Logo File Formats Explained: Which Files You Need and Why

You've just received your completed logo from a designer. Inside the delivery folder are a dozen files with extensions like .ai, .eps, .svg, .png, .pdf and maybe .webp. If you're not a designer yourself, this is bewildering — and most people make the mistake of just using the first file that opens.

Understanding your logo files isn't just a technical exercise. Using the wrong file in the wrong place leads to blurry printing, pixelated websites and costly reproduction mistakes. Here's everything you need to know, in plain English.

The Most Important Distinction: Vector vs. Raster

Before we look at specific formats, you need to understand this fundamental divide:

Vector files are built from mathematical paths — lines, curves and shapes defined by coordinates. They can be scaled to any size, from a postage stamp to a billboard, without any loss of quality. These are your master files.

Raster files are made up of pixels — a fixed grid of coloured squares. They look crisp at their intended size but become blurry when enlarged. These are your export files for specific uses.

Every Logo File Format Explained

Format	Type	Best For
.AI (Adobe Illustrator)	Vector	Your master source file. Keep it safe. Editable in Adobe Illustrator.
.EPS	Vector	The universal vector format. Send to printers, embroiderers, sign-makers and any professional who needs to reproduce your logo.
.SVG	Vector	Vector for the web. Scales perfectly on any screen resolution. Ideal for websites and apps.
.PDF (vector)	Vector	A portable vector format. Useful for sharing with vendors who can't open AI or EPS. Make sure it's a vector PDF, not a flattened one.
.PNG	Raster	The web-use standard. Supports transparency. Use for websites, social media, presentations and documents. Never send to print.
.JPG / .JPEG	Raster	Compressed image format with no transparency support. Avoid for logos — the compression introduces artefacts around edges.
.WebP	Raster	Modern web format with better compression than PNG. Good for website performance, especially if you have a logo-heavy page.

The Five Files Every Business Should Have

• Full-colour version on white background — your default logo for most uses
• Full-colour version with transparent background (PNG) — for overlaying on images and coloured backgrounds
• Black version — for single-colour printing, embossing, laser engraving
• White version — for use on dark backgrounds, dark apparel, reversals
• Favicon / icon-only version — a simplified mark for browser tabs, app icons and profile pictures

Each of these should exist in both vector (EPS or SVG) and raster (PNG at 2000px wide minimum) formats.

What to Do If You're Missing Files

If you only have a JPEG or a low-resolution PNG — particularly if your logo came from an online generator, a crowdsourcing platform or an old designer — you may have a problem. Without a vector source file, your logo cannot be professionally reproduced at large sizes.

In this situation, you have two options: trace your existing logo into a vector (which works if the design is worth keeping), or commission a new logo designed in vector from the start. Either way, every professional logo should come with source files as standard — if yours didn't, something has gone wrong.

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