Many different file formats can be used for printing. Below is a list of some of the more common extensions along with a few pros and cons of each one.
| Vector/Raster | Transparency | Layer Support | Pros/Cons | |
| .TIFF (.TIF) | Raster | Yes | Yes | Pros: High quality images with little compression and smooth transitions of color. |
| Cons: Can be extremely large file size. | ||||
| .JPEG (.JPG) | Raster | No | No | Pros: Delectable quality and smaller file size. |
| Cons: Can contain artifacts (small funny bits of color) from compression. | ||||
| .BMP | Raster | No | No | |
| Cons: Can be larger in file size. | ||||
| .PNG | Raster | Yes | No | Pros: Versatile file with large range of colors, ability for levels of transparency. |
| Cons: | ||||
| .GIF | Raster | Yes (special) | No | Pros: Small file size. Good for flat color and text. |
| Cons: Only on level of transparency. Smaller range of colors requires dithering to create illusion of more colors. Lower quality images. | ||||
| .EPS | Vector, but can have embedded raster elements | Yes | Limited - only supported by some software | Pros: Slightly more universal vector format. |
| Cons: Can be larger file size | ||||
| .AI | Vector | Yes | Yes | Pros: Vector format that can contain layers and text elements |
| Cons: Can be software specific. | ||||
| .PSD | Raster, but can contain vector elements | Yes | Yes | Pros: High quality with layers and text and some vector capabilities |
| Cons: Software specific file and large size. |