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SVG, PNG, PDF, EPS: which logo format for which use?

Vector or bitmap, transparent or not: the guide to logo file formats, with favicon sizes and good export habits.

Published on By The azokroma team2 min read
SVG, PNG, PDF, EPS: which logo format for which use?

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Vector or bitmap: the essential difference

A vector file (SVG, PDF, EPS) describes shapes with calculations: it can be enlarged endlessly without loss, from an icon to a shopfront. A bitmap file (PNG, JPG, WebP) is a grid of pixels: it turns blurry when enlarged. Your master file should always be a vector.

Which format for which use

FormatTypeUse it for
SVGVectorWebsite, app, modern favicon, animations
PNGBitmap, transparencyPresentations, social networks, documents, e-mails
Vector PDFVectorPrinting, sending to the printer, brand guidelines
EPSVectorOlder printers and desktop-publishing software
JPGBitmap, no transparencyPhotos. Avoid for a logo
ICOMulti-size bitmapFavicon for older browsers

Favicon and app icons

The favicon uses the symbol alone, not the full logo: the text would be unreadable at this size. Common sizes:

  • SVG: a single source that adapts to every size in recent browsers.
  • 32 × 32 px (PNG or ICO): tab and bookmark.
  • 180 × 180 px: home-screen icon on iPhone (apple-touch-icon).
  • 192 × 192 and 512 × 512 px: web app icons (PWA).

Export best practices

  1. Always export a light, a dark and a monochrome version.
  2. For PNG, choose a large size (at least 2000 px wide): you can shrink, not enlarge.
  3. In an SVG, prefer text converted to outlines if you want it to display identically everywhere, even without the font installed.
  4. Name files clearly: brand-logo-colour.svg, brand-logo-white.svg, brand-symbol.svg.
  5. Keep everything in a “logo” folder shared with your team and suppliers.

The azokroma pack delivers the logo in SVG and PNG, the light, dark and monochrome versions, the symbol alone and the favicon.

See what is included

Frequently asked questions

SVG or PNG for a website?

SVG, because it stays sharp on every screen and weighs little. Keep a PNG for contexts that do not accept SVG (some social networks, e-mails).

Can a PNG be turned into an SVG?

You can “vectorise” a PNG, but the result is approximate. It is better to start again from the original vector file.

Why is my logo blurry when printed?

Because the file supplied is a bitmap that is too small. Send the printer a vector PDF.

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