BASIC EXCEL FUNCTIONS

1. VLOOKUP
The function is used to look up for a piece of information in a large segment of data and pull that data
to your newly formed table. You have to visit the function option. The insert function tab will let you
enter ‘VLOOKUP’ or you can find it in the list. Once it is selected a wizard box will open with different
set of box options.

You can enter your variables into:

 Lookup_value

This is the option where your typed variables will go to look for the values in the cells of the larger
table for information.

 Table Array

It sets the range of the large table from where the information will be drawn. It sets the extent of the
data you want to pick.

 Col_index_num

This command box specifies the column from where data has to be pulled.

 Range_lookup

Here you enter either true or false. The true option will give the set of information which is the closest
to what you want to find, when anything does not match with the variables. When you enter false it
will give you the exact value you are looking for or will show #N/A when the data is not found.

2. Sum Function
This function is mot popularly used to sum a group of numbers in the particular column. The sum
function has a dedicated button for itself in the Home tab which can be used to sum after selecting
the part of the column.

3. MAX MIN function

This function is used to pull the maximum and the minimum values from the selected set of data. To
get the maximum value you have to enter ‘MAX’ in the function tab and to get the minimum value you
have to enter ‘MIN’. The function will automatically draw the values from the primary data table.

4. IF Function
The IF function is used to pull an information of truth and false regarding a parameter set in the
variable box. The IF statement is written or broken as:

IF (Criteria,True,False value)

After the criteria are lodged in the selected column then the answers are used to check out for the
forecast to give results accordingly.

5. SUMIF Function
SUMIF function helps you to look up for a certain set of information that matches your criteria. The
criteria are entered in a wizard box which contains the range tab, criteria tab and the sum range tab.

The range tab signifies the area you want to look in. The cell is found by the criteria tab and the sum
range tab adds up the data which match your criteria.

6. COUNTIF Function
The only difference between the previous function and COUNTIF function is that the latter does not
add up the matching values from the cells. It just pulls and shows the set to you.

7. AND Function
This function is used to set more than one criterion for searching the variables. If the variable
matches with the multiple criteria then the value is returned as True or else the search shows FALSE.
The wizard box has tabs where you can enter logical set of criteria to find the behavior of the selected
set of data. The result comes with another column of TRUE and FALSE at the right side.

8. OR function
The OR function is a little different from the previous AND Function. OR function checks for only one
criterion to be TRUE and pulls the value whereas the AND needs every criterion to match to give a
TRUE result. In no criterion matches then the FALSE value comes out.

9. LEFT Function
The LEFT function helps you to pull the part of the data in a selected column from the left side. You
can set the variable or the extent of data you want in your new column via commands.

10. RIGHT Function

You can pull a part of data from the selected column set from the right side of the information by
setting variables in the command box.

11. CONCATENATION Function

This function is the combination of both LEFT and RIGHT Functions in Excel where a new column of
data is prepared by setting the variable to pull a particular section of the data from left and right.

12. ROUND Function

This function is used to round up data with a lot of digits after the decimal point for the convenience of
calculation. You do not need to format the cell.

13. PROPER Function

This proper function is used to capitalize or uppercase the letters of a sentence in the cells. It can be
done in a customized way. You can selectively change the letters in whatever format you want.

14. NOW Function

The NOW function is used to insert a column that defines the time when the entry of data is done in
that particular cells at the right side of the NOW column. You can change the NOW value to date only
also.

15. Change the case

This advanced excel formula is used to change the case of the cells in aggregate. The letters will be
changed to the command you have given like from lower to upper or vice versa and bold them by
Proper command.

16. TRIM advanced excel formula

This advanced excel formula is used to trim or remove extra spaces which appear when a set of data
is copied from another source.

17. Customized MAX MIN

This advanced excel formula helps you to extract the customized MAX and Min values from the
selected set of cells as per their orders and degrees. You can select the fifth highest among the large
data pool easily by inputting proper commands in the array.

18. Choose()
This advanced excel formula is used to remove lengthier IF function statements and to pull the
particular set of data you want. It is used when there is more than two outcomes for a particular given
condition.

19. REPT()
This code is used to get as many times of a character in a cell.

20. TYPE()
This advanced excel formula is very handy when you are working in a spreadsheet created by
someone else. This command helps you to track down the type of data the cell is having.

