Choosing the Right File Format
Quick File Recommendation Guide
Just like tools, there is a right logo type for any job.
And, sometimes you should use a screwdriver instead of a butter knife
...but we will never judge anyone for using a butterknife to put up a shelf.
.cdr
We use Corel Draw here at VH. This is our preferred source file for logos, apparel graphics, and print layouts
Editable vector artwork that scales cleanly. Convert fonts to curves before sharing.
.ai
We can open any illustrator file. It is a great source file for logos, apparel graphics, and print layouts
Editable vector artwork that scales cleanly. Outline fonts and embed linked images before sharing.
.eps
Vector logos and supplier-ready production artwork
A scalable vector format widely accepted by print, sign, and garment-decoration vendors.
.svg
Web graphics, simple logos, vinyl-cut paths, and production references
An XML-based vector format that stays sharp at any size and works well for clean, simple artwork.
Artwork proofs, approvals, print-ready files, and order documents
A fixed-layout format that preserves appearance. Production quality depends on the embedded artwork and fonts.
.psd
Photo editing, apparel mockups, textures, and layered raster artwork
A layered Photoshop source file. Supply it at the intended size and a suitable print resolution.
.png
Transparent logos, mockups, website graphics, and approval images
A lossless raster image that supports transparency. Low-resolution PNG files may not reproduce well when enlarged.
.jpg
Product photos, customer photos, mockups, and visual references
A compressed raster image suited to photographs. Repeated saving can reduce quality.
.tif
High-resolution scans, print images, and detailed raster artwork
A high-quality raster format often used when image detail and colour information need to be preserved.
.heic
iPhone photos, garment references, and customer-supplied images
A compact photo format used by many Apple devices. It may need conversion before some design or production workflows.
.webp
Wix product images, website banners, and optimized online graphics
A web-focused image format that can provide smaller files while maintaining good visual quality.
.gif
Simple website animations and short promotional graphics
A web image format that supports basic animation and transparency but has a limited colour range.
.dst
Machine-ready embroidery production files
A widely supported stitch file containing embroidery machine commands. Thread colours may need a separate colour chart.
.emb
Editable embroidery master files and future design revisions
A native Wilcom file that can retain editable objects, stitch settings, lettering, and thread-colour information.
.zip
Bundled artwork, linked assets, fonts, embroidery files, and job packages
A compressed archive used to keep related project files together during transfer.
Ready to Start Your Project?
Tell us what you’re making, how many you need, and when you need it. We’ll help you choose the right products, decoration method, and finish.