What file does my printer need? A file for every supplier

In Australia. Australian printers ask for 3mm bleed and 300dpi, and most accept RGB files and convert them to CMYK themselves.

The file each supplier needs

Commercial printer	print-ready PDF, 3mm bleed, 300dpi or better
Signwriter	vector artwork: SVG, EPS or PDF
Embroiderer	a simplified vector with no detail under 2mm
Web developer	SVG
Social media and slides	transparent PNG, 2000px wide
Favicon	16, 32, 180 and 512 pixel versions

Every supplier asks for a file in their own words. This is what each one means and which file answers it.

What file does a commercial printer need?

A print-ready PDF at the finished size, with 3mm of bleed on every edge and artwork at 300dpi or better. A PDF carries the artwork, the size and the colour in one file the printer's software understands.

What file does a signwriter need?

Vector artwork, usually an SVG, an EPS or a PDF with the type converted to outlines, because a signwriter scales the artwork to the panel and a cutter follows its edges. A JPEG or a PNG is a picture of the artwork that blurs when enlarged. The vehicle signage guide covers what else they need.

What file does an embroiderer need?

A simplified vector version of the logo in one colour, with no detail finer than about 2mm, because thread cannot hold finer detail. The embroiderer's digitiser will simplify whatever you send, so sending a version you have approved is better than receiving their interpretation.

What file does a web developer need?

An SVG, which is sharp on every screen and a few kilobytes in size, plus a transparent PNG as a fallback and a favicon set at 16, 32, 180 and 512 pixels.

What does "high-res" mean when a supplier asks for it?

Almost always a PNG at print resolution, 300dpi at the size they will use it. If they come back asking for vector, send the SVG or EPS.

What does print-ready mean?

A print-ready file is one the printer can send to press without changing anything: the finished size, 3mm of bleed on