PDF format:
The PDF format (PDF stands for Portable Document File) was developed by Adobe, and is used to create independent documents. This involves incorporating text, graphics, images and all text formats into the file. Documents created in this way can be forwarded without the need to additionally copy external files such as images or texts. The current standard in thee digital pre-printing stage are PDF/X3 files. Due to its low data quantity the PDF format is suited as a pure layout file (»view PDF«) for transmitting files over the internet.

PostScript:
PostScript is the standard page descriptive language for all output devices in the graphics industry. The PostScript programming language is a device-independent description of texts, images, etc., which are processed on a page. PostScript programs are not written by users, but rather they are contained in the respective layout and graphics programs.

EPS format:
The EPS format (EPS stands for Encapsulated PostScript) is a standard file format for the editing of vector graphics in the DTP area. The image descriptions are saved in the PostScript format. In order to display or output the data contained in it a PostScript interpreter is required like the one contained in all RIP’s and most laser printers nowadays.

TIF format:
The TIF format (TIF stands for Tagged Image File format) is a media-independent for format for pixel graphics.

A TIF file can be forwarded to and processed by any program, even irrespective of the operating system. It is the most commonly used file format when images are being edited in the most varied of programs. Like the EPS format, the TIF format supports b/w, grey-tones and colour images (CMYK).

JPG format:
The JPG format (JPG stands for Joint Photographic Experts Group) is a file format in which data are compressed to a considerable degree. This compression is, however, prone to losses. As a result not only the data quantity but also the image quality is reduced due to the removal of fine details. One should, however, revert to the above named TIF format for the production of colour images.