21. RANDBETWEEN()
This advanced excel formula lets you to generate a random number between the values you have
set. It helps when you want to simulate some results or behavior in the spreadsheets.

22. Unit conversion by CONVERT()

You do not have to seek help to Google all the time to find out the converted value of a data in
different units. The CONVERT() advanced excel formula will do the rest. The versatile function can
also be used to convert currencies and many other things.

23. PV function
The PV function n Excel is a versatile virtual financial expert which can calculate rate, periods for
investment, payment per period, future value and other arguments based on the input of the
variables.

24. Time functions

There are a lot of functions that are used to show particular information regarding time.
  WEEKNUM() is used to get the particular number of the week at a particular date.

 WORKDAY() gives the date of the working day when number of days is specified.

 NETWORKDAYS() gives the number of working days between two supplied dates by
excluding the weekends and holidays.

 YEARFRAC() allows a user to find out the fraction of year when two dates are supplied.

 EDATE() gives the specific date when a the number of days after a particular date is
mentioned.

25. Mathematical functions

There are a set of commands for various mathematical applications to calculate values in different
segments of mathematics. Finding aggregate, difference, total, quotient, LCM, GCD, etc is cakewalk
with Excel.

Conclusion
The entire design of Excel is to give the best aid possible to ease a particular work, be it education or
related to business. Especially in business, finance and accounting cannot move a single step without
the software. Product management and marketing has to rely on the foresight based on the trend
results in Excel. The opportunities are limitless. In fact there are so many uses that it cannot be listed
exactly. It will always be the most useful versatile piece of software for every type of business. Like its
name, a company uses Excel to excel in its ventures.
 10 Basic Principles of Graphic Design

Graphic design plays a critical role in brand-building and at the same time, in showcasing your skill-
sets. Although branding and design are an inseparable experience, it’s important to understand the
fundamentals of graphic design before embarking on any new assignment. When working with clients,
you get only one opportunity to make a strong first impression, so why not infuse their experience with
your knowledge and application of design elements to a range of projects — social media graphics,
web and app UI, videos, banners, advertisements, et al. Of course, as a designer, don’t worry about
drawing outside the lines and having fun whilst doing it! In fact, you must frequently colour outside the
lines to pull away from a mediocre or a repetitive design structure, but, the beginners must first know
what those prescribed lines are. So, let’s understand the ten basic design principles that will help you
create stunning graphics.

1. Balance

Balance lends stability and structure to an overall design. To understand it better, think that there’s
weight behind each of your design elements. Shapes, text boxes and images are the elements that
form your design, so it’s important to be familiar with the visual weight each of those elements
possesses. Now, this doesn’t mean that the elements always need to be distributed evenly or that they
must be of an equal size — balance is either symmetrical or asymmetrical. Symmetrical balance is
when the weight of elements is evenly divided on either side of the design, whereas asymmetrical
balance uses scale, contrast, and colour to achieve the flow in design.

A symmetrically balanced design. (Designed by: Anahat Rawal)

 This vibrant design is a distribution of elements (stripes and colours) to achieve an asymmetrical
balance. (Designed by: Anahat Rawal)

2. Proximity

Proximity helps in creating a relationship between similar or related elements. These elements need
not be grouped, instead, they should be visually connected by way of font, colour, size, etc.
The above is an example of ‘Proximity.’ Here, a consistent shape (circle) and colours create an
organized design.

3. Alignment

Alignment plays a pivotal role in creating a seamless visual connection with the design elements. It
gives an ordered appearance to images, shapes, and blocks of texts by eliminating elements placed in
a dishevelled manner.

The text, shape and image have been lined up in the middle, creating an ‘Alignment.’

04. Visual Hierarchy

In simple words, a hierarchy is formed when extra visual weight is given to the most important element
or message in your design. It can be achieved in various ways — using larger or bolder fonts to
highlight the title; placing the key message higher than the other design elements; or adding focus to
larger, more detailed and more colourful visuals than those less relevant or smaller images.
 In this design, you can easily point out the heading, date, shapes, image and also, the text at the
bottom.(Designed by: Anahat Rawal)

5. Repetition

Repetition is a fundamental design element, especially when it comes to branding. It creates a rhythm
and strengthens the overall design by tying together consistent elements such as logo and colour
palette, making the brand or design instantly recognisable to viewers.

