“What’s up with all these files?” A Guide to Your Logo File Types

08 Jan “What’s up with all these files?” A Guide to Your Logo File Types

Have you recently worked with us, or someone else, on a logo project and received so many different file types that you weren’t sure where to even begin? You stare at your delivered file folders and are overwhelmed by the quantity so you put off even doing anything with your new logo. This is a guide to your logo file types, where and when the files can be used, and what their purposes are so you can use your logos effectively!

First, let’s go over color differences.

Print vs. Web, CMYK vs. RGB

If you are receiving logo files from us, you’ll notice right away there are two folders: Print and Web. The difference in these files is that typically we use “CMYK” color builds for printing (posters, business cards, brochures, etc.) and “RGB” color builds for anything digital (social media graphics, digital ads, etc.).  CMYK refers to the four colors (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) that are used in the printing process to print. RGB are the 3 colors (red, green, blue) that make up the color build on a monitor (tv or computer) so to get the best and most consistent color reproduction you will want to use the correct version. Other designers may organize these files differently so make sure you get clarification whether or not your files are for print or web!

Now for your file extensions.

.ai

Ai files are the original files used to create your logo so if anyone ever needed to make edits with the original logos they could do that with an .ai file. Whoever is making those edits will need to have access to Adobe Illustrator (hence the name .ai). We definitely wouldn’t recommend that, but you have these files, just in case.

.eps

This file type is what many printers want because it is a vector graphic that allows you to make the graphic any size without losing quality. (i.e. if you want your logo to be printed onto a billboard, the file would have to be much larger than if you were printing it on a pen). Eps files have a transparent background and this is the kind of file we would use for any print reproductions of your logo. However, most programs (word, acrobat, website, social media) won’t accept this file type and you likely won’t have the right program to open it. This is the file you would want to send to your printers for shirts/hats/apparel/merchandise. Your printer will be able to view and use these files. (Tip: Preview your logos using the .jpg or .pdf format, first.)

.pdf

This file type acts similar to an .eps in that it has the vector points included. However, it is more widely able to be opened because most people have at least Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you need to include the vector points and keep the quality of the image I would use this. However, it does not typically reproduce well if added in to a Word document.

.jpg

This is the most commonly used file format. Almost any program would be able to open a .jpg and use it. However, there are 3 downfalls.

1. It will likely always have a white background

2. You won’t be able to see/open a white version of the logo

3. As you increase the size of the logo, it will lose quality because it is made up of pixels that distort when it gets larger (like the example of the pen vs. billboard from before, the billboard reproduction would be extremely blurry if you used a jpg)

.png

This is also a pixel-based image like a jpg is. However, it often has a transparent background and can be used more broadly across many platforms/programs. When needing a file for digital uses, this is often the best file to use. (Reminder to use an RGB png if using your logo digitally). Or if you need to use it in a Word document and need the background removed, this is also the best option. (Tip: When placing your logo on a colored background for a poster, flyer, social graphic, etc., use a transparent png, not a jpg. The png’s transparent background will look much better than if you placed a jpg with a white box around the logo. If the background of your project is too dark for your logo, use the white version of your logo).

For more tips on how to use your logo, visit this post on our Facebook page!

We hope this guide to your logo file types was helpful. Contact us or leave a comment if you have any further questions regarding file types! We’re happy to help.