TFF( Tagged Image File Format)格式
The TIFF format, or "Markup Image File Format", is the most widely used image file format in prepress workflows, not only for print typesetting, but also for direct print output.
The TIFF format is a platform-agnostic file format, which allows the saved data to be comprehensive, and supports a variety of image modes, including CMYK images, RGB images, Iab images, indexed color images, grayscale images, etc., which can contain embedded paths, and supports the saving of Apha channels and layers, but cannot save two-tone information.
When an image is stored in TIFF format, it should be noted that the target operating environment in which the image is used, i.e., whether the currently saved file will be read by a Macintosh or Windows. This is because, while both platforms can use the TFF format, there are some differences in how the data is arranged and described.
EPS( Encapsulated PostScript)格式
The meaning of EPS format is "encapsulated PostScript format". Since it is packaged, it means that no matter what kind of software you bring to use, its content will not change depending on the software. So EPS is also a software-independent file format.
The EPS format supports black and white dot matrix, grayscale, spot color, RGB, CMYK, LAB, indexed color modes, and uses ASCII. format for storage, which can be opened with a text editing program. Unlike TIFF files, EPS files support a two-tone image mode, and can also contain path information, or embed netting information in image files.
For example: the number of wires, the angle of the network, and the shape of the dots. The EPS file can also store information about the color separations. In Photoshop, the various factors involved in the conversion of image mode from RGB to CMYK, such as the combination of ink and paper, the type of color separation, dot expansion, black plate generation, total ink volume, and other parameters, can only be saved in EPS format.
DCS( Desktop Color Separation)格式
DCS is an extension of the standard EPS format, which overcomes the shortcomings of the EBS format and does not support spot colors. When storing the DCS format, you need to select options such as Preview, DCS Format, and Encoding. The preview is the display color of the header file and has no effect on the actual color, for the DCS type, if you select a single color file, only a single color file will be generated, and if you want multiple files, a total of 5 files will be generated, including 1 header file (.eps) and 4 color plate files.
The DCS format can also contain both bitmap images and vector graphics, and supports black and white dot matrix, grayscale, RGB, CMYK and other color modes.
AI( Adobe Illustrator)格式
AI format is a popular vector file format, because it can be directly loaded into Adobe Photoshop and automatically converted into bitmap images, flexible and convenient to use, small file footprint, color accuracy and stability are also excellent, so it is widely used in prepress typesetting.
CDR(CorelDRAW)格式
The CDR format is a dedicated graphics file format of the well-known drawing software CorelDRAW. Since CorelDRAW is a vector graphics software, CDR can record the attributes, position, pagination of a file, etc. However, it is relatively poor in compatibility, and only Adobe Illustrator CS3 is compatible.
Other common formats
In addition to the above file formats, you will also see other formats in some prepress software, such as ind format in InDesign, FT format in Founder Feiteng and Freehand format, etc., these formats are generally only used for intermediate file storage, and EPS format is often used when output is required.