In this online portfolio, the green colour is repeated across the page, creating cohesion and a
‘Repetition.’ (Designed by: Anahat Rawal http://bit.ly/Anahat_Behance)
06. Contrast

Contrast happens when there is a difference between the two opposing design elements. The most
common types of contrast are dark vs. light, contemporary vs. old-fashioned, large vs. small, etc.
Contrast guides a viewer’s attention to the key elements, ensuring each side is legible.

This image has been darkened to allow the text to create a sharp contrast against the background.

7. Colour

Colour is an important design basic and it dictates the overall mood of a design. The colours you pick
represent your brand and its tonality, so be careful with the palette you choose. As a graphic designer,
it’s always helpful to have a basic knowledge of colour theory, for example, gold & neutral shades
evoke an overall feel of sophistication, bright colours signal happiness, and blue creates a feeling of
calmness. Colour palettes can be used as a contrast or even to complement the elements.

This contrasting colour palette creates a vibrant and an energetic design.

8. Negative Space

We’ve discussed the importance of colours, images, and shapes, but what about the space that is left
blank? It is called the ‘negative space’, which in simple words means the area between or around the
elements. If used creatively, negative space can help create a shape and highlight the important
components of your design.

This is a stunning example of negative space. (Image Credit: Mallika Favre http://malikafavre.com)

09. Typography

“Words have meaning, type has spirit,” — Paula Scher.

Typography is one of the key pillars of design, and it speaks volumes about a brand or an artwork
when executed stylistically or even customised. Sometimes, ‘type’ is all you need to showcase your
design concept.
 An example of display typography. (Designed by: Anahat Rawal)

10. Rules

Once you’re an adept graphic designer who understands the foundations of design, then it’s time to
break some of those rules. And, by that, I don’t mean, use pixelated images or an illegible font type.
Remember, whatever it is that you’re choosing to communicate, should not be compromised.

Sushileaf’s new album design is a rule-bending work of art. https://apple.co/2JgpSSW

While these principles may require some of you to be more observant and take mental snapshots of
novel designs (that you stumble upon), they’re key principles for those who want to create a great
brand by way of strong visuals and content.
 ONLINE IMAGE FILE FORMATS

 JPG is the most used image file format. JPG is the file extension for JPEG files (Joint
Photographic Experts Group, committee of ISO and ITU). Digital cameras and web pages use JPG files
- because JPG heroically compresses the data to be very much smaller in the file. JPG uses lossy
compression to accomplish this feat, which has a strong downside. A smaller file, yes, there is nothing
like JPG for small, but this is at the cost of image quality. However, this compression degree is
optionally selectable (with an option setting named JPG Quality in your editor), to be lower quality
smaller files, or to be higher quality larger files. Small file size and high image quality are opposites.
Your digital camera also offers that choice too, the menu usually called Image Quality (you do want to
select best quality in the camera). In general today, JPG is rather unique in this regard, of using lossy
compression allowing very small files of lower quality, whereas almost any other file type uses lossless
compression (with larger files). The meaning of Lossy is discussed Below.

Frankly, JPG is used when small file size (for transfer or storage, web pages, email, memory cards, etc)
is more important than maximum image quality. But a High Quality setting to create JPG is in fact good
enough in most cases, if we don't overdo the compression. Perhaps good enough for some uses even if
we do overdo it (web pages, etc). But if you are concerned with maximum quality for archiving your
important images, then you do need to know two things: 1) JPG should always choose higher Quality
and a larger file, and 2) do NOT keep editing and saving your JPG images repeatedly, because more
quality is lost every time you save it as JPG (in the form of added JPG artifacts... pixels become colors
they ought not to be - lossy). More at the JPG link at page bottom.

 TIF is lossless (including LZW compression option), which is considered the highest quality
format for commercial work. The TIF format is not necessarily any "higher quality" per se (the same
RGB image pixels, they are what they are), and most formats other than JPG are lossless too. TIF
simply has no JPG artifacts, no additional losses or JPG artifacts to degrade and detract from the
original. And TIF is the most versatile, except that web pages don't show TIF files. For other purposes
however, TIF does most of anything you might want, from 1-bit to 48-bit color, RGB, CMYK, LAB, or
Indexed color. Most any of the "special" file types (for example, camera RAW files, fax files, or
multipage documents) are based on TIF format, but with unique proprietary data tags - making these
incompatible unless expected by their special software. Web browsers cannot show TIF files.

