Logo File format. Have you ever found that your logo doesn’t look great when you send it to print, or it appears pixelated when you see it on your website and social media?
Chances are the file format used wasn’t suitable for the specific purposes. There are various file types for a logo that we’ll cover in this guide. Cutting out the jargon and getting straight to the point to teach you everything you need to know about your logo.
Whether you need to send files to your designer or want to use them yourself. By the time you’ve read this, you’ll be ready to show off your logo the right way!
Let’s keep things simple
All you need to know is why file types matter, what they are and when to use them. We’ll explore all of the best logo format files you’ll need to keep your brand looking consistent throughout all platforms.
Why do you need different logo file formats?
Some files are best for maintaining maximum quality, while others are best for having low file size or rich colors. The reason we need various files is that you want the opportunity to share your logo across different platforms without compromising quality. Each file doesn’t necessarily have pros or cons because each has its own, very unique purpose. They do different things in different ways, which is why we need them all.
What are the different file types for logos?
Now, this is where it can be a bit techy. There are only a handful of logo file formats needed for clients (which we cover further in this post). Nevertheless, it’s important you have an understanding of key files, to familiarize yourself with the terms and abbreviations. After all, you’ll most likely be managing these files in the long term.
Logo Format – JPG
Being one of the most used logo formats, JPG or JPEG files are perfect for maintaining true tone colors while being a relatively, small file size. Which is why jpeg logo files are commonly used on social media posts or profile images.
Format – PNG
You’ll recognize a PNG as it has the option to be transparent. Making it perfect to place on your website or on social media graphics and having the freedom to choose any background color or add over images. They also have the added advantage of maintaining image quality when resized. PNG files are generally larger, ideal for logos but not great for photographs.
Format – AI
This is the main file type for Adobe Illustrator, where your logo is designed, referred to as a vector logo file format. Having the original logo in Illustrator is essential to make edits in the future.
Format – EPS
Similarly to an AI file, an EPS file is best suited for editing and scaling a logo without losing quality. These two files are the ideal formats when handing over designs to a professional designer.
Format – SVG
Finally, we have the all-rounder. An SVG is perfect for designers. This file type allows for editing, resizing and transparency. They are typically used for small icons but are great when used on websites as they maintain high quality no matter what the size and you can add code to change the colors.
Format – PDF
PDF’s are great files to share your logo as they can be easily viewed by others on the internet. Meaning, you and others you share the logo with won’t need any advanced software to view your logo. PDF’s also maintain a higher standard of quality of logos than other file formats such as JPG’s.
What Logo File Formats are Best for You?
I know, there are a lot of different types of file formats. But, the thing is, you only need to use 2 or 3 and still be able to have your logo looking consistently perfect. You don’t often have much use for a native illustrator design file, and designers don’t really need JPGs for anything.
Logo File Formats for Clients
JPG and PNG are the 2 most common file formats you’ll need.
Logo File Formats for Designers
Your designer/developer, on the other hand, will additionally need an SVG file and the original AI file. Having the AI file gives your designer the ability to export your logo into the various formats covered previously.
What file formats to use for printing your logo or use online?
A logo is designed to be shared across multiple platforms, whether that’s on your professional website or a branded pen. But, each file format must be used for the specific purpose the logo will be used for.
Web/Digital
JPG, PNG and SVG are the best file formats for logos on the web. The right format will provide rich colors, transparent backgrounds and scalability to ensure they are perfect for any screen size. It’s important that all files are saved using the RGB color format to provide the best colors on the web.
The best file format for printing a logo will be AI, PDF or EPS. They have the highest resolutions meaning your logo will be printed to the highest standard. CMYK is the color mode used for print logos.