PNG vs. SVG Files: A Quick Guide for Using Your Logo & Brand assets

Written By Jacob Kim

There are two files types that I send my clients: PNG and SVG. Each one has a job it's really good at, and knowing when to use which will help your brand always look its best.

🖼️ PNG Files: Best for Screens & Simple Sharing

A PNG is like a photograph of your logo. It's made up of tiny colored dots (called pixels), and it's saved at a specific size.

Use a PNG when you need to:

  • Add your logo to a Word document, PowerPoint, or Google Slides

  • Post your logo on social media (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.)

  • Drop your logo into an email signature

  • Place it on a website where an SVG isn't supported

  • Send your logo to someone who just needs a quick, usable file

Things to keep in mind with PNG:

  • If you make a PNG much bigger than its original size, it will look blurry or pixelated, like zooming in too much on a photo.

  • Always try to use the largest PNG version we've given you to avoid this.

  • PNGs with a transparent background (no white box around the logo) are labeled as such. Use those whenever possible so your logo blends cleanly onto any background color.

✏️ SVG Files: Best for Resizing & Professional Printing

An SVG is not made of dots. It's made of math. The file stores instructions for how to draw your logo, so it can be made any size, from a tiny business card to a giant billboard, and it will always stay perfectly sharp and crisp.

Use an SVG when you need to:

  • Send your logo to a printer or sign maker

  • Place it on merchandise (shirts, hats, mugs, etc.)

  • Use it on a website for the sharpest possible display (great for Retina/high-resolution screens)

  • Work with a graphic designer on future projects

  • Scale your logo very large or very small without any loss of quality

Things to keep in mind with SVG:

  • SVGs may not open correctly in basic programs like Microsoft Word or standard photo viewers. That's normal. They're meant for design software and web use.

  • If someone asks for a "vector file," an SVG is exactly what they mean.

🤔 Quick Decision Guide

SituationUse ThisPosting on social mediaPNGAdding to a Word or PowerPoint filePNGEmail signaturePNGSending to a printer or sign makerSVGWebsite logoSVG (preferred) or PNGMerchandise or apparelSVGA designer asks for a "vector file"SVG

💡 One Simple Rule to Remember

If it's going on a screen and won't be resized much → PNG If it's being printed, enlarged, or handed to a professional → SVG

When in doubt, feel free to reach out. I am happy to help you choose the right file for the job!

Jacob ✌️

Jacob Kim https://jacobkimdesignco.com
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