Vector File Formats Guide: AI, EPS, SVG, PDF, DXF, PNG and JPG

Short answer: for most print and production work, send or ask for an AI, EPS or PDF file that contains real vector shapes, and use SVG for websites and many cutting machines. PNG and JPG are pixel images: useful as previews, but not a substitute for a vector master file.

Vector and raster in one minute

A raster image (JPG, PNG, most screenshots and photos) is a grid of coloured pixels. It has a fixed resolution, so enlarging it makes edges soft or jagged.

A vector file describes shapes mathematically, as points joined by straight lines and curves. It can be scaled to a business card or a building wrap without losing sharpness, and each shape can be edited or recoloured. Printers, sign makers, embroiderers and cutting machines prefer vector artwork for exactly that reason. Our article on why logos look blurry shows the difference with real examples.

Quick format guide

AI (Adobe Illustrator)

The native file of Adobe Illustrator and a common choice for a master file: the version you keep, edit and export from. If you work with designers or printers who use Illustrator, an AI file is usually the most convenient source.

EPS (Encapsulated PostScript)

An older but still widely accepted exchange format. Many printers and promotional product suppliers ask for EPS. The catch: an EPS file can contain a placed pixel image, so a file called logo.eps is not guaranteed to be vector. See how to tell if a file is really vector.

PDF (Portable Document Format)

PDF is the standard for proofs and many print workflows, and it can hold true vector artwork. Like EPS, it can also simply wrap a pixel image. When a printer asks for a “print-ready PDF”, check their requirements for colour mode, bleed and outlined fonts. Our artwork preparation guide covers these.

SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics)

The vector format of the web, also used by many craft cutters and some laser software. A clean SVG is small and crisp on every screen. One created by auto-tracing a pixel image can contain thousands of points, so it is slow, heavy and hard to cut. We cover this in image to SVG conversion.

DXF (Drawing Exchange Format)

A CAD format used by many laser, CNC and engraving systems. DXF focuses on geometry, so colours, gradients and effects are usually ignored. What matters is clean, closed paths at the correct size. Read SVG vs DXF for laser and CNC before choosing.

PNG and JPG

Both are raster formats. PNG supports transparency and is good for web graphics and previews. JPG is designed for photographs and uses lossy compression, which adds artefacts around sharp edges. Either can be the starting point for a redraw. See JPG to vector and PNG to vector.

Which file should I send or ask for?

• Sending artwork to a printer or sign maker: AI, EPS or PDF with real vector shapes, plus their specific requirements.
• Screen printing or apparel: vector artwork with clear, separate colour areas. Confirm separations with the printer.
• Embroidery: vector artwork that your digitizer can work from. Stitch files are a separate step.
• Vinyl, craft cutters, laser and CNC: SVG or DXF with clean, closed paths. Ask which your software prefers.
• Website or app: SVG for logos and icons, PNG for previews.
• Keeping for the future: an editable master (AI or PDF), plus SVG and PNG exports.

What if I only have a JPG, PNG or screenshot?

That’s the most common situation we see. The image can be used as a reference and the artwork redrawn as vector. Converting it with “Save as EPS” or “Export as PDF” doesn’t change the pixels inside. Upload what you have and we’ll tell you what’s possible.