*IMPORTANT NOTE:* if it doesn’t contain the AI or EPS file, you were not provided the original vector logo, which you should have received if you truly own your logo. Trust us, you will want these two file types when it comes to future projects.
When you purchase a logo package here at Rock Paper Simple you own your logo. It’s that simple. We provide you with every industry standard file type, as well as an explanation so you can better understand what all these files should be used for.
Anyway, the files you receive may contain file extensions like JPG, PDF, PNG, AI and EPS…So what’s the difference? Here’s what you need to know when it comes to file formats:
.JPG
This is the most common web file type you’ll see and a file format most everyone is familiar with. JPG, also spelled JPEG, can be opened on almost all computers. This file type does experience “lossy” compression, meaning the quality of the image decreases as the file size decreases.
Please note that a JPG is NOT a vector file. Rather, it is locked in at a certain size and can only be scaled down in size. It is also non-transparent, meaning a white background surrounds the image.
.PNG
PNGs are amazing for interactive documents such as web pages, but are not suitable for print. The reason PNGs are used in web projects is because your image is saved with more colors on a TRANSPARENT background. This makes for a much sharper, web-quality image.
While PNGs are “lossless,” meaning you can edit them and not lose quality, they are still low resolution. A PNG file is similar to a JPG with the exception that it does allow for transparency. Similar to a JPG, a high-resolution PNG is necessary for printing and a low-resolution version is ideal for use on screens and other digital displays.
.GIF
GIFs are another option when it comes to having a transparent background, but involve less colors than a PNG. It is almost always a better option to use a PNG.
An animated GIF file is a graphic image that moves on a Web page. Within a single file, a set of images is presented in a specific order to make up the GIF, which stands for graphics interchange format. An animated GIF can loop endlessly or it can stop animation after one or two sequences. GIFs are most frequently used as Web banner ads.
Invented by Adobe, PDFs capture and review rich information from any application, on any computer, with anyone, anywhere. PDF stands for Portable Document Format. It can embed and encapsulate graphics, fonts, colors and other information required to view a file. It is the most requested file type by most professional printers today.
When a vector logo is saved in a PDF format you can view it without any design editing software (as long as you have downloaded the free Acrobat Reader software.) This is by far the best universal tool for sharing graphics.
.EPS
EPS is a vector file format that is designed to produce high-resolution graphics for print. It is more of a universal file type (like the PDF) that can be used to open vector-based artwork in any design editor, not just the more common Adobe products. In the design world, an EPS file type is an industry-standard.
Out of all the file types, you most likely won’t be able to open it. Don’t worry if you can’t. It is advised that you hold on to it should another designer or an industry partner request a vector format logo.
If you need a large banner or a business card, a logo in EPS will always scale to fit your needs.
.AI
This is by far the image format most preferred by designers and the most reliable type of file format. Adobe Illustrator is the industry-standard for creating artwork from scratch, therefore is the program in which your logo was created. Illustrator produces vector artwork; this is the easiest type of file to manipulate. They are constructed using proportional formulas rather than pixels.
Your logo and brand graphics were created as a vector, and you should always keep the master file on hand. The real beauty of vectors lies in their ability to be sized as small as a postage stamp, or large enough to fit on an 18-wheeler!
To learn more about Rock Paper Simple’s branding services contact us here or give us a call today at 321-626-2172!
