Have you ever sent your logo off to print and it ended up looking blurry? Or have you uploaded your logo to your website and the colors don’t seem right?
Chances are, this is because you used the wrong file type.
When a marketing agency designs your logo, they should provide the final product in a few different file formats. But if you don’t know the difference between a JPG and a PDF, using the right one can be confusing and frustrating.
But don’t worry, we created this handy little cheat sheet for you to reference whenever you have questions about which file type to use for your logo.
Web vs. Print
There are a few differences between website and print logo file types, and it is important that you understand how they are different.
Print files require a higher resolution (300 DPI—dots per inch) to prevent your logo from looking blurry or pixelated. Web files can be compressed to a smaller size, which enables them to load faster while keeping your image crystal clear.
Color is also a huge factor with print and web files. Without getting too technical, print files use a different color system than web or screen devices use.
If you were to upload the print version of your file onto the web, chances are it could appear neon or altogether different from the actual colors of your logo. Vice versa, if you were to print the web version of your file, your colors might end up looking incorrect. This is why picking the correct file type is so important.
File Types
EPS
An EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) is primarily used in print materials. This file type is most commonly used when creating things like apparel, signs, or any large–scale item when the logo needs to be blown up at a really large size but retain its quality.
If you are ever asked for a file to be given to you in a vector format, then EPS is the file type you’ll want to send.
JPG or JPEG
A JPG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) is one of the most common file types that you’ll use. This file type is best known for maintaining true color and being a relatively small file size.
It’s important to note that a JPG has a white background (not transparent), so it will look best if placed on a white background.
PNG
A PNG (Portable Network Graphics) is similar to a JPG; although, it’s unique because it has a transparent background. This means that whatever color background you place this file on it will not have a white box surrounding the graphic.
A PDF (Portable Document Format) is another common file type used primarily for print. PDFs retain a higher quality of your logo than a JPG.
SVG
This file type is only used on the web, but it’s a powerhouse of a file type. SVGs (Scalable Vector Graphics) are scalable while maintaining a high-quality graphic no matter the size.
Need a new logo?
Design can be such an important part of your business’s marketing success. At GreenMellen, we love helping clients develop a new visual brand and identity—including new logo development.
Reach out to us today if you need help with branding or even just questions about logo files.
