Once your logo is finished, your designer sends a folder of files with names like AI, SVG, EPS, PNG and PDF. Knowing which logo file formats you need, and when to use each, saves you from blurry prints, broken websites and repeat requests to your designer. This guide explains each format in plain English and tells you which one to use for what.
| Format | Type | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| AI | Vector | Master file, future edits |
| EPS | Vector | Print vendors, older software |
| SVG | Vector | Websites and apps |
| Vector or mixed | Sharing, proofs, print | |
| PNG | Raster | Web, slides, transparent background |
| JPG | Raster | Photos, email, simple use |
Vector vs raster: the one idea to understand
Every logo file format is either vector or raster. A vector file stores shapes as maths, so it can scale to a business card or a billboard with no loss of quality. A raster file stores pixels, so it looks sharp only at the size it was made. Your master logo should always be vector. Raster files are exports made from it for specific uses. For a deeper comparison, read our guide on vector vs raster logos.
The main logo file formats and when to use them
AI (Adobe Illustrator). The master file. It is a vector file that your designer or a future designer can edit. Keep it safe, and send it only to people who need to edit the logo.
EPS. An older vector format that many print vendors and sign makers still ask for. Use it when a printer requests a vector file and does not accept SVG.
SVG. A vector format made for the web. It stays sharp on any screen, loads quickly, and works well on websites and apps. Scalable Vector Graphics are the standard choice for web logos.
PDF. A flexible format that can hold vector artwork. It is useful for sharing a logo with printers, partners and clients because almost everyone can open it.
PNG. A raster format with a transparent background, so the logo can sit on a coloured section or a photo. Use it for slides, documents and web images when SVG is not an option.
JPG. A raster format with no transparency, so the logo always has a background. It suits simple uses such as email or a quick share, but PNG is usually the better choice.
Which logo file format should you use?
- Website: SVG first, PNG as a backup.
- Social media profile: PNG, in the square or icon version. See how to use an icon version of your logo.
- Printed materials and packaging: vector PDF, EPS or AI. Read logo on packaging and shipping labels.
- Signs, uniforms and embroidery: vector files, plus any one-colour versions.
- Presentations and documents: PNG with a transparent background.
- Email signature: a small PNG.
Which design software opens each logo format?
Not every image file opens in every program, so it helps to know what you can do with each one. An AI file is the editable master and opens in Adobe Illustrator. An EPS file opens in most professional design software and is the format many print vendors still ask for. An SVG opens in Illustrator, Figma, Inkscape and every web browser, which is why it is the usual choice for websites.
You do not need design software to check what you received. Drag the SVG into a browser tab to preview the vector logo, and open PNG and JPG files in any photo viewer. A PDF opens on almost every device, so it is handy for sharing with printers and clients.
Using your logo as a profile picture
A profile picture is small and usually cropped to a circle or square, so a wide horizontal logo often becomes unreadable. Use the icon-only version exported as a square PNG with some empty space around the mark. Social platforms compress uploads, so start from a clean PNG rather than a small JPG. Our guide on the icon version of your logo explains when to use it.
The short version: keep the AI or EPS as your master, use SVG online, PNG for everyday uploads and PDF for sharing.
What a complete logo package includes
A professional logo package usually includes more than one file. Look for:
- Vector files: AI, EPS, SVG and PDF.
- Raster files: PNG with a transparent background, and JPG.
- Colour versions: full colour, one colour, black and white.
- Layout versions: horizontal, stacked and icon only.
- Colour values for screen and print, and basic usage rules.
If your package is missing the vector files, ask for them before the project ends. Check the full list with our checklist before launching a new logo.
Common mistakes with logo file formats
- Using a JPG on a coloured background. You get a white box around the logo.
- Stretching a small PNG. It turns blurry. Use the vector file or a larger export.
- Screenshotting the logo from a website. The quality is low and the colours may shift.
- Sending the master AI file to everyone. Share exports, and keep the master safe.
- Not knowing the colours. Without colour values, your logo will look different in print. See why logos look different on screen vs print.
Frequently asked questions
Which logo file format is best?
The vector master (AI, EPS, SVG or PDF) is best because it scales to any size. Use PNG or JPG exports for specific needs.
Can I use a PNG for printing?
Only if it is very large. For print, ask for a vector PDF or EPS.
What is an SVG logo used for?
SVG is mainly for websites and apps, where it stays sharp on every screen.
Do I need all the logo file formats?
Not every one, but you should have at least one vector file, a transparent PNG and a PDF.
Next step
Need a logo with the full set of files? Browse the logo shop for exclusive readymade marks, or start a project for a custom identity. You can also email hello@logofarmers.com with your question.
