Understanding File Format Types for Graphic Design

Understanding File Format Types for Graphic Design

 

Before you purchase digital files online it is handy to know and understand which file types are being offered with your purchase.

It is wiser still to understand which file type you need/want in advance of making your purchase based how you intend to use that file. This way you know you are purchasing the right file for your needs without any surprises.

If you've gone ahead and purchased though and are now wondering "what do I do next?" - the following list of file types will help explain what you have in front of you, which one to choose in which instance and how to best make use of them based on their purpose and compatibility.

Common File Formats in Graphic Design:

JPEG or JPG
This is the default file format for photographs and is a static file type (meaning it doesn't do anything except look pretty). These files can be opened in almost any software program as they are a universally accepted file format, perfect for printing.

PNG
Used specifically for things like clip art, this file type offers transparency enabling images to be easily layered into design work.  Can also be opened in almost any software program, perfect for design work across a multitude of project types.

PDF
A file format that is used to present and share documents containing text or graphics for the purpose of viewing/printing. PDF files can be either fixed or editable depending on how they are designed and set up - sellers will define a PDF as editable if that is the case, otherwise do not assume it is.

SVG
These vector files are scalable, meaning you can resize smaller or larger without any loss of quality.  This is a popular craft file compatible with all cutting machine brands (like Cricut or Silhouette). It can only be opened in programs that support a vector file format so they will not open in just any program.

DXF
This is a type of AutoCAD file and typically opens as a simple outline of a graphic or text design. It is compatible with most cutting machine programs and particularly used with laser cutting. It is best used in AutoCAD software.

AI
Specifically for Adobe Illustrator software, these files can only be opened in software programs compatible with this file extension (Adobe, Affinity). These files will be fully editable design files and are useful to those with experience with the Illustrator program.

PSD
Specifically for Adobe Photoshop software, these files can only be opened in software programs compatible with this file extension (Photoshop, PS Elements, Photopea). Depending on the creator's intent, these files may or may not be fully editable but are usually offered with some design intent since these programs have a wide range of design tools.

EPS
This is a more universal version of the Adobe Illustrator file format. When opened by any vector based drawing program you will be able to fully edit the design (Affinity, Inkscape). When opened in any other type of program it will become a flattened raster file, much like a PNG or JPG file.

CDR
Specifically for CorelDraw software, these files can only be opened in programs compatible with this file extension (Corel, Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape). Not to be confused with video or audio files with the same .cdr extension.

 

This is not a comprehensive list of file types, but rather, a list of the most common file types you'll encounter when purchasing digital graphic design based files. Should you come across a file type that you do not recognize, a quick google search will be able to tell you what it is and how/where it is useful.

 

Happy Computing
Shawnna

Read More

5 Positive Mindset Skills for Success

5 Positive Mindset Skills for Success

 

In today’s challenging business landscape, it’s increasingly important for would be entrepreneurs to develop a confident and adaptable mindset. Thankfully, there are many ways that we can train our brain to operate more effectively and efficiently. Mindset is one such skill—and arguably the most important one for success in any field. 

This article will explore what exactly mindset is, why it’s so important, common pitfalls that prevent people from developing a healthy mindset, and strategies for mastering a positive mindset skill set. 

Whether you work in business or are an aspiring professional with aspirations of advancement, these insights might just be the catalyst you need to take your career to the next level.

 

What is Mindset?

A mindset is a conscious or unconscious set of attitudes, beliefs, and expectations that determines how we process and respond to information. In other words, your mindset is the lens through which you view the world—and it determines how you approach challenges, opportunities, and even relationships. 

There are two main types of mindset: positive and negative. A positive mindset is optimistic, open-minded, and future-focused. Conversely, a negative mindset is pessimistic, closed-minded, and focused on past failures. 

Having a positive mindset helps you overcome challenges more effectively and efficiently, while staying motivated and thriving in even the most stressful environments. Having a negative mindset, on the other hand, leads to feelings of stress, frustration, and even self-doubt. For this reason, it’s important to develop a positive mindset skillset.

 

Why is a Positive Mindset Important?

