WORKING WITH DIGITAL FILES SHORT INTRO

WORKING WITH DIGITAL FILES 

SHORT INTRO

Choosing a file type

When choosing a file type, you need to consider various things such as file size, image quality, file size, compression amongst other various elements. This is important to make sure the files work in correct way for what you have saved and that the quality will not be compromised etc.

 

When planning to prepare files - What do you need to consider?

·       File size/image size.

·       What is the purpose? Is it for printing, web, mobile or film/video.

·       The resolution e.g. 300/72ppi (pixels per inch).

·       Is it a Raster image which will be detailed and made up of thousands of pixels or is it a Vector image which is non-graphic and made up mathematically and only has 2 elements.

·       Native Software – Making sure the file is set open/run on a particular operating system. This means the files native format is in the format in which the application was created in.

·       Exporting/Format – Make sure that the file is saved in the correct format in order to export efficiently.

·       Sharing/Compatibility – To make sure the file will be compatible with the programme in which someone will open it is. Examples could be Microsoft work and its various version old and new etc.

·       Usage Rights – Having the right/licence to use and share a file.

 

File storage

File storage can include where you save your files and the order.

Some examples of where files can be stored are:

·       Hard drive – You can store your files on your computer’s hard drive alongside an external hard drive for back up.

·       Internal/external storage – This could be a USB stick, a RW CD/DVD or an internal or external hard drive).

·       Internal server – Directly attached to a computer without going through a network.

·       Other - Drop box, Cloud storage, drop box, google drive, I-cloud and One drive.

Make sure your files are well Organised and easy to find and access/retrieve. This can include an organised, logical and hierarchical folder structure. Keep in mind file size can affect where its stored or shared.

Example

File formats

JPEG (Joint photographic expert group) – Type of raster image file. It has a high compression capability. This type of file is generally compressed using Lossy (this will decide how much loss when re-saved). It is good for photos. When the file is saved again it should still stay a good quality.

Example of a JPEG file image.

PNG (Portable network graphic) – Supports transparency and good for (logos/Images). It is compressed every time so you can save again and again via the original source. PNG can handle detailed and high-quality images very well.

SVG (Scalable vector graphic) – Commonly used for crisp graphics and drawings. It maintains the paths, allows adaptation and is also web compatible. It is used to display two-dimensional graphics.

PDF (Portable document format) – Embedded for images, and is interactive. It also maintains the format, so it will be the same when opened elsewhere. It is commonly used to present documents including text and images.

GIF (Graphic interchange format) – Basic animation where a short video clip is repeated on a loop.

Example - GIF EXAMPLE

HEIC (High efficiency image container) – Similar concept to JPEG but more efficient. It will most likely take over from it. 

File Naming

File structure is important. This can include Underscore and is the only special character that is able to be used in file naming. It could be used to differentiate similar names.

·       Numbering system – Numbering your files can help make them clearer and easier to retrieve and they will be in better order e.g. MyNewHair1.jpeg, MyNewHair2.jpeg.

Example of Numbering system.

·       FNC – file naming convention – Identifying different elements of your project identifying differences and commonalities. Describe what the files contain and how they relate to other files and projects etc.

·       Cml/CamelCase – this is created by using a upper and lower case throughout the file name. One example is using a capital letter for the start of each word in the file name, so it looks like Camel humps. For example, MyMarchBlog.png.

Example of Camel case.

·       Version numbering – this is done my naming the files by numbers to identify what file and version it is referring too e.g. (102005pdf).

·       Draft (d) – Putting (d) in the file name can be used to indicate that it is a draft.

·       Name Length – Keep short and succinct so the full name will show up well and not be over complicated.

·       Logical Abbreviations – This is done my putting abbreviations in your file name that will be easy to follow and recognisable to the user e.g. class work(cw)/home work(hw).

·       Think about retrieval of files – Make your file names clear to the person using them, even if this is yourself. Number and name them clearly and put them in a clear order and location.

Written by: Fawne Vidler