3 File Formats You Need For Your New Logo

Vector File: Best for high-quality or large-scale printing.

A vector file is created in a special program, so you can scale it to any size without losing quality. Whether you need something as big as a billboard or as small as a pen, this file type will always look crisp. The most common vector file types are EPS, AI (Adobe Illustrator), and SVG. And sometimes PDF, although not all PDF files are vector. Vector files can be saved as PDFs. To check if your PDF is a vector, zoom in very close. If your logo stays sharp and you don’t see any pixelation, it’s probably a vector file.

JPEG File: Best for websites, everyday printing, and Microsoft Office programs.

A JPEG (or JPG) is one of the most common file types for photos and graphics, so it’s very useful to have. JPEGs can be set up for print or web, but make sure you use the right file for the right purpose. If you use a print JPEG on your website, the color or resolution might look off, and the same goes the other way. I once got so frustrated trying to print a web file that I gave up and called my purple turtle illustration an artistic choice.

PNG File: Best for websites, email, or computer programs.

A PNG, pronounced ‘ping’, is a file type used only for the web. You should use this file on your website, in emails, or on your computer, but not for printing. The best thing about PNGs is that they support transparent backgrounds. You can place a PNG logo file on any background without a white box behind it.