Logo File Formats Explained: PNG, SVG, PDF and When to Use Each
Logo file formats decide where your logo looks sharp and where it fails. PNG, SVG, PDF, JPG, and EPS each have a job. This guide explains what each format is, which one to use for websites, print, social media, and signs, and which files to ask for when you order a logo.
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Logo file formats at a glance
| Format | Type | Transparent background? | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| PNG | Raster (pixels) | Yes | Websites, email, social media, presentations |
| SVG | Vector (shapes) | Yes | Print, signs, embroidery, any resizing |
| Vector or raster | Sometimes | Sending to printers who ask for it | |
| EPS | Vector | Yes | Older print workflows, sign shops |
| JPG | Raster (pixels) | No | Photos only, not logos |
What is the difference between raster and vector logo files?
A raster file, such as a PNG or JPG, is made of pixels. It looks sharp only at the size it was saved. Enlarge it too much and the edges turn blurry. A vector file, such as an SVG, EPS, or vector PDF, is built from mathematical shapes. It stays sharp at any size, from a business card to a billboard.
The simple rule: use vector files for anything that might be printed or resized, and raster files for screens.
Which logo file to use for each purpose
- Website header: PNG with transparent background, around 500 to 1000 pixels wide. An SVG also works well and loads quickly.
- Social media profile: square PNG, at least 400 x 400 pixels. Keep the logo centered with some empty space around it, because most platforms crop to a circle.
- Business cards and letterhead: SVG or vector PDF, sent to the printer.
- Shop signs and vehicle wraps: SVG or EPS. Sign shops cut and print from vector files.
- Embroidery on shirts and caps: SVG or vector PDF, in a simple one- or two-color version.
- Email signature: PNG, about 200 to 300 pixels wide, to keep the file small.
Why you should never use a JPG logo
JPG files have a solid background, usually white. Place that file on a colored website or a dark photo and you get a white box around the logo. Every time you save a JPG, it loses a little quality. A logo does not need that compression. If you only have a JPG, ask your designer or logo maker for the original vector or PNG file.
Which files to ask for when you order a logo
- A full-color transparent PNG (for web and social media)
- A full-color SVG (for print and signs)
- A one-color or black-and-white version (for stamps, single-color print, and fax)
- A reversed version for dark backgrounds (white logo on a dark surface)
- An icon-only version or square version (for app icons and social avatars)
If you are also making a brand guide, read our guide to brand guides for startups. It explains how to store these files so the whole team uses the right one.
How to convert and check a logo file
Most logo makers export PNG and SVG directly. If you need a different format, a free online converter or a design app such as Inkscape can change SVG to PDF or PNG. After converting, open the file on a phone and on a computer, and check three things: the edges are sharp, the background is transparent, and the colors match your brand hex codes.
Common file format mistakes
- Sending a small PNG to a printer, which results in a blurry logo on a large sign.
- Using a PNG with a white background on a colored website.
- Saving the logo as a JPG after editing, which adds compression artifacts.
- Forgetting the one-color version, which causes problems on stamps and invoices.
Start with the right files
Download a transparent PNG for the web and an SVG for print, and keep both in one folder. If you still need to create your logo, BuildMyLogo lets you generate logo options free and choose your files once you have a design you like.
FAQ
What is the best logo file format?
Use SVG for print and anything that gets resized, and transparent PNG for websites and social media.
What is the difference between PNG and SVG?
PNG is made of pixels and looks sharp only at the size it was saved. SVG is made of shapes and stays sharp at any size.
Should I use a JPG for my logo?
No. JPG files have a solid background and lose quality each time they are saved. Use PNG or SVG instead.
Which logo file do printers need?
Most printers prefer an SVG or vector PDF so the logo prints sharp at any size.
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