Don't Get Confused With All Those Logo Files

Sep 4, 2020

2 min read

Updated: Aug 27

"EPS, JPG, PNG! What do these letters mean?!"

We've all been there. This section makes sure you don't feel overwhelmed when you receive brand and logo files from your graphic designer.

To get the full value of that investment, you need to know when and how to use each file you've been given. There's a reason you receive so many versions: there is no such thing as "one file fits all."

So when should you use which file type anyway? What’s the difference between web and high resolution? What if you need to use your logo over a photo?

COMMON FILE TYPES

Let's start with file types. Who knew three letters could cause so much confusion, right?! When your designer or agency sends your final files, chances are they will include the following items. To spare you all the technical talk, I've broken down what each file is and when to use it. Enjoy!

EPS – This is a vector file, "meaning its appearance is defined by a mathematical formula instead of a bunch of dots or pixels."

You should always have an EPS version of your assets as it has scalability and can be used on a variety of different mediums and platforms without losing its quality.

Oh, and EPS have transparent backgrounds!

Sample Uses:

Billboards
Signage
Print ads requiring a logo with transparent background
Specialty printed business collateral (i.e. business cards)
Brochures
Promotional materials (t-shirts, water bottles, etc.)

JPG – Without overcomplicating it, let me just say this... JPG files don’t have the same scalability as vector files, so be cautious using it for large print items. Always know the JPG's size so you don't enlarge it past its size limit. JPGs are created with a size in mind and if you stretch them past their intended size, you'll get a fuzzy or pixelated image.

Remember, JPGs have a white background behind them and are not transparent. Try not to use a JPG if the application has a colored or graphic background, because then you'll see that pesky white box behind your logo.

Sample Uses for a high-resolution JPG:

If your website header and background is white
Letterheads
Invoices or Purchase Orders

PNG – PNG files usually have a transparent background so they're great for use over colored backgrounds, photos, patterned backgrounds, etc. Reminder: PNGs should be used for digital or web applications only.

Sample Uses: