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As a creative entrepreneur and business owner, you probably know your file types by now. You know the ones you need, the ones you can use, and those you want to avoid at all costs.

When I first started designing newspapers, I knew about 3 of these suggested file types. Being in Adobe for so long, you have to become acquainted with many of the different file types and where each format should be used, in case you needed to make a quick edit or produce another form for an editor. 

The most common file types I’ve encountered are .PDFs and .JPGs, however, I’m incredibly grateful to the person who introduced me to an .EPS file format. The more editability a graphic designer can have is always appreciated.

If you’re unfamiliar with any of these file types as a business owner, don’t fret. You might have created a logo yourself (Congrats!) in a different kind of program other than Adobe Illustrator. 

A compressed file, like a .PNG or .JPG, will have to be recreated to achieve a functional .PDF or .EPS file format. If this is the case, talk to a graphic designer to see what type of services they can offer to help you recreate a logo in either of these file types.

If you start new logo designs for a business, always have a master file saved as either a .AI, .SVG, or .PDF file so you can access the file later and make changes as needed. When you have completed the logo or logos for your client, always provide your client with these four file types and formats.

Logo File Type: .EPS

.EPS stands for Encapsulated Postscript. It’s often a master file for designers to edit or manipulate a logo in a raw form.

.EPS file formats are vector files. You can scale vector files to large proportions without losing the quality of the image. 

The background is transparent unless you add a backdrop to the entire file. I’ve found the best way to use an .EPS file type is to go into the file and copy and paste the contents. Copying and pasting will allow you to have the materials without relinking the file every time you open your projects.

When do you use the .EPS file format?

An .EPS file is the ideal file type you would send to a designer if you want changes or edits to your logo. 

Other than being used or edited by a graphic designer, an .EPS file format is a great option to use on several products. It can be easily scalable and enlarged to extreme proportions without becoming grainy or losing its quality.

Logo File Type: .PDF

As a .PDF, Portable Document Format, you have the combination of the compatibility of a .PNG file with the quality of an .EPS file format. 

A .PDF is a vector file format and is easily condensed and readable by many computers. This file format allows you to show your logo in a high-quality setting while also make it easy for clients to access and share it as needed.

The great thing about .PDF file formats for logos is that the background can be transparent. If in a pinch, graphic designers can also access and edit logos as a .PDF in Adobe Illustrator.

When do you use the .PDF file format?

As mentioned, .PDF files are becoming more widely considered the preferred logo file format, both for their editability and accessibility.

You’re able to use a .PDF format in various places, such as documents, billboards, and other print materials.

Logo File Type: .PNG

.PNG, or Portable Network Graphic, is a version of a transparent raster image. You can use a .PNG file format for your logo when needing a web graphic or a project where your logo needs to be transparent. 

Raster files can be increased in size but acquire a blurry or blocky quality when increased too much. 

If you want to see a result, .PNG file formats are great to use when looking over products for e-commerce, merchandise, and service websites. Audiences can open and access .PNG files easily through web or email formats.

When do you use the .PNG file format?

.PNG file types are accessible rather than high-quality. It can be easy to transfer a .PNG file type when sending an email or uploading it to your website without taking up much space. 

If you overlay a .PNG file format over a product or photograph, you can make a unique watermark for your products. 

Logo File Type: .JPG or .JPEG

A .JPG, or Joint Photographic Experts Group, is the last file format you should create for logos in Adobe Illustrator. 

.JPGs are raster files, meaning you probably won’t get very high-quality the bigger you make the logo. They also don’t appear as transparent and will always have a white background, at least.

As the most common file format, many people open and view logos as .JPGs. However, they aren’t able to be edited like other file formats.

When do you use the .JPG/.JPEG file format?

.JPGs are great when uploading smaller file formats to the web. Most .JPGs are the preferred format for social media and web graphics. As a condensed file format, .JPGs tend to save time loading on websites compared to other file formats.

Whether you’re just starting your business or have been in business for 50 years, your business should have access to these 4 file type formats for your logos.

If you’re uncertain about how or when to use a certain type of logo file format, contact a graphic designer to give you more information. You can also download my free file type guide to keep nearby when you design your logo.

Are you looking for a logo for your business? See more about my services to see if I could be a good fit for your expectations.