Image formats and image quality recommendations Image formats and image quality recommendations

Image formats and image quality recommendations

For image pixel recommendations, please see end of this page.

Image versions and formats

Whether you are inserting an image within the text or as a complete page, you have different options for the image formats. Which format to choose depends on a number of factors.

An image in the image library is actually a set of versions/'renditions' of the image. There is an instance for each output channel (base/pdf/website) that has its own requirements.

Our advice is to use the following formats:

  • Graphs/logos/infographics/complete pages:
    • Base: PDF or SVG (with outlined text)
    • PDF - print / PDF - download: PDF or EPS (or SVG if design doesn't include shadows/transparency)
  • Photos:
    • Base: PDF or SVG
    • PDF - print / PDF - download: PDF

Please Note

It is strongly advised to upload the PDF - print/PDF - download (items 2 and 3 above) image versions in PDF format. This will make sure the image quality will be best preserved in the PDF output. 

Also for customers using a baseline grid in the PDF output using the PDF - print/PDF - download (item 2 and 3 above) will prevent images from being cut off on some occasions.

More information on how to convert existing images to PDF can be found here.

 

See the descriptions below for an explanation per format.

PNG

Pixel-based (raster) format. Can be used as a "Base" variant for images, this is mainly used as a placeholder until the designer returns with a PDF or SVG version (tends to be a higher-resolution file). 

JPG

Pixel-based (raster) format. Can be used as a "Base" variant for images, this is mainly used as a placeholder until the designer returns with a PDF or SVG version (tends to be a higher-resolution file).

SVG

Vector-based format. This means that text and shapes will look good on any zoom level, and not be pixelated. The file size will generally also be much smaller compared to a raster format (except for photos). Can be used both as a base variant for ESEF/Website and as a PDF variant to be used in the PDF version of the report.

Be careful in the usage of this format, there are some aspects to consider for proper usage:

  • For web-based outputs (including ESEF): be aware that fonts are usually not embedded in the SVG. This means that if you are using non-standard fonts, the reader of your report may not see the same font as in the design. A solution is to convert any type to an outline when exporting to SVG.
  • For print/pdf outputs: be aware that shadows and other forms of transparency may cause issues. If you encounter this, using a PDF might be a more suitable option.

PDF

Vector-based format is the best option for getting designed elements into your PDF report reliably. Cannot be used as a "Base" variant, as it is not suitable for use in ESEF and the website. 

 

Image size recommendations


(1) Base (for any presentation)

 

  • JPG or PNG 72 pixels/inch
  • or SVG (vector-based) for usage in ESEF

(2) PDF - print quality
  • If possible vector-based PDF/EPS
  • CMYK output 
  • Image quality: minimum 300 pixels/inch

(3) PDF - download quality
  • If possible vector-based PDF/EPS
  • RGB output
  • Image quality: 250 pixels/inch

(4) website - desktop

(5) website - mobile

  • JPG or PNG 72 pixels/inch
  • or SVG (vector-based) for usage in ESEF
 
Additional recommendation:
Background/full-page image

Size A4 + 3 mm bleed without crop marks

 
Please note: the resolution of images is inherent of the use of the output of Tangelo. For instance: higher resolution images are often used when the document from Tangelo will be printed. When a document is only used for online purposes, the image quality can be lower. 
The size of the image, should not be more than the paper format in Tangelo as this will lead to additional file sizes in the PDF generated in Tangelo.