: What file type should I use for a logo when exporting from Adobe Illustrator? I'm a fine artist, new to Adobe Illustrator. I'm in the process of designing a logo for a company using Illustrator.

@Angela777

I would say that you should always save and AI file as the primary source file and an EPS file as a universally editable format. These are ideal for printing, however for other uses you will need to produce a JPEG, PNG and possibly a TIFF.


AI, primary source file, use multiple artboards for variants
EPS, universal format for programs aside from Illustrator and other Versions
JPG print
PNG web format
SVG web format for responsive design
TIFF uncompressed print format
PDF print format


I have additional helpful information in this video. Why Logo Designers Use Adobe Illustrator

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@Looi7658678

Under 'File', save as, .AI - Save


Illustrator gives you the option to change the Version, to which you will save the .AI file as.

As Bart stated, Is it possible to ask the client what format he/she prefers?

Version compatibility is a concern for layout rendering, editing features and certain attributes. Client version compatibility should be your guideline.

As far as exporting into other formats, you could give the client a few different logo formats and alternate color schemes. You can choose from:


.ai (illustrator native)
.png (web, transparency)
.gif (web optional)
.jpg (social media)
.pdf (vector + raster, high res, print)
.pdf (low res, proofs)
.svg (scalable vector)
.eps (printing vector)


It really depends on the needs of the client. You should discuss with your client and ascertain their needs more fully. At a minimum, you should provide the logo to your client in the following file formats:

.ai, .png, .jpg, .svg, .pdf

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@RJPawlick971

I'd send them some combo of:


EPS (the 'traditional' format. Most useful for printing)
PDF (the 'replacement' for EPS)
SVG (open source vector file format)
PNG (raster based image--useful for web)

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@Harper654

EDIT: I have just learned from @AlanGilbertson in this thread What unique benefits does the EPS format provide?

..that eps has limited uses, and in general that pdf is the way to go.



If the client does not have any preferences; a good practice would be to give them an .eps and a pdf and an svg file in addition to jpg/png in different sizes. If you also are making a black/white logo, do the same with that.

I personally see no use in gifs anymore.

Oh. And if they actually have Illustrator, I would certainly give them an ai too.

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