6 Logo File Formats You Should Have
If you are an entrepreneur, you already know that you need a logo so people can identify your business. You may already have done some research, like "How much freelance graphic designers charge?", "Where to create a logo design?", "What is a good logo for a sports/nutritional/coaching/healthy lifestyle business?", or "What are good logo colors?". But have you asked the question, "What logo file formats should I have?" If you answered with no, it's ok. I'm here to help you out!
When designing your logo, it is important to keep in mind where and how your logo will be used. Are you planning on creating a website where you sell your products/services? Are you selling merchandise that needs your logo embroidered on? Or maybe you are one of the businesses that market offerings on billboards.
No matter what your answer is, the following file formats should cover all your logo distribution needs as they will provide you with a wide variety of options. Ready? Let's see!
These are the file formats you will need:
JPG
PNG
AI
PDF
SVG
EPS
But why do you need them all?
JPG/JPEG - Joint Photographic Experts Group
A JPG/JPEG is one of the most frequently used file types, as you will need to include it on all of your Social Media Profiles; Internal Word docs like memos, and letterheads; PowerPoint presentations; and email signatures.
PNG - Portable Network Graphics
This format is very similar in use to JPG files, but the uniqueness of a PNG file comes from the transparent background. This is what you want to use when you don’t need the white background behind your logo.
AI - Adobe Illustrator Artwork
This is the original logo file your designer worked on. You will need it in the future if you want your logo to be redesigned and hire a (different) designer to do so. Some designers don’t give it to you unless you ask for it as it is the original artwork, and they don’t want you to accidentally mess up your graphics.
PDF - Portable Document Format
You need this format because it can be viewed on any computer with a PDF viewer. This file also preserves illustrator-editing capabilities, so it can be opened and modified in the same way an AI file can, but it has a smaller file size compared to an AI file. This file will be useful once you hire an in-house graphic designer to create your digital and printed marketing materials in the future.
SVG - Scalable Vector Graphics
An SVG file is a vector-based file, meaning you can scale it up and down without the image becoming blurry. High-resolution screens becoming more and more common, this format will ensure your logo remains sharp, no matter the device it’s viewed on. You need this format for your web developer.
EPS - Encapsulated PostScript
An EPS file is also a vector-based file you need to send to your vendors when you are getting your printed assets ready for your business.
Do you have all of these logo file formats?
Did you find it helpful, or you have more questions? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
This post was inspired by Michael Bruny-Groth’s “Logo File Formats Explained: Even Your Clients Will Understand”, which I also recommend to read.
