You've just received your freshly vectorized logo. The designer sent four file formats. Which one goes to the printer? Which one goes on your website? Here's the straightforward answer.
AI — Adobe Illustrator (.ai)
The native Illustrator format preserves layers, artboards, editable text, and effects. This is your master file — keep it safe for future edits. It requires Adobe Illustrator to open, so it's not the format you send to vendors.
Use it for: Internal editing, designer handoff, brand asset archives.
EPS — Encapsulated PostScript (.eps)
The universal print format. Every printer, sign shop, and embroidery house accepts EPS files. It's the safest choice when you don't know what software the vendor uses. EPS files are widely compatible but don't support transparency as cleanly as newer formats.
Use it for: Print production, sign shops, embroidery digitizers, promotional product vendors.
SVG — Scalable Vector Graphics (.svg)
The web-native vector format. SVGs render crisply at any screen size, load faster than raster images, and can be styled with CSS or animated with JavaScript. Most print vendors don't accept SVG, so keep it for screens.
Use it for: Websites, mobile apps, email signatures, digital presentations, favicons.
PDF — Portable Document Format (.pdf)
The all-rounder. Vector PDFs work for both print and screen, preserve fonts and colors accurately, and open on virtually any device without special software. Many designers deliver final print-ready artwork as PDF/X files because they embed color profiles and fonts.
Use it for: Sharing with clients, print production, business cards, brochures, packaging proofs.
Quick Reference Table
- Editing your logo: AI
- Sending to a print shop: EPS or PDF
- Website or app: SVG
- Sharing with anyone: PDF
- Embroidery or engraving: EPS (or vendor-specific DST/EMB)
- Vehicle wraps or signage: EPS or AI
- Social media profile: PNG exported from SVG at 2x resolution
What About PNG and JPG?
PNG and JPG are raster formats — they're made of pixels, not paths. They work for screens at fixed sizes but become blurry when scaled up. Always keep your vector source files (AI, EPS, SVG) and export raster versions only when a specific platform requires them.
What We Deliver
Every project from Manual Vector Tracing includes all four vector formats: AI, EPS, SVG, and PDF. We also include high-resolution PNG exports so you're covered for every use case from day one.
Need your logo delivered in every format? Our print-ready vector service includes AI, EPS, SVG, PDF, and high-resolution PNG with every project. Before sending files to production, check our print-ready checklist.
Need your logo in every format? We deliver AI, EPS, SVG, and PDF with every project.
See Our Pricing
