for storing high-quality images with no loss of data. TIFF files support layers, multiple pages, and a wide range of color depths.
VECTOR
Vector files use mathematical equations to define shapes such as points, lines, curves, and polygons. Common vector file formats include SVG, AI, and EPS.
3DM
A file format used by Rhinoceros, a 3D CAD software, that stores 3D models, including geometry, lighting, and materials, and supports both NURBS and polygonal meshes.
3MF (3D Manufacturing Format)
Developed specifically for 3D printing, 3MF files store 3D model data, color, materials, and print settings, ensuring compatibility and consistency across different applications and devices.
TL;DR
Some file types are software-specific, while others offer interoperability across different platforms, and many can be converted to a specific file.
In the world of design, the variety of file types reflects the diverse needs of different projects. From detailed CAD models and high-resolution images to versatile vector graphics, these files play a crucial role behind the scenes in bringing creative visions to life.
If you have any additional questions, feel free to call us at (714) 920-5771 or you can email us at info@axamdesign.com.
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