Guest Contribution by Joe Daley, Logo My Way
Whether you are hiring a logo designer for your new logo, or using a logo maker, having and using the right file format for a specific purpose ranging from a business card to a T-Shirt or Facebook cover photo — is critical. All the logo file formats can be categorized as raster or vector files. Because raster files are pixel-based they cannot be used when you intend to scale up an image too much. The images tend to become blurred and blocky. This is why you should ideally receive vector files for the best results.
A vector file can easily be scaled up no matter the size without any significant loss of quality. This is because vector files are developed from mathematically precise points meaning they support scaling up to any size. Yet, despite scaling up, vector files retain the quality and resolution of the image. Vector files constitute your “source” files. They are editable files that you can open, save and even edit using design software such as Serif or Adobe.
EPS: Encapsulated PostScript (EPS)
Commonly referred to as “master files” or “working files”, EPS files are vector-based graphic format files in Adobe Illustrator. These are used for editing and printing purposes. Opening and editing Encapsulated PostScript files is tricky without Photoshop or Illustrator. However, you can access them using free software downloads such as Sketch or Inkscape.
EPS files should ideally be delivered to you with a transparent and colored background to serve your different editing and printing needs. Most printers accept EPS files, although it’s prudent to check before you send to make sure they are getting a compatible file format. EPS Encapsulated PostScript format can be opened by a huge range of software, including even older versions of Illustrator or apps outside of Adobe like Corel Draw.
EPS logo files are ideal when working with flexible resolutions. This is the right file format option in terms of editing the logo design yourself or when you are handing over the design task to a pro designer.
JPG: Joint Portable Graphic File
JPG is commonly employed in homes and office printing with great results. To use an Encapsulated PostScript file, it should be imported in Word, PowerPoint or other compatible Microsoft Office applications. Most users like using JPG files as it’s possible to reduce the file size and have it compressed for image sharing or archiving. However, a disadvantage is that the image quality gets compromised. If compressed too much, this format distorts your logo image.
SVG: Scalable Vector Graphics
This is a true vector format that you can edit using CorelDraw, Inkscape, Illustrator, or any other vector-based graphics application. Since it’s a vector format, it ensures the designed logo stays sharp no matter the type of device it’s being viewed on. You can also scale up to any size without any loss of image quality.
JPEG: Joint Photographic Experts Group
This is among the most commonly used and recognizable file formats. In a nutshell, JPEG allows the user to store the downloaded images in good quality yet without taking up too much space. This is particularly important when you will use the logo images on the Internet. JPEG is great for website photos as it supports a good balance between image quality and file size. JPEGs are suitable for use in either web or print.
PNG: Portable Network Graphics File
PNG is a pixel-based file format. Different from JPEG files, the Portable Network Graphics format allows for image transparency. As such, JPEG files can be placed over background or images that are colored. Mostly, this format is used for websites and digital stationery. It comes with several benefits for you. For example, you can easily resize the received file without degradation of the quality of the image. It also supports use on a transparent background. This is your best option when your logo images are larger and of higher quality.
Designers also use the PNG file format for color accuracy. On your part, it’s possible to maintain a high degree of opacity of the logo. This explains why PNG is considered one of the best file types if your logo is to be used on newsletters and for presentations. However, it has a drawback in that the file size is typically larger and takes more download time.
GIF: Graphics Interchange Format
GIF ranks among the most common file types in logo designs when in animated form. Depending on the RGB colorspace, GIF files can form up to 256 colors. Most designers prefer using Graphics Interchange Format for web projects because the logo images load quickly. However, you should have knowledge about properly creating GIFs before using these types of files.
PDF: Portable Document Format
PDF files format have been developed by Adobe and are commonly used for document purposes. They can, however, also be used for sharing images, including logos. Developed by Adobe Systems, the Portable Document Format can be universally downloaded. You can view PDF files using any computer with Adobe Reader program. You can also save PDFs as editable files. This is certainly a great feature for both designers and DIY logo designers.
AI Adobe
AI Adobe file types come with similar advantages as PDFs. They are also true vector format, the difference being that they are Adobe proprietary. Because of that, you can only use AI Adobe with Illustrator. As you design your logo, keep copies in Illustrator as most print shops will often want to work with Illustrator files when prepping for print.
The Bottom Line
In terms of designing your company or brand logo, it’s important to have the right file format. If the logo is to be used for any digital purpose such as PowerPoint presentations or image watermarks, then choose PNG files. Choose vector files if your logo will be printed on brochures, business cards, or clothing. Use Scalable Vector Graphics (SVGs) only if the printer accepts that format, otherwise use PDF or EPS. In case you have been working on the logo yourself and are sending it to a pro for fine-tuning, send them as EPS or SVG files.
