This article explains which design files are given to you by your designer after a design contest on 99designs.
It also explains the file types, their uses (print v. digital) and the type of designs they work best for (e.g. logo design, infographic, website etc).
|
File type |
Best use |
Benefits |
|
|
Print, web documents |
High quality, use-almost-anywhere format |
|
EPS |
Vector, logos |
Can be scaled to any size without image quality loss |
|
AI |
Vector, logos |
Can be scaled to any size without image quality loss |
|
Sketch |
Vector, website design |
Can be scaled to any size without image quality loss |
|
XD |
Vector, website design |
Can be scaled to any size without image quality loss |
2. Raster files
Raster files are made up of pixels, which means this file type has set size dimensions. When you increase the size of a raster file beyond the original size, the picture will become pixelated and blurry.
Raster files are common for photos, animation, and web graphics. Even though raster files don’t have limitless scaling like vectors do, they can still be used for printing if the resolution is high enough.
Types of Raster files, their best uses and benefits are listed below:
|
File type |
Best use |
Benefits |
|
JPG |
Web (and print if high resolution) |
Small size, great for previews, mostly used online |
|
PNG |
Web, transparent background graphics |
High quality and color-depth, transparent background |
|
PSD |
Photoshop, web images |
Editable layers, can be exported to other file types such as JPEG |
Zip files
A .zip file is a package of files that allow you to download multiple files at once. If your designer is preparing multiple different files for you, they may upload a zip file to make it easier to download.
Once you’ve downloaded the .zip file, you’ll have to extract it to view the files inside.
To download and pull out the files:
1. From your device, right-click on the .zip file
2. choose ‘Extract’ (You can also use a free Zip extractor - such as 7-Zip (Windows).)
Tips to make sure you get the right files at the end of the contest
Your chosen/winning designer will upload the files at the end of your design contest. Once they are uploaded, you have five days* to review the files to make sure they are correct.
*10 days for: Logo & hosted website, Logo & brand identity pack, Logo & social media pack
1. Know your design needs up front
Before starting your design contest, you should have a clear idea of how you'll use the design (for print, web etc). Having a clear design goal gets you started on the right foot by setting you up for clear communication with the designers during your contest.
Pro Tip - Sizing: To make sure any sizing requirements are followed, include dimensions in the brief. If your printer requires a dieline (for things like packaging) upload the dieline as an attachment to the brief.
2. Talk to your printing company
Different printers have different file requirements. If you're going to get your design printed, you should know what printing company you’ll be working with and what file types they require. If you already have a specific printing output in mind (for example a glossy magazine or a label with gold elements), it’s useful to include this in your brief as well.
3. Communicate with your winning designer
If you haven’t received a vector file yet (or if you would like to an alternative file type that isn’t included in your contest) simply message your winning designer. Your designer will answer your questions and might be able to export more files for you - or may be willing to continue working with you in a follow-up project.
4. Review the design
It’s important to review the design itself in the files your designer provides as well as making sure you have received all of the files you need. Check that you received the agreed-upon version of the design and no typos have crept in.