What logo file formats do I need?

A question I often get from business owners and marketing people is: what format do I need my logo in? or what should I get from my logo designer?

While every project is different and specific concepts and effects may require a unique approach, what follows is a quick guide of what we consider to be the most typical file formats in logo design, and the ones that we normally provide. Keep in mind that certain applications require specific formats, so you should keep the various formats on file.

.PDF = Portable Document Format
This is the format we use to share all design proofs via email throughout the creative process.

.AI = Adobe Illustrator / .EPS = Encapsulated Postcript 
Vector based format
This file can be enlarged without limitations or loss of quality. It is the preferred format by most printers and graphic professionals, and the best format for any high quality printing. It is also the most flexible format. Once you have a vector file, you can resave it into most other formats. While you might not be able to open it if you don’t have the necessary “vector” software, you can forward this format to any vendors who request it.

.JPG = Compressed Image File
Rasterized. Can be saved in high resolution
This file cannot be made any larger than the original without loss of quality (we normally provide final JPGs at about 7” wide at 300 dpi). It’s a very convenient format to open, as you do not need any specialized software. If you enlarge it more than appropriate, you will loose quality. This file is perfect for websites, web banners, social media, emailing, and general screen or desktop use such as Power Point Presentations, Word documents, etc. Wondering what does JPG mean? It’s an acronym for the Joint Photographic Experts Group who created this format. 

.PNG = Portable Network Graphics
Similar to the JPG, but this file supports transparencies more easily. If properly created, this format can be useful when trying to place your logo over a non-white background. 

.GIF = Graphics Interchange Format
A gif is a bitmap image format which only supports limited colors and quality, so it should only be used for simple web applications. We normally use it for a website’s favicon, the little/miniature logo or icon that appears on your web browser, next to the url.

For questions or information on logo design projects: 
natalia@studiorod.com  |  www.studiorod.com
Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/studiorod