When it comes to logos, it’s important to have the right file for a specific purpose, from being used on a business card and Facebook group cover to printing on T-shirts. There are several logo file formats: PNG, SVG, EPS, PDF.
A file can be identified by its extension: logo.png, logo.eps, etc. In this article, you will learn all about logo formats.
What is a logo
The word “logo” means: a name, symbol or trademark designed to be easily recognizable. A logo is a graphical representation of the essence of a company. It consists of a symbol, an illustration and/or a graphic print. There are many benefits to a professionally designed logo. A logo needs to grab attention, which is why it’s critical. It is he who makes the first and last impression on visitors to your corporate website. This is an important thing for a company.
A professional logo will help your business attract new customers and increase brand loyalty, as well as build trust because it works for you 24 hours a day. In conclusion, we can say that the logo is central to the identity of the company.
Logo file formats
PNG logo format
PNG files can be used for almost any digital purpose. They are also useful if you need digital images with transparency, such as logos, to apply colored backgrounds or to place them on top of other images. This file type is not recommended for printing.
What are the benefits of PNG files?
- If you compress and decompress the image size, it will not lose its quality;
- Can display millions of colors;
- Support for transparent backgrounds;
- Easy to open and view (bitmap file).
Use PNG files to place your logo:
- On websites and blogs;
- In presentations;
- Letterhead Word or Google docs;
- Social media profiles and group covers;
- In online stores or designers;
- Images (for example, to add a watermark).
How to open PNG files?
You can open PNG files on computers, mobile devices, and tablets because it’s an accessible, easy-to-read file format. Most browsers also allow you to view PNG without downloading the file right in the browser.
SVG logo format
SVG – Scalable Vector Graphics
SVG is designed for the web using mathematical formulas, not individual colored pixels on a page. Vector files will always be sharp and maintain quality – for this reason, you should use them when sending a logo to a printer for printing.
What are the benefits of SVG files?
- Can be scaled to any size without losing image quality (they also look great on all monitors);
- Small file size compared to PNG or JPG;
- XML web language and editable software design;
- Support for transparent backgrounds.
Use SVG files in the following situations:
- Printed materials (business cards, posters, stickers, etc.);
- Clothing and footwear;
- Stickers and labels;
- Web sites;
- If you need to send your logo to a designer to make changes.
How to open SVG files?
You can open SVG files in a browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, Internet Explorer), Adobe Illustrator, or another Adobe program such as Photoshop and InDesign using the SVG plugin.
These files are also great to send to a designer if you need them to work on your logo. Inkscape and GIMP are two free programs that support SVG files (note that we do not recommend editing SVG in these programs).
EPS logo format
EPS files are a graphic format for vector images in Adobe Illustrator. They are used for printing and editing and are commonly referred to as “editable files” or “source files”.
What are the benefits of EPS files?
- Easily scalable for printing (can be the size of a billboard and the size of a business card);
- Vector file format;
- Editable logo, in programs such as Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop;
- Support for transparent backgrounds.
Use EPS files for your logo in the following cases:
- Printed materials (business cards, posters, brochures, etc.);
- Stickers and labels;
- Clothing and footwear;
- If you need to send your logo to a designer to make changes.
How do you open an EPS file?
It is difficult to open and edit an EPS file without Illustrator or Photoshop; however, you can download free software like Sketch or Inkscape to access the file.
PDF logo format
PDF files are another file format developed by Adobe. They are usually used for documents, but can also be used to share images, including logos.
What are the benefits of PDF files?
- Easy to read and open file format;
- Formatting remains the same on every device;
- Support for transparent backgrounds;
- Easy to share.
Use PDF files to place your logo:
- On printed materials (business cards, posters, stickers, etc.);
- In stickers and labels;
- Clothes and footwear.
How does a PDF file open?
Since it is an easy-to-read file format, you can download and open PDF files on computers, mobile devices, and tablets. Most browsers allow you to view a PDF file without opening it in an additional program after downloading. The ideal PDF opener is Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is free to download and comes with most computers.
To edit a PDF file, you will need Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop.
How to choose a format
When it comes to logo design, it’s important to have the right file type for the right purpose. Below are some tips.
If you’re using your logo for any digital purpose, from PowerPoint presentations to watermarking images, choose PNG files.
If you are submitting your logo for printing on business cards, brochures, clothing, discount cards, etc., choose vector files. Use SVGs if they fit the printer you are using, if not, send an EPS or PDF.
If you are sending your logo to a designer for revision, send them the SVG or EPS files.
So, we told you about logo formats and which one is better to choose. We wish you good luck in building your brand!