Which file format does your logo need to be in?

As a businessman, you should do all you can to make your logo eye-catching and memorable as your logo is the cornerstone in your brand identity. And if you want a professional logo design, you need to know about the different file formats you can get your logo in.

There are two main categories of logo design files – Vector and Raster – and both are intended for a different purpose. So, knowing what files you are sending and why is very important for you. Here is a brief guide that will help you get some logo design inspiration.

1. Vector files

Vector files can be scaled without compromising with quality as they are built up from mathematically precise points. It is going to keep looking sharp, whether it is billboard size or a stamp size. It is perfect for high quality or large scale printing purposes. For example; exhibition stands, vehicle printing, pens, brochures, etc. Also, these files are provided in CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black) color mode. These colors are used to make up the colors in a full printed page. PDF, EPS, AI and SVG files are the most popular vector files.

AI: Adobe Illustrator

The AI file is an editable, transparent and scalable working file. You can only view this format with the Adobe software until it is saved with PDF compatibility. AI is becoming more viable as a logo format and it is perfect for printing purposes.

PDF: Portable Document Format

Vector format and transparency are making PDF logos more popular. Also, you can view PDF universally on any computer with Adobe Acrobat. It is great for print or web digital. Also, you can open and modify this format in the same way an AI file can.

EPS: Encapsulated PostScript

When it comes to choosing the logo file format for print, EPS plays a vital role. It is scalable, editable and transparent but only if you have the right software. If you use PNG and EPS files, you can do anything you want to do with your brand’s logo.

SVG: Scalable Vector Graphic

SVG is an XML-based vector image format and is perfect for animation. You can use this graphic format for current web development demands of performance, scalability, accessibility, and interactivity. 

2. Raster Files

Raster files are made of small squares called pixels. They are provided in RGB (Red, Green, and Blue) colors. They have a file extension of.JPEG or.PNG.

JPG/JPEG: Joint Photographic Experts Group

JPG/JPEG is the best file format for websites, everyday printing, Microsoft Office programs, etc. It is debatably the most commonly used image file format. It offers very good compression without overly degrading the image. This means the size of the image is very small, so it will be able to load quickly.

PNG: Portable Network Graphics

PNG is a file that is used for website, email or any computer programs. One of the best things about this file is that it holds a transparent background. Also, it doesn’t lose quality during editing.

Hope you have now understood which file format you should use for your logo design. Designing a logo with a correct file format is a very daunting task. When you hire professionals for reliable logo design services, you will get a beautiful and valuable logo at the end.