TIF format is very versatile. There are many TIFF formats for all kinds of data and compressions. CCITT
data for standard text document storage, which supports multiple pages in one file. Standard fax is
another TIFF format. Designers can be assigned special data tags to declare other data and
compression types. One case is that some camera Raw files are actually TIF format, but with unique
proprietary data tags for their special purpose, which then is no longer compatible with TIF viewers.

 GIF was designed by CompuServe in the early days of computer 8-bit video, before 24 bits or
JPG was used, for video display at dial up modem speeds. GIF discards all Exif data, which because
GIF was designed for video screen purposes, GIF does Not retain printing resolution values. GIF
always uses lossless LZW compression, but it is always an indexed color file (1 to 8-bits per pixel). GIF
can have a palette of 24-bit colors, but only a maximum of 256 of them (which colors depend on your
image colors). GIF is rather limited colors for color photos, but is generally great for graphics.
Repeating, don't use GIF with indexed color for color photos today, the color is too limited. GIF does
offer transparency and animation. PNG and TIF files can also optionally handle the same indexed color
mode that GIF uses, but they are more versatile with other choices too (can be RGB or 16 bits, etc). But
GIF is still very good for web graphics (i.e., with a limited number of colors). For graphics of only a few
colors, GIF can be much smaller than JPG, with more clear pure colors than JPG). Indexed Color is
described at Color Palettes (second page of GIF link below).

 PNG can replace GIF today (web browsers show both), and PNG also offers many options of
TIF too (indexed or RGB, 1 to 48-bits, etc). PNG offers an 8-bit mode to replace indexed 256 color GIF
files, or a 24-bit mode for a possible 16.7 million colors for photos. PNG was invented more recently
than the others, designed to bypass possible LZW compression patent issues with GIF (which never
actually became any issue). And since PNG was more modern, it offers other options too (RGB color
modes, 16 bits, etc). One additional feature of PNG is transparency for 24 bit RGB images. Normally
PNG files are a little smaller than LZW compression in TIF or GIF (all of these use lossless
compression, of different types), but PNG is a bit slower to read or write. That patent situation has gone
away now, but PNG remains excellent lossless compression. Less used than TIF or JPG, but PNG is
another good choice for lossless quality work.
 Camera RAW files are very important of course, but RAW files must be processed into regular
formats (JPG, TIF, etc) to be viewable and usable in any way. Make no mistake, Shooting Raw is a
philosophy, not just a setting. RAW involves a little easy extra work, but offers substantial benefits, one
of which is we can choose our settings AFTER we can actually see the image, and see what it needs,
and see what helps it, and can still change our minds and try something else. Some may debate it, but
many cannot imagine NOT taking advantage of the greater opportunities of RAW. Others think any extra
step is too much trouble, and are satisfied with JPG - but my own biased opinion is they just don't know
yet, or don't care. :) More detail Below.

We could argue that there really is no concept of RAW files from the scanner (scanners are RGB).
Vuescan does offer an output called RAW, which is 16 bit, but RGB, not raw like from cameras. The
difference is that it only defers gamma correction until a later pass. And its file can include the scanners
fourth Infrared noise correction channel data if any. Vuescan itself is the only post-processor for these
Vuescan raw files (except any Photoshop-like Levels can adjust gamma). But scanner color images are
already RGB color, instead of Bayer pattern raw data like from cameras.

Camera RAW images are not RGB, and must be converted to RGB for any use (our monitors and
printers expect RGB images). The idea and big advantage of camera raw is that all camera and JPG
processing options (such as white balance and contrast) are deferred until later, when we can see the
image to decide what it precisely needs without having to undo JPG processing. That makes it better,
and much easier to get it right. Then the converted RGB image can be saved only one time as high
quality JPG (no JPG artifact issues). When and if the image needs additional processing, we discard
that JPG copy and resume from the raw archive original.

Image file formats: when to use each type of file

Think GIF is the most delicious kind of peanut butter? And AI was that weird sci-fi movie starring
Haley Joel Osment? Well, you’re not wrong. But today we’re talking image formats and all those
pesky little files that we use to create visual content for print and web.