Having a positive mindset is incredibly important for success in any field. In fact, studies suggest that a positive mindset might even be more important than intelligence when it comes to reaching one’s goals. 

Here are a few reasons why:

A positive mindset promotes grit and resiliency. When you’re facing challenges and setbacks, a positive mindset gives you the tools to stay focused, motivated, and productive. It also helps you keep things in perspective: one bad outcome doesn’t define your future success.

A positive mindset enables greater creativity and innovation. Because you’re open-minded, you’re able to explore new ideas and concepts without letting fear or doubt get in the way. This is an essential skill when you need to come up with breakthrough solutions to complex issues. 

A positive mindset leads to better relationships and helps you approach others with an open and constructive mindset. You’re able to listen actively, ask good questions, and have productive conversations. These are essential qualities in any leader or collaboration.

 

3 Habits to Develop a Strong and Healthy Mindset

1. Calm your emotions with mindfulness. 

Mindfulness is a practice that’s been around for thousands of years; it’s one of the oldest forms of meditation. When you practice mindfulness, you focus on the present moment: your emotions, thoughts, and even physical sensations are all welcome. This helps you stay in control of your emotions and avoid getting overwhelmed. 

While emotions are important for success, having them take over can lead to poor decision-making and hinder your ability to thrive in challenging environments. Mindfulness is a great way to keep your emotions in check and avoid letting them become destructive.

2. Stop catastrophizing and learn from your mistakes. 

Humans are notorious for “catastrophizing”: turning small setbacks into catastrophic failures. If you make a mistake, don’t let it consume you. Instead, make sure to learn from it so you can move forward more effectively. 

If you do catastrophize, you’ll find it difficult to stay motivated and productive in the long term. By shifting your mindset, you can avoid costly mistakes and stay focused on success.

3. Set positive and constructive goals. 

Having positive and constructive goals is an essential part of developing a strong and healthy mindset. What are your long and short term goals? How do they align with your values? Are they realistic? 

Setting positive and constructive goals is a great way to keep yourself focused on success and make sure you avoid getting caught up in the rest of the noise in your life.

 

2 Practices to Solidify Habits and Develop a Stronger Mindset

1. Practice gratitude. 

Gratitude is an ancient technique that’s been shown to have a wide variety of benefits in all areas of life. By shifting your focus from negative to positive, gratitude has the potential to improve your mental and physical health, increase your enjoyment of life, and even strengthen your relationships. 

Studies have also shown that gratitude is highly effective for mental health. By practicing gratitude, you can reduce feelings of sadness and anger, and even improve your mood. Having an attitude of gratitude is an important part of having a strong and healthy mindset.

2. Perform a self-awareness exercise. 

Self-awareness exercises help you recognize and understand the emotions, goals, and fears that shape your perspective. They can be done in a variety of ways: journaling, completing a questionnaire, or even having a conversation with a trusted friend. The key is to be honest and open with yourself, even if the process is uncomfortable. 

Self-awareness exercises can be difficult and uncomfortable, but they can also be very rewarding. They’ll help you understand your emotions and personality better, and they can assist you in creating a positive mindset.

 

Conclusion

A positive mindset is essential for success, and it can be developed through a wide variety of techniques, including mindfulness, gratitude, and self-awareness exercises. Having a positive mindset will help you overcome challenges more effectively and efficiently, stay motivated, and thrive in even the most stressful environment.

 

Namaste
Shawnna

Read More

How to Unzip Folders on Any Device

How to Unzip Folders on Any Device

 

All of my template files provided as digital downloads will arrive to you in a ZIP format folder and so I’m often asked by first-timers or infrequent users on how to best go about opening such files.

Most digital products are offered this way when multiple files need to be bundled together in a single folder. It is, unfortunately, the default delivery method for files across the internet. So it's something you are bound to come across time and time again.

If it's your first time coming across a .zip folder and you’re not particularly techie minded it can be a little frustrating to deal with depending on which computer operating system you have and how downloads are automatically handled on your computer.  And of course, mobile devices offer a whole separate challenge!

All of the solutions provided here use the default software already included within your operating system, no need for special programs or purchased software, with the exception of mobile devices.

