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I see that on Etsy people have JPG, PNG, transparent background PNG. Does it matter to anyone which type they are? Do you only use a certain type say PNG only? or will you use an image if it's JPG as well?
Hi Dustin! I'm sure it thrills you to be a Glitter Queen! The PNG files with transparent backgrounds are nice for people who like to combine or layer images... For straight printing, either format is easy to work with in a program like Word. I don't really have a preference - I probably alternate between the 2.
I like to use png files with Print-and-Cut with my Silhouette machine. I can print out the digital stamp, cut it out, and then color it in. Your images are really nice.
I don't know about use with the machines, but I can explain a little about .jpg vs .png in general.
jpgs in general are a "lossy" file type, they are smaller, and do not save 'unnecessary' details. This means, that every time a jpg file is downloaded, then that file is shared and downloaded and opened, and so on, it loses a little bit more of the original resolution. And generally, jpgs on the internet are 72 dots per inch (dpi). More of them are being saved at 300 dpi, but most are still 72 dpi. Best bet is to download your jpgs from the original source rather than getting it from your friend who showed it to you.
pngs however, are a lossless format (although as I was confirming this, I saw an article that said they can be saved in a compressable, lossy format). So, the opposite of the above, preserving the details.
Sorry this was so long. I work with pictures on computers a lot, and had to learn this. Oh, jpgs don't do so well with transparency either as I recall.
__________________ One day, I shall burst my bud of calm,
and blossom into hysteria. ~The Lady's not for Burning
Also, png files can't be ungrouped in graphics programs. If you want to edit the images, you first have to convert them to another format. That's why I use them mostly for print and cut. If I want to actually cut out all of the separate pieces, I use svg files.
If you do receive a .jpg file, you can edit it in a photo editing program (like GIMP or PhotoShop), and save it as a .png file. I do that when I want to make a .jpg transparent so I can layer it.
I prefer a png type image - even better are the wf images From the Heart Stamps has. I like to place my images on digital paper and then print them out - no need to fussy cut the image that way. Thanks so much for asking!