Every graphic you see online is an image file. Most everything you see printed on paper, plastic or a t-
shirt came from an image file. These files come in a variety of formats, and each is optimized for a
specific use. Using the right type for the right job means your design will come out picture perfect and
just how you intended. The wrong format could mean a bad print or a poor web image, a giant
download or a missing graphic in an email.

So let’s break it down. Welcome to Image File Formats 101. Let’s dive into the basics of each file
type.

Most image files fit into one of two general categories—raster files and vector files—and each
category has its own specific uses. This breakdown isn’t perfect. For example, certain formats can
actually contain elements of both types. But this is a good place to start when thinking about which
format to use for your projects.

The different types of image file formats

1. Raster file formats

1. JPEG

2. GIF

3. PNG

4. TIFF

5. RAW
 6. PSD

2. Vector file formats

1. PDF

2. EPS

3. AI

You should use a JPEG when…

 You’re dealing with online photos and/or artwork. JPEGs offer you the most flexibility with
raster editing and compression making them ideal for web images that need to be
downloaded quickly.

 You want to print photos and/or artwork. At high resolution files with low compression,
JPEGs are perfect for editing and then printing.

 You need to send a quick preview image to a client. JPEG images can be reduced to very
small sizes making them great for emailing.

Don’t use a JPEG when…

 You need a web graphic with transparency. JPEGs do not have a transparency channel and
must have a solid color background. GIF and PNG are your best options for transparency.

 You need a layered, editable image. JPEGs are a flat image format meaning that all edits are
saved into one image layer and cannot be undone. Consider a PSD (Photoshop) file for a
fully editable image.

GIF

GIF is a lossless raster format that stands for Graphics Interchange Format. The big question: how is
it pronounced? The creator of GIF says “JIFF” like the peanut butter. This writer (and lots of the world)
says “GIFF” because graphics starts with a “guh.” Anyway, we’ll leave that up to you. GIF is also a
widely used web image format, typically for animated graphics like banner ads, email images and
social media memes. Though GIFs are lossless, they can be exported in a number of highly
customizable settings that reduce the amount of colors and image information, which in turn reduces
the file size.

You should use a GIF when…

 You want to create web animation. GIF images hold all of the animation frames and timing
information in one single file. Image editors like Photoshop make it easy to create a short
animation and export it as a GIF.

 You need transparency. GIF images have an “alpha channel” that can be transparent, so you
can place your image on any colored background.

 You need a small file. The compression techniques in the GIF format allow image files to
shrink tremendously. For very simple icons and web graphics, GIF is the best image file
format.

Don’t use a GIF when…

 You need a photographic-quality image. Though GIFs can be high resolution, they have a limit
of 256 colors (unless you know a few tricks). Photos typically have thousands of colors and
 will look flat and less vibrant (and sometimes weird due to color banding) when converted to
GIF.

 You need to print an image. Because of the color limit, most printed photos will lack depth. If
you need to print photos, look at TIFF, PSD and JPG.

 You need a layered, editable image. GIFs are a flat image format meaning that all edits are
saved into one image layer and cannot be undone. Consider a PSD (Photoshop) file for a
fully editable image.

PNG

PNG is a lossless raster format that stands for Portable Network Graphics. Think of PNGs as the
next-generation GIF. This format has built-in transparency, but can also display higher color depths,
which translates into millions of colors. PNGs are a web standard and are quickly becoming one of
the most common image formats used online.

Trauby mascot by ktoons

You should use a PNG when…

 You need high-quality transparent web graphics. PNG images have a variable “alpha
channel” that can have any degree of transparency (in contrast with GIFs that only have
on/off transparency). Plus, with greater color depths, you’ll have a more vibrant image than
you would with a GIF.

 You have illustrations with limited colors. Though any image will work, PNG files are best with
a small color palette.

 You need a small file. PNG files can shrink to incredibly tiny sizes—especially images that are
simple colors, shapes or text. This makes it the ideal image file type for web graphics.

Don’t use a PNG when…

 You’re working with photos or artwork. Thanks to PNGs’ high color depth, the format can easily
handle high resolution photos. However, because it is a lossless web format, file sizes tend
to get very large. If you’re working with photos on the web, go with JPEG.

 You’re dealing with a print project. PNG graphics are optimized for the screen. You can
definitely print a PNG, but you’d be better off with a JPEG (lossy) or TIFF file.

