The “L” Files: A Guide to Logo File Types
When you receive your new logo files from Niche, your file package will contain multiple file-formats custom-designed for a variety of applications. Knowing when and where to use each file format is essential to its successful application.
To assist you as you begin to use your new logo files, the design team at Niche has created a quick reference guide to the common logo file formats with examples of how and when to use them in your marketing efforts.
EPS – Encapsulated PostScript
EPS is a graphic format for vector-based images in Adobe Illustrator and used for professional printing purposes. Because EPS files are a vector, they are scalable and able to be printed on very small areas like labels or stickers as well as very large spaces like billboards. EPS formats should have “outlined” fonts which allows a professional printer to open and use your logo file without having to have the original font installed on their computer.
What are the benefits of EPS files?
Vector file format
Easily scalable for a wide range of print sizes
Editable on design software like Adobe Illustrator
Support transparent backgrounds
Use EPS files to put your logo on:
Print materials
Stickers and labels
Promotional items and apparel
How do you open EPS files?
You can open .eps files with Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop, but this process can be tricky and is not recommended for novices.
AI – Adobe Illustrator
AI is a graphic format for vector-based images in Adobe Illustrator and is also used for professional printing purposes. AI formats are similar to the EPS files with the exception that they have non-outlined fonts, meaning the text is editable, unlike an EPS file. This means that if you use this file format for print projects, the professional printer may ask you to provide the font files used.
What are the benefits of AI files?
Vector file format
Editable on design software like Adobe Illustrator
Support transparent backgrounds
Fonts are editable
Use AI files to put your logo on:
Print materials
Stickers and labels
Promotional items and apparel
How do you open AI files?
You can open .eps files with Adobe Illustrator, but this process can be tricky and is not recommended for novices.
PNG – Portable Network Graphic
PNG logo files are is useful if you need your logo to be transparent for use as an overlay on colored backgrounds or on other images. This file type is not recommended for print projects.
What are the benefits of PNG files?
Transparent file format
Great for overlays and watermarking images
Support transparent backgrounds
Can be edited using most photo editing programs
Use PNG files to put your logo on:
Websites and blogs
Presentations
Letterheads on Word or Google docs
Social media profile and cover photos
Online shops or platforms like Etsy
Images (e.g. to add a watermark)
How do you open PNG files?
PNG files are commonly used and should be able to be opened and edited in most photo editing programs.
JPG or JPEG – Joint Photographic Experts Group
JPG or JPEG is a compressed image file format that can be used in print or web. The benefit of being able to compress the image file is that it can greatly reduce the overall size of the file, however the more compressed the file becomes, the more pixelated it will become. JPEG or JPG files do not support transparent backgrounds.
What are the benefits of JPG or JPEG files?
Most commonly used graphic file type
Can be compressed to reduce file size
Can be edited using most photo editing programs
Use JPG or JPEG files to put your logo on:
Websites and blogs
Presentations
Letterheads on Word or Google docs
Social media profile and cover photos
Online shops or platforms like Etsy
Images
How do you open JPG or JPEG files?
JPG and JPEG files are commonly used and should be able to be opened and edited in most photo editing programs.
Want to know more about graphics files? Check out these great guides:
Have questions about your logo files? Need help designing or updating your logo? Niche is happy to assist! Give us a call: 443-787-4951