A successful design can fail because of the wrong export file. A logo becomes blurry in a social media post, a flyer shows up at the print shop with the wrong colors, and an icon suddenly has a white box around it. This tutorial shows you which file format is the right one for which purpose, and guides you step by step through the export in Affinity.
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Key Takeaways
For social media, web, and presentations, you will usually use PNG in the RGB color space at 72 to 150 DPI. Transparent backgrounds only work with PNG, not with JPEG or PDF. SVG is a vector format for logos, icons, and anything that needs to stay sharp at any size. In this case, you have to embed fonts or convert them to curves. For print, you export as a PDF in the CMYK color space at 300 DPI, with a bleed and, if the print shop requires it, in the PDF/X-1a standard. In Affinity, you will find the settings under "File > Export".
Step-by-Step Guide
Understanding PNG for Social Media and Web
Start with probably the most common format. PNG is the standard for social media graphics, website images, banners, and presentation slides. It is often also suitable for newsletter graphics, as long as the file doesn't get too large. What matters is the intended use: anything that only appears digitally on a screen is well served by PNG.
Choosing the Right Settings for PNG
PNG works in the RGB color space, which is intended for screens. For low resolutions, 72 DPI is enough; for high-resolution digital display, about 150 DPI. A PNG-24 is the suitable variant for photos and colorful graphics. Make sure you only use PNG for digital purposes. It is unsuitable for printed products.
Using a Transparent Background Deliberately
One advantage of PNG is transparency. If your logo is supposed to float above a website or a colored background, you need a transparent background. This can't be represented in JPEG and PDF, but works without any problem in PNG. Therefore, before exporting, check whether your motif actually needs to be transparent, and choose the format accordingly.
Using SVG for Logos, Icons, and Developers
SVG is a vector format. It doesn't consist of pixels, but of mathematically described shapes. This means you can resize it as much as you like without any loss of quality. That's why SVG is the first choice for logos, icons in different sizes, graphics for Retina displays, and assets for developers. The files usually stay very small.
Considering Fonts When Exporting SVG
If your logo contains text, you must embed the fonts or convert them to curves. Otherwise, the browser or the target program may display a substitute font, and your design will look different than planned. This step is easy to forget, so you should make it a fixed part of your workflow before exporting.
Preparing a PDF for Print
For business cards, flyers, brochures, and quotes that are to be sent out, PDF is the right format. Unlike PNG, it works with the CMYK color space. This covers the colors that can actually be reproduced in offset or digital printing. A resolution of 300 DPI is mandatory for print. For web graphics, on the other hand, it would be unnecessary and would only needlessly increase the file size.
Planning for Bleed in Print
In printing, a sheet is often produced larger and then trimmed afterwards. That's why you need a bleed, also called trim allowance. At many print shops it is about 3 mm. When in doubt, ask your print shop, as some providers have their own specifications. Without a bleed, white strips can appear at the cut edges.
Distinguishing PDF/X-1a and Digital PDFs
Many print shops require the PDF/X-1a standard. It ensures that all elements such as fonts and colors are fully embedded and that printing runs smoothly. A digital PDF, on the other hand, stays in the RGB color space and is suitable, for example, for presentations or for slideshows on LinkedIn that are uploaded as PDFs. If you are unsure which variant is required, clarify this with the print shop or the platform before exporting.
Opening the Export Dialog in Affinity
Now let's look at exporting directly in Affinity. Open your document, go to "File" in the top left, and then click "Export". You can also use the shortcut Ctrl+Alt+Shift+W on Windows; on a Mac it looks different. For getting started, the route via the menu is the easiest.
Comparing JPEG Quality and File Size
In the dialog, you can select the quality levels for JPEG on the left side, from highest to lowest quality. The file size changes significantly as a result. For a newsletter, a smaller file often makes sense, because large emails end up in the spam folder more quickly. A medium quality is usually a good compromise here.
Adjusting PNG Settings in the Dialog
If you choose PNG, you can set the RGB color space and control the resolution via the DPI value. The higher the setting, the larger the file becomes. With simple shapes, PNG stays small, whereas with large photos it can quickly reach several megabytes. Therefore, test the file size before you export for good.
Checking the SVG Export
With the SVG export, you can see the transparent background directly in the preview. Here too, you can adjust the quality, but since it is a vector format, the sharpness is preserved. The file size is usually very small, for a simple icon, for example, only a few kilobytes.
Setting Up a PDF for Print
In the PDF section, you'll find presets such as "Print Ready" or "Digital, High Quality". For print, choose the appropriate preset and check the CMYK color space. You can also enter the bleed here and select the PDF/X-1a standard if your print shop requires it. Otherwise, the presets are usually sufficient.
Exporting and Saving the File
Once you have checked all the settings, click "Export". Then you assign a name and choose a save location. The finished PDF can then be sent directly to the print shop, played as a presentation, or uploaded to a platform. Note, however, that you can no longer edit an exported PDF. Your Affinity source file should therefore always be saved separately.
Summary ??? Affinity Export: Choosing PNG, SVG & PDF Correctly
You have seen that there is no single correct format, only the one that suits your purpose. PNG is suitable for digital content with a transparent background, SVG for scalable logos and icons, and PDF for everything that is printed or passed on as a finished file. Pay attention to the right color space, the appropriate resolution, and, if necessary, the bleed. With these basics, you will be able to export your designs confidently and without nasty surprises in the future.
FAQ
Which format do I use for social media posts?PNG in the RGB color space at 72 to 150 DPI is the right choice for most social media graphics.
When do I need a transparent background?Transparency only works with PNG. JPEG and PDF do not support it, so you choose PNG if your motif is supposed to float over other surfaces.
Why is SVG suitable for logos?SVG is a vector format that is displayed at any size without loss of quality. This is especially important for logos and icons on Retina displays.
Do I need to watch out for anything with SVG if text is included?Yes, you should embed the fonts or convert them to curves, otherwise fonts may differ for the viewer.
Which color profiles do I need for print?For print, you use the CMYK color space; for digital display, the RGB color space.
What resolution is necessary for print products?For print products, 300 DPI is necessary. For pure web graphics, however, this resolution is unnecessary and only increases the file size.
What is a bleed and how large should it be?The bleed is an allowance that is needed when the print sheet is trimmed. It is often around 3 mm; you can find out the exact specifications from your print shop.
What does PDF/X-1a mean?PDF/X-1a is a standard for print that ensures all elements are fully embedded. Many print shops require it.
When does a digital PDF make sense?A digital PDF in the RGB color space is suitable for presentations or slideshows, for example on LinkedIn.
Can I edit an exported PDF afterwards?No, a finished exported PDF can no longer be edited. Therefore, save your Affinity source file separately so you can make changes later.
