When you work with a designer to create a new logo, you’ll receive a folder with a variety of files. For many non-designers, it can be confusing knowing what these different file types are and what they are used for! Today I’m breaking it down for you!

In this post, I’m sharing the different types of files I include for my clients and why, but first, we need to review some file format lingo!

 

File format vocabulary

 

Vector vs Raster

A vector image is composed of paths, while a raster image is composed of pixels. A vector image can scale up or down infinitely and never lose image quality. A raster image when resized larger than the file size will look pixelated.

 

Transparency

If an image is transparent, the background is able to show through. You will want some versions of your logo to have transparency because you may be placing it over other images or different color backgrounds.

 

CMYK vs RGB

CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) is the color mode used for print, while RGB (red, green, and blue) is the color mode used for graphics displayed on a screen. The reason they are different is because printers create colors using ink, while screens create colors by combining light. Here’s an easy rhyme to remember the difference: “If it shows on a screen, use RGB. If you’ll print it someday, use CMYK.”

 

Resolution

A file’s resolution is its quality, also described in terms of “dpi,” or dots-per-inch. This only applies to raster files, since vector files aren’t pixel-based. On the web, a DPI between 72 and 150 is ideal because any larger will increase page loading time. For print, you will want to use a DPI of at least 300 DPI.

 

Use for print

 

AI

Stands for: Adobe Illustrator

File type: Vector

Supports Transparency: Yes

The AI file is the original vector file. I include this file because printers may ask for it, and if you work with another designer in the future, they will most likely need this file.

 

EPS

Stands for: Encapsulated PostScript

File type: Vector

Supports Transparency: Yes

EPS files used to be the standard way to export a file for print from Adobe Illustrator. These days, it’s more common for a print shop to ask for a PDF file, but I always include EPS files just in case! EPS files are great for large-scale printing, like if you were printing your logo on a large backdrop for a bridal show.

 

PDF

Stands for: Portable Document Format

File type: Vector

Supports Transparency: Yes

For most printers, PDF has replaced EPS as the preferred file type for print projects. If you are working with a printer to print something on paper (like a brochure) or on an object (like branded cups), the printer will most likely request this file format.

 

Use for web

 

JPG

Stands for: Joint Photographic Experts Group

File type: Raster

Supports Transparency: No

You wedding photographers are probably very familiar with this format because it’s how you upload images to your website! JPGs are ideal for complex images like wedding shots, and actually not ideal for logos. That said, I still include them in your file delivery because at some point you may need to upload your logo somewhere that only accepts jpg files.

 

PNG

Stands for: Portable Network Graphics

File type: Raster

Supports Transparency: Yes

You will probably use this file type of your logo most frequently on the web. Because PNGs support transparency, they can be placed over different images and backgrounds without a problem. However, keep in mind that a PNG is a raster image, meaning if it is scaled too large it will start to look pixelated.

 

SVG

Stands for: Scalable Vector Graphic

File type: Vector

Supports Transparency: Yes

An SVG is a true vector format. It can be opened in any vector editing program, like Adobe Illustrator or Sketch. An SVG file can also be used to upload your logo to your website. Because it is a vector format, it can scale without losing quality.

 

Summary

Don’t be intimidated when you receive your final files from your designer. Once you remember what files are for what purposes, you’ll be a logo file expert!

Do you have any questions about file types? Drop them in the comments and I’ll do my best to help!