Standard File Formatting

The Standard File Formatting (SFF) spec includes three file types: 

1. Source File

2. PDF Copy

3. JPG Copy

SFF Example

• A source file is the original file where edits can be made and acts as proof of authorship. Photoshop (.psd), Illustrator (.ai), InDesign (.indd), and Word (.docx) are all possible source file types.
  NOTE: A submitted source design file should contain only embedded assets (images) unless instructions call for linked assets (with the exception of fonts). Not submitting a source design file will result in half credit at best.

• A PDF copy (.pdf) is a version of your source file (including each page or artboard) saved (or exported) as a copy. When creating a PDF use the preset: [PDF/X-4:2008]).
  NOTE: a PDF can be multi-paged when necessary. If creating a production-ready copy, consider the
  PRpdf spec.

• A JPG copy  (.jpg) is a version of your source file for each artboard or page. Save/export your .jpg version(s) as RGB, Quality 10-12 (full), and at 150 PPI resolution.
  NOTE: JPG files cannot be multi-paged so making a .jpg for each artboard, canvas or page may be necessary.

How to Make PDF and JPG Versions

Adobe Scan is a simple app that can make PDFs and a smartphone with a camera can make JPGs but chances are you will soon learn how to generate these file types using Adobe applications. 

For example, here are two more references that cover saving PDFs and exporting JPGs in Adobe Illustrator in detail. Doing this in Photoshop or InDesign is very similar.

• Create Adobe PDF Files: https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/creating-pdf-files.html

• Exporting Artwork: https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/exporting-artwork.html

This is the Way

PDF/X (Portable Document Format Exchange) is a subset of the ISO standard for graphic content exchange that eliminates many of the color, font, and trapping variables that lead to printing problems. The purpose of PDF/X is to facilitate graphics exchange, and it therefore has a series of printing-related requirements which do not apply to standard PDF files. For example, in PDF/X-1a all fonts need to be embedded and all images need to be CMYK or spot colors. PDF/X-3 accepts calibrated RGB and CIELAB colors, while retaining most of the other restrictions of PDF/X-1a.[1]. The PDF/X‑4 (2008) preset creates ISO PDF/X-4:2008 files that support live transparency (transparency is not flattened) and ICC color management. PDF files exported with this preset are in PDF 1.4 format. Images are downsampled and compressed and fonts are embedded in the same manner as with the PDF/X-1a and PDF/X-3 settings. Adobe recommends PDF/X-4:2008 as the optimal PDF file format for reliable PDF print publishing workflows. Source 1, Source 2

Unless otherwise noted, you are expected to turn assignments using SFF file formatting with SFN file naming at all times as part of your assessed learning and overall digital literacy development. There are also very good reasons for making your files in triplicate. If you want to know more about these reasons just ask Dj in or outside of class.

PRO TIP: An easy way to remember the SFF is the number 3 (three formats). You can also think of versions as flavors. Every file you create will generally need to be submitted in the three flavors detailed above (unless otherwise instructed).