Logos are an essential part of a brand’s identity and serve as a visual representation of a company’s values, mission, and products. The type of file format used for a logo is important because it affects how the logo is displayed and used across different mediums. Two of the most common file formats for logos are SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) and other raster formats like PNG, JPG, and GIF, so what’s the difference?

SVG Vector Logos

SVG logos are made up of mathematical equations and geometric shapes, which means that they can be scaled to any size without losing quality. This is different from raster formats that store the image as pixels, which can result in the image becoming blurry or pixelated when scaled up. WordPress natively doesn’t have the capability to display a logo in SVG format without the use of a plugin. There are several available that do the job effectively, I use Safe SVG which can be found on WordPress.org. One thing to remember or to think about when working with a designer, make sure that any type within the logo is converted to outlines before saving it as an SVG, or the text won’t render.

Another advantage of SVG logos is their small file size, making them easy to load and manipulate on websites and other digital platforms. This is especially important for mobile devices, where slower download speeds and limited storage capacity can be an issue. Below is a close-up of my logo in Adobe Illustrator, notice how the lines are smooth.

Raster Logos

Raster logos, on the other hand, are made up of pixels and are best suited for images that have many small details or require a specific color palette. They are also good for photographs and other images that require high-resolution quality. However, when it comes to logos, raster formats have some limitations. As mentioned earlier, they can become blurry or pixelated when scaled up, making them unsuitable for use in large-format printing or other high-resolution applications. They also have a larger file size than SVG logos, which can slow down website load times. Below is a close-up of my logo in PNG format, notice how fuzzy it is around the edges.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while raster formats have their place in graphic design, SVG vector logos are the preferred choice for logos due to their scalability, small file size, and ability to maintain image quality at any size. If you’re looking for a logo that will be used across multiple mediums and sizes, make sure to let your designer know to export an SVG vector logo that’s been converted to outlines.