Logo File Formats Explained: SVG, AI, PNG, EPS and PDF for Nepali Businesses

TL;DR: which logo file formats do you need?

For most businesses, you need a vector file (AI, EPS or SVG) for any use where the logo may be enlarged, plus PNG files with transparent backgrounds for digital use. A PDF is useful for printers and sign makers who work from print-ready files. Ask for a colour version, a black and white version and a reversed version for dark backgrounds. A complete set of these files lets you use the logo anywhere without asking the designer for each size.

What a vector file is, and why it matters

A vector file describes a logo with mathematical shapes, lines and curves rather than a fixed grid of pixels. Because of that, it can be enlarged to any size without losing sharpness. A logo on a shop sign, a vehicle or a banner needs this, because those are much larger than a screen.

A raster file, such as a PNG or JPG, is made of pixels. It looks sharp at the size it was created, but enlarging it makes the edges blurry. Raster files are fine for websites, social profiles and documents, provided the image is big enough, but they are not suitable for large print.

The practical rule is simple: if the logo may ever be printed large or reproduced at many sizes, get a vector file.

The main formats explained

AI is the native file format of Adobe Illustrator. It is a vector file that a designer can edit, and it is the master file most designers keep. Ask for it, because it lets a future designer change the logo without rebuilding it. You need software that can open AI files, or a designer who can open them for you.

EPS is an older vector format that many printers and sign makers still accept. It keeps the logo as vector shapes and is widely supported in print workflows. Ask for an EPS version if your printer or sign maker specifies it.

SVG is a vector format built for the web and for digital use. Websites and apps can display SVG files at any size without losing quality, and SVG files are often small. Ask for an SVG if your website or app developer will use the logo. Check that the SVG has been cleaned up, because some exported SVGs carry extra code that slows a page.

PNG is a raster format that supports transparent backgrounds. It is the most common digital format for websites, social profiles, presentations and documents. Ask for PNG files at high resolution, so they stay sharp on large screens and when you export smaller versions.

PDF can hold vector artwork in a print-ready layout. Many printers prefer a PDF with fonts converted to outlines and colours set for print. It is a practical format for sending a finished logo to a printer, though an AI or EPS file is more useful for editing.

JPG is a raster format without transparency. It is useful for photographs and email attachments, but it is a poor choice for a logo, because the background is not transparent and the file quality degrades with each save.

The set of files to ask for

A complete delivery usually includes a master vector file in AI or EPS, an SVG for web and app use, PNG versions with transparent backgrounds in several sizes, a full-colour version, a single-colour black version and a reversed version for dark backgrounds. For print, add a print-ready PDF with the colours set for the printer.

Ask for the colour values as well. Include the HEX code for screen, and the CMYK and Pantone values for print if the designer has them. Without those values, a printer will guess, and the colour will drift from the design.

Colour modes: RGB, CMYK and Pantone

Screens use RGB, which combines red, green and blue light. Print uses CMYK, which combines cyan, magenta, yellow and black ink. The two systems do not show the same range of colours, so a bright screen colour can look duller in print.

A Pantone colour is a specific ink mix, used for precise colour matching on print. Designers who work for signs, packaging or branded products often specify Pantone values. If your logo uses a Pantone colour, ask for it in the file notes.

Check colours on a printed sample before a large order. A screen cannot show the true appearance of a printed logo, and paper changes the colour too.

Fonts: the hidden part of a logo file

A logo often uses a custom or licensed font. If the logo file contains live text, the printer or developer needs the font installed to display it correctly. The safer approach is to convert the text to outlines, which turns the letters into shapes. Ask your designer to supply outlined versions, and check the font licence before you use the logo commercially.

Naming and organising your logo files

Keep the files in a clear folder structure, such as one folder for vector masters, one for web use, one for print and one for usage notes. Name the files with the logo name, the format and the colour version, so future staff can find the right file quickly.

Store a copy in a shared drive that the business owns, not only on a designer's computer. If the designer leaves, you still have the files.

Which file to use for common jobs

For a shop sign, use the vector file, usually AI or EPS, and provide the sign maker with a colour specification. For a business card, use a print-ready PDF or the vector master. For a website, use SVG for the header and PNG for places where SVG is not supported. For social profiles, use a PNG at the size the platform requires, with transparent background if the profile allows it.

For an app icon, use the size and format the app store specifies, which is usually a square PNG. For a vehicle or large banner, use the vector master and ask the printer to confirm the file requirements before production.

What to check when you receive your files

Open each file in the software you plan to use. Check that the logo looks correct, the colours match the colour values you were given, and the text is outlined or the font is included. Print one proof at the size you plan to use, and check the edges. Confirm that the transparent PNG has a truly transparent background, not a white box.

If something is missing or wrong, ask the designer to correct it before the final payment. It is much easier to fix at delivery than after the sign is made.

Related guides

This guide is part of our logo and branding series. The logo design cost guide explains what a professional logo costs and what the package should include. The logo maker vs professional logo guide explains why file quality often separates free tools from professional work. The brand guidelines cost guide explains the rules for using those files, and the visiting card design price guide shows how the files are used for print.

For branding services, see logo design in Nepal and branding in Nepal.

Frequently asked questions

What logo file formats do I need?

At minimum, a vector master (AI or EPS), an SVG for web and app use, and PNG files with transparent backgrounds. Add a print-ready PDF if you print materials.

What is a vector logo file?

A file that describes the logo with shapes and curves rather than pixels, so it can be enlarged without losing quality. Vector files are essential for signs, vehicles and large print.

What is the difference between AI, EPS and SVG?

AI is Adobe Illustrator's native format and the best master file for editing. EPS is a vector format many printers accept. SVG is a vector format built for websites and apps.

Which file should I use for a website?

SVG for the header, where supported, and PNG with a transparent background as a fallback. A raster file must be big enough to stay sharp on large screens.

Why is my logo blurry on a banner?

You probably used a raster file, such as a PNG or JPG, that was too small for the banner size. Ask for the vector master, which scales without losing quality.

Do I need a PNG with a transparent background?

Yes, for most digital uses. It lets the logo sit on any background without a white box around it.

What is CMYK and why does it matter?

CMYK is the ink system used in most colour printing. A logo designed only for screen may look different in print, so ask for CMYK values for print jobs.

What is a Pantone colour?

A specific ink mix used for precise colour matching in print. Designers often specify Pantone values for signs, packaging and branded products.

Should I ask for outlined fonts?

Yes. Outlined text is converted to shapes, so the logo displays correctly without the font installed. Check the font licence before using the logo commercially.

What is a reversed logo version?

A version designed for dark backgrounds, where the logo colours are inverted or changed so the logo stays readable.

Can I make the files myself from the master?

Yes, if you or your team have design software. Keep the master file safe, and create exports from it rather than editing the master directly.

What should I store with my logo files?

A usage note, the colour values, the font names or outlined versions, and a list of the file names and their uses. Keep copies in a shared folder the business owns.

How do I get logo files delivered properly in Nepal?

Ask for the full set of files in the scope before you agree the price. You can also read about our logo design service or contact us through the contact page with your file needs.

How we put this guide together

Sources and method. This guide explains standard logo file formats and print practice, drawn from general industry use. It is not based on a price survey, and it does not quote prices.

What this is not. It is general technical guidance. Check software versions and printer requirements before production.

Reviewed: November 2026. If you spot something out of date, tell us through the contact page.

Ask for the full file set

When you request a logo, ask for the complete delivery list, and we will confirm it in the scope.

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