File Types and Formats
For each product type on Creative Market, there are a number of different file types! Understanding file types will give you a good idea of what software you'll need in order to use a product.
The majority of products offered require specific software for you to open and edit. Fonts with OpenType features like stylistic alternates and swashes also work best in OpenType savvy apps. We recommend that you completely read the product description written by the shop owner before you purchase. Many shop owners clearly describe what software is required, right in the body of their listing description.
Also, pay particular attention to "File Types" and "Compatible With" apps in the product specifications, which can be found directly below product screenshots. This shows important information about file types and software compatibility.
For example, the image below shows that there are AI files in this product. This means you'll need Adobe Illustrator to open and edit the product. (You can view a listing of all of the files in the product by clicking "All Files.") Also, based on the Compatible with... specs, you'll need Illustrator to use the product. You can mouse over the Illustrator icon to see the version you'll need.
If you click on "All Files" beside File Types, you can see a detailed list of the files and folders included inside the product.
Common File Types
Using the chart below, you can see what kind of software is needed for some of our most common files on the site.
Note: Please make sure your software version is also compatible because sometimes a product may need a newer version of the software.
| Format | Software Required | Description |
| AI | Adobe Illustrator | Vector-based file that can be scaled, Adobe Illustrator only |
| EPS | Adobe Illustrator Other vector software |
Vector-based file that can be scaled |
| INDD | Adobe InDesign | InDesign working file that supports multiple pages |
| IDML | Adobe InDesign | InDesign template file that is pre-made and customizable |
| PSD | Adobe Photoshop Photoshop Elements* |
Raster-based layered working file for Adobe Photoshop / Photoshop Elements* *Some PSD files may not be fully supported by Photoshop Elements, so check with the Shop Owner before purchasing. |
| DOC, DOCX | Microsoft Word | Microsoft Word Doc (DOCX is for version 2007 and higher) |
| PPT, PPTX | Microsoft PowerPoint | Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation (DOCX is for version 2007 and higher) |
| KEYNOTE | Keynote (Mac only) | Presentation format for Keynote (Mac only) |
| OTF, TTF | Any Operating system; most software that supports text creation | Installable font files that work on any system, in any software that supports text creation. OTF Features may not be supported with all software |
| JPG | Most image readers or editors | Lossy graphics file with set dimensions |
| PNG | Most image readers or editor | No loss on compression; supports transparency |
| GIF | Can be read by most systems and web browsers | Small file size and color palette; can be animated |
| SVG | Can be read by most systems and web browsers; can be opened by vector editing software and imported into cutting software | Vector format defined by XML files |
| Adobe Reader or other PDF readers | Captures documents to view or print (typically read-only) |
Common Questions
It looks like many products require Adobe software. I have GIMP - will that work?
Many of our products are in Adobe formats, so it’s always a good idea to review product listings very carefully before making a purchase, or even ask the Shop Owner if you’re not sure your software will support the product. GIMP, a free, open source design app, may support some Adobe formats, but it's hard to guarantee that GIMP will support all of the features of a specific file format. You can learn more about what file formats are supported by GIMP in this helpful article.
Can I use vector files in Inkscape?
Inkscape, a free, open-source app for vector illustration, can import a variety of vector file formats (although it's hard to guarantee that certain vector file formats will work 100% as intended.) You can learn more about Inkscape’s file support in this helpful article.
You can learn more about file types in this blog post! We've also written a detailed post about all the different graphic formats.
Still unsure if the software you have is compatible with a product you’re interested in? Feel free to contact us and we’d be happy to check for you.