You and your customers have three options for downloading templates. You can download the template as a PDF, a JPEG, or a PNG. Geofilter templates can only be downloaded as a PNG though. In this article, I’ll explain each download option and give you some tips on when to use each one. If you’ve been in graphic design for some time, then you probably already have a good idea of when to use each though.
The first option for downloading a template is PDF. This is the recommended option because it is so widely accepted by print shops. It’s also superior in a way to the others because it is vector based. Any svg elements and text elements used in the template will remain vectors in the PDF. That means they will never lose quality no matter how far you zoom in. Text stays perfectly crisp and clear when printed as a PDF. The other objects in the template like images and backgrounds are 300dpi resolution.
Trim marks
The PDF has another advantage. You can download it with trim marks. If your customer is going to be trimming the template at home, this is a huge plus and is definitely the way to go.
JPEG
The second option for downloading a template is JPEG. This is a 300dpi file that can be used in cases where PDF is either not accepted or just doesn’t make sense. Some printers prefer JPEG and other print shops only accept JPEG files. This is when you’d want to use this option. If the template has multiple canvases, each canvas will be saved as a separate JPEG and will be packaged in a zip file to be downloaded. If there is only one canvas to the template, one single JPEG will be downloaded.
Bleed
One advantage to JPEG is there is an option for bleed. This is automatically created in Templett so you never have to think about it. This is an extra 1/8″ added around the entire template to allow print shops to cut the template to the correct size if there are design elements that flow off the page. If the printer asks for the file with a full bleed, your customer will want to download the JPEG.
PNG
The last option for downloading is PNG. This option is great if your customer just want’s a digital invitation and wants to share it on the web. The PNG is compressed so it won’t work for printing but it’s perfect for sharing on social media or via email, etc. Geofilter templates must be saved as PNG – that is the only option available.
Every option you’ll need for every situation
As you can see, we’ve added every option you and your customers will need for every situation. The three download types will cover all of your customers needs.