TIFF/TIF

TIFF is a lossless raster format that stands for Tagged Image File Format. Because of its extremely
high quality, the format is primarily used in photography and desktop publishing. You’ll likely
encounter TIFF files when you scan a document or take a photo with a professional digital camera.
Do note that TIFF files can also be used as a “container” for JPEG images. These files will be much
smaller than traditional TIFF files, which are typically very large.

You should use a TIFF when…

 You need high-quality print graphics. Along with RAW, TIFF files are among the highest
quality graphic formats available. If you’re printing photos—especially at enormous sizes—
use this format.

 You are making a high-quality scan. Using TIFF to scan your documents, photos and artwork
will ensure that you have the best original file to work off of.

Don’t use at TIFF when…

  You’re working with web graphics. While many web browsers support it, TIFF files are
optimized for print. Go with JPEG or PNG when you need to display high-quality images
online.

RAW

A raw image format contains the unprocessed data captured by a digital camera or scanner’s sensor.
Typically, images are processed (adjusted for color, white balance, exposure, etc.) and then
converted and compressed into another format (e.g. JPEG or TIFF). Raw images store the
unprocessed and processed data in two separate files, so you’re left with the highest quality image
possible that you can edit non-destructively with a photo editing application like Photoshop. There are
dozens and dozens of raw formats, but some of the typical formats are CRW (Canon), NEF (Nikon),
and DNG (Adobe).

via Adobe

You should use RAW when…

 You are shooting and editing photos. Make sure your camera is set to RAW so you can
capture the most versatile image. Then, use a compatible photo-editing application to adjust
your image.

Don’t use RAW when…

 You’re working with web graphics. RAW is built for photo editing. When you’re ready to present
your photos for the web, convert them to JPEG.

 You’re ready to print your photos. Many printers won’t accept raw formats, so first convert to
JPEG or TIFF.

PSD

PSD is a proprietary layered image format that stands for Photoshop Document. These are original
design files created in Photoshop that are fully editable with multiple layers and image adjustments.
PSDs are primarily used to create and edit raster images, but this unique format can also contain
vector layers as well, making it extremely flexible for a number of different projects. A PSD can be
exported into any number of image file formats, including all of the raster formats listed above.

You should use a PSD when…

 It’s time to retouch photos. Need to color correct a photo? Or add a layer of text? PSD =
photos.

 You need to edit artwork for digital or print. That could be a photo, painting, drawing, or
anything else. Photoshop is the right tool to make sure every line, shadow and texture is in
place.

 You want digital images for the web like social media images, banner ads, email headers,
videos etc. Creating these images in Photoshop will ensure they’re right size and optimized
for the web.

 You have to create a website or app mockup. Layers make it easy to move UI elements
around.

 You want to get fancy with animation and video. Photoshop makes it easy to cut together
simple video clips and add graphics, filters, text, animation and more.

Don’t use a PSD when…

  You need to post a photo online or send a preview to a client. The web is JPEG friendly.
Convert first to make sure your audience can see your image (and so it won’t take several
minutes to download).

 You’re ready to print your photos. Many printers won’t accept the PSD format, so first convert
to JPEG or TIFF.

Vector file formats

What is a vector image

Vector images are digital artwork in which points, lines and curves are calculated by the computer.
They essentially giant math equations, and every “equation” can be assigned a color, stroke or
thickness (among other styles) to turn the shapes into art. Unlike raster images, vector images are
resolution independent. When you shrink or enlarge a vector image, your shapes get larger, but you
won’t lose any detail or get any pixelation. Because your image will always render identically, no
matter the size, there is no such thing as a lossy or lossless vector image type.

Logo design by spoon design

Vector images are typically used for logos, icons, typesetting and digital illustrations. Adobe Illustrator
is the industry-standard image editor that is used to create, design and edit vector images (though it
can also incorporate raster images, as well).

PDF

PDF stands for Portable Document Format and is an image format used to display documents and
graphics correctly, no matter the device, application, operating system or web browser. At its core,
PDF files have a powerful vector graphics foundation, but can also display everything from raster
graphics to form fields to spreadsheets. Because it is a near universal standard, PDF files are often
the file format requested by printers to send a final design into production. Both Adobe Photoshop
and Illustrator can export straight to PDF, making it easy to start your design and get it ready for
printing.