Here are the basic instructions for each operating system:

Windows 7 thru 11
- Right-click on the Zip file icon and choose “Extract All”
- When prompted, choose a location for the folder to be extracted into
- Keep the "Show extracted files when complete" box unchecked
- Now click on the "Extract" button to start the extraction
- Once complete, this new folder is now your “unzipped” copy of the Zip folder
- You may keep the original Zip folder or delete it since it is a duplicate

OR

- in your downloads explorer window, you'll find an Extract menu button on the top navigation bar
- click this and follow the prompts, in much the same way as above

Windows XP and Vista
- Double click on the zip folder
- In the window that opens, click on the “Extract all Files” link
- The “Extraction Wizard” will open, click “Next”
- Choose a destination for your unzipped folder
- Click “Finish” to complete the process
- This new folder is now your “unzipped” copy of the Zip file
- You may keep the original Zip file or delete it

Mac
- double click on the zip file
- job done

 

Mobile Devices

You will need to install an appropriate app in order to download and open .zip files.

iOS
Winzip is a free app and comes highly recommended by experts

- Once the app is installed you will have an option to “Open in Winzip”
- This will reveal the contents of the zipped folder
- Click “Open In” to choose where you wish to extract the zip folder contents to
- You should now be able to access the files in their new location
- Note that you won’t be able to open a file type if you do not have a corresponding app to, but all image files will open in the camera roll or photos app

Android
ZArchiver is a free app and comes highly recommended by experts

- Open ZArchiver and use the file manager to find the zip folder
- Click on the file when you find it
- Use the View option to see the files in the zip folder
- If needed you can extract a single file or extract all
- once extracted the files will be in your main folder for full access

Happy Computing
Shawnna

Read More

Why do Svg Files Show as HTML?

Why do Svg Files Show as HTML?

 

A fun little quirk about SVG files is that your computer might be listing them as html documents in your folders. And then next to the file name will be a web browser icon. If you double click that file, it will likely open as the image it is... in a web browser window. 

What the heck is that right?

Many an unsuspecting user has therefore assumed that the SVG file they just downloaded simply isn't in the folder where it should be and the HTML item is just something else.

This happens because SVG files are in fact, html code. Unlike other file types, SVG is made up purely from strings of code. So your computer is actually reading it correctly.

 

Windows comes with all sorts of default settings, including which program should open what type of file. So if it reads a file as being made up of web code... then it likely thinks the 'appropriate' program is a web browser, and that's what will be selected by default to open it. Hence the switcheroo, Windows thinks it's being very clever.

Here's an important thing to remember - just because Windows renamed the file, doesn't mean the file has been changed or will work any differently. You can still go ahead and use that file exactly as you intended, even if it does say html. But if it bothers you, there are a couple things you can do to fix this

 

Here's an example of the problem to show you exactly what I'm referring to:

As you can see, this folder contains an html file... or does it?

By simply making one tiny change to how the folder is viewed, suddenly that information becomes just a little clearer. Click the 'View' tab in your folder screen, as below, and then tick the 'File Extension' box. By adding the file extensions to the file names in the folder list you get a more accurate view of the actual file types you are looking at.

You don't necessarily need to do anything further. As I already mentioned, the integrity of the file itself is not affected at all and will work exactly as expected in whatever program you are using it in.

If however, you don't like that, and maybe you'd like to be able to double click the SVG file and have it open in a specific software program, you just need to change your computer's default settings. Something that is really not too difficult at all to do.

Right click on the SVG file name in your folder. A menu will appear with an option to 'Open With'. Choosing this creates another menu pop up which will have a list of a few possible programs you can select as the new default. 

If the program you want isn't on that short list select 'Choose Another App'. You'll be presented with a longer list of options to choose from. Ensure that the box 'always use this app to open .svg files' is ticked and select the program you want as your default, for example, Inkscape or Illustrator.

 

At this time, you can't choose your cutting machine software as a default program, because files need to be uploaded into that system in a different way.

But, your SVG files should now show up correctly on your PC, and will open nicely when clicked!

 

 

Happy computing!
Shawnna

Read More