Understanding Graphic File Formats
Understanding Graphic File Formats:
Why It Matters for Your Brand
When it comes to promotional products, signs, or printed materials, the quality of the artwork makes all the difference. Too often, businesses send us graphics that just aren’t set up in the right format for production. That’s where things get complicated — and where understanding file formats can save you time, money, and headaches.
Let’s break down the most common types of files we see, and which ones work best for different media.
Vector Graphics (AI, EPS, PDF, SVG)
What they are: Vector graphics are built from paths and shapes, not pixels. That means they can scale infinitely without losing quality.
Best for: Logos, artwork for embroidery, screen printing, large signs, and any item where sharp lines are essential.
Why it matters: If you send us a vector file, we can make your logo look crisp whether it’s on a business card or a 20-foot banner.
What they are: A compressed raster image made of pixels. Great for photos, but not for detailed logos.
Best for: Online use, photos in social media, web ads, or situations where smaller file size is important.
Why it matters: JPEGs can look fuzzy when enlarged. If your logo is only available as a JPEG, chances are we’ll need to convert it to a vector before production.
What they are: An older raster format that stores pixel data without compression. Large file sizes, limited use today.
Best for: Rarely used in modern design. Sometimes found in older systems or scanned images.
Why it matters: BMP files don’t scale well and aren’t production-friendly. If you have one, it will almost always need conversion.
The Right File for the Right Job
Web & Social Media: JPEG or PNG (good for photos and quick sharing).
Print Materials (business cards, flyers, apparel): Vector files are best for logos and text, high-resolution TIFF or PDF for photos.
Signs, Banners, and Promotional Products: Always vector when possible — this ensures sharp edges and accurate colors.
At 4th Pillar Marketing, we often receive logos in JPEG or BMP format that simply won’t reproduce well on branded merchandise. That’s why we convert artwork into vector files whenever possible — it guarantees your brand looks sharp, professional, and consistent across every medium.
Let’s make your brand shine — one file at a time.
Your brand deserves to look its best, and the right file format is the foundation. Sending us the right kind of artwork up front saves time and ensures the finished product meets your expectations.
Let’s make your brand shine — one file at a time.
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