You should use a PDF when…

 You’re ready to print. As we mentioned, many printers prefer PDF as their primary delivery
format because it is so ubiquitous. Check with your printer to see how they’d like you to
prepare your file.

 You want to display documents on the web. You wouldn’t use a PDF for a single icon or logo,
but it’s great for posters, flyers, magazines and booklets. PDFs will keep your entire design
in one package, making it easy to view, download or print.

Don’t use a PDF when…

 You need to edit your design. PDFs are great containers, but use other applications for the
contents. You can edit raster images with Photoshop and vector graphics with Illustrator.
When you’re done, you can combine those into a PDF for easy viewing.

EPS

EPS is an image format that stands for Encapsulated PostScript. Although it is used primarily as a
vector format, an EPS file can include both vector and raster image data. Typically, an EPS file
includes a single design element that can be used in a larger design.

You should use an EPS when…

  You need to send a vector logo to a client, designer or a printer. With an EPS file, you don’t
have to worry about where the logo will be placed or printed. No matter the size, it will
always appear at the correct resolution.

Don’t use an EPS when…

 You’re dealing with photographs or artwork. EPS can handle raster images, but this type of
image file is primarily for vectors. Work with a PSD, TIF or JPEG when you have a photo
project.

 You need to display an image online. Export to JPEG, PNG or GIF first.

AI

AI is a proprietary vector image format that stands for Adobe Illustrator. The format is based on both
the EPS and PDF standards developed by Adobe. Like those formats, AI files are primarily a vector-
based format, though they can also include embedded or linked raster images. AI files can be
exported to both PDF and EPS files (for easy reviewing and printing), and also JPEG, PNG, GIF,
TIFF and PSD (for web use and further editing).

You should use an AI when…

 You need to edit a vector design. AI files allow you to move and alter every single element in
your design with just a click or two.

 You need to create a logo, icon or brand mascot. Every vector shape and line created in
Illustrator can be blown up to any size, which makes it ideal for images that need to be used
in many different ways.

 You want a one-page print piece. Illustrator is perfect for posters, business cards, flyers and
notecards that can be combined with other raster images.

 You need to set type for a logo. Illustrator’s typesetting features are incredibly powerful,
enabling any text to be stretched, skewed and transformed any way imaginable.

Don’t use an AI when…

 You need to edit images. If a raster image (photo or artwork) is being used in a composition,
Illustrator has a limited number of tools to edit that image directly. Photoshop (PSD files) can
make more comprehensive adjustments like color, contrast and brightness.

ONLINE PLATFORMS FOR ICT CONTENT DEVELOPMENT

1. Social Media Platforms – Websites like Facebook allow you to create not only personal
accounts but also pages and groups where you can share content. The only downside of this is that
you are restricted to Facebook’s “one-size-fits-all” design.(note: It has low customization but backed
up by popularity.)

2. Blogging Platforms – Websites like WordPress, Tumblr, and Blogger focus on content and
design. It typically looks like a newsletter where you are given options to change the design to your
liking. Though you can manipulate the design, social media platform’s popularity is still unrivaled. The
amount of customization in blogs is also unrivaled depending on the content management system
implemented by the provider.(note: it has high customization, popularity depends to the user to
maximize the use of blogs.)

A Content management System (CMS) is a computer application (sometimes online or browser-

based) that allows you to publish, edit and manipulate, organize and delete web content. CMS is
used in blogs, news websites, and shopping.
 CREATING YOUR OWN BLOG USING WORDPRESS

1. If you do not have a WordPress account yet, sign up by visiting https://wordpress.com/.

2. If it is your first time to visit the site, create your first blog. If you already have a blog, there is no need
to delete it. WordPress allows you to create multiple blogs. Simply click Register Another Blog under
My Blogs in the dashboard.
3. Pick a blog address. Name your blog and then click Create Blog (choose the free option). Once done,
you will get the confirmation.
4. Click on Change Your Blog Description or Permissions. The general settings page will appear.
5. On the left menu, Choose Appearance > Themes.
6. On the Themes page, select Free to filter out the paid themes.
7. Select any theme you want by hovering the mouse pointer over it then click Activate.
8. Once this dialog box appears, click Customize Your Site.
9. You will be directed to a page where you can edit your website/.
10. Customize the theme to your liking. Once done, click on Save on the bottom of the customization
tools.