A Complete Guide on Choosing The Right Logo File Format

It is important to save the logo image using a file format that supports rich colors and transparent backgrounds. PNG, JPG, PDF and SVG are considered the best file formats for saving images on the Internet. For logos or other images that need to be used across multiple devices and screens, the RICB color format should be used to provide the best image quality on any screen. The following content also has some reference value for Eagle digitizing.

Your logo will be printed or used digitally. Therefore, you need to receive the logo image from the designer based on the purpose of the image. For example, if you need to print a logo on a T-shirt, it will be saved in a different file format than the one ideal for digital distribution.

Vector and raster formats

Logo files can be saved in basically two formats - vector and raster. For example, professional designers often design logos in Adobe Illustrator. AI is a vector-based program. Photoshop, on the other hand, is a raster-based program.

When it comes to designing logos, professionals often prefer to create logos in vector format. This is because vector images can be scaled to larger or smaller sizes without distorting the image quality.

The lines, points, curves and other features of the design remain the same scale even when scaled to a fairly large size (as on a billboard). These image details are also visible when the logo is reduced to a very small size. Also, note that the vector file is the original file that the designer used to create and edit the logo.

Raster images are not considered ideal formats because they are not scalable and will lose resolution. Also, the logo image will become blurry when scaled to a larger size. This is because these file logo formats are based on pixels.

So, after you use a logo maker to make your logo, if your logo image is saved in raster file format, you need to first convert it to vector format when you want to make changes to your design.

PNG, EPS, SVG, and PDF are common logo file formats. However, other options are available depending on your needs.

Why do you need different logo file formats?

The logo file format is a way to share logo designs across multiple platforms. When sharing these files, the main concern is to maintain the quality of the logo. But each file format has its own characteristics and uses. For example, while certain file formats have smaller file sizes and may have rich colors, others are known for maximum image quality.

Since each file has its own purpose, some files are suitable for printing logos on custom T-shirts, tank tops, sweatshirts, and other surfaces. Others are good at digitally placing logos and the like on websites. Therefore, you need different file logo formats to make a distinctive work.

Here are the main logo file formats you should consider

01.PNG (Portable Network Graphics)

Portable Network Graphics (PNG) is considered one of the best file formats for storing digital graphics such as logos and flat images. This is a pixel-based raster image format that you must also prefer when the image has a transparent background.

PNG is one of the logo file types that can display millions of colors. You can also use transparent PNG on a colored background or image, making it a useful format for logos.

But one of the downsides of PNGS is that they are less scalable. Because these files have a limited number of pixels, they cannot be scaled up beyond the limit if needed. Therefore, printing these files is not recommended.

Here are the PNGs you should keep in mind:

Applicable to the network

Support transparency

Lossless compression

Not expandable to larger sizes

Not suitable for printing

02.JPEG (Joint Image Expert Group)

JPEG is a raster file format used primarily to save logo images. Sometimes abbreviated as JPG, this format has the advantage of being easily compressed to store logo images and other images. But the document does not support transparency. It is also not an ideal file format for scaling images without losing quality.

Here are the JPEG files you need to consider:

Ideal for photos

Nondestructive

Suitable for web paper

Not extensible

Not transparent

Not suitable for printing

03.TIF (tag image file format)

TIFF is rarely used as a logo file by designers. But some designers may send your logo in this format. For the most part, TIFF is ideal for sending photos and other images. When images are saved in this file format, the quality remains the same and they can be edited.

The downside of this file format, however, is the large file size, which can be problematic if you run out of storage space.

Its key advantages include:

Able to edit

Perfect for taking pictures

Lossless compression

Large file size

Suitable for web and print

Support transparency

Not extensible

04.GIF (Graphics Interchange Format)

GIF files are great for animated logos. This is also ideal for simple graphics with limited colors. It only supports 256 colors and is not suitable for photos or detailed graphics in most cases. These file logo formats have a smaller size and shorter storage space.

Its main features include:

Small file size

Not extensible

Good choice for Internet

Animation support

Support transparency

Limit to 256 colors

Not suitable for printing

Which is the best file format for printing logos?

Often, high resolution PDF files are considered the best solution when sending images for printing. Recipients also find PDF files easy to use because they can be opened on any device. There are usually no compatibility issues involved.

In addition to PDF, it is recommended to use two other logo formats when sending logo images. These are the EPS and AI files. EPS files are compatible with all printing devices. Therefore, if the printer does not specify a logo file type, you can send logo images in PDF and EPS file formats.

You can also rely on AI files to send and retrieve logo design images without any distortion. All design layers are secure without any changes or compression.

What are the best file formats for digital printed logos?

Consider certain types of logo files when digitally printing logos on websites and other online platforms. JPG, PNG, and SVG should be your first choice for saving your logo image when you plan to print it on your website.

These formats have transparent backgrounds, rich colors, extensibility, and other features. But make sure these files are saved in RGB format to get the best colors on the network.

These are key aspects of the logo file format that help you decide to save your logo image as the correct design for physical or digital printing.

Obviously, when you create a logo using a logo maker, you still need to learn how to save the logo image, preferably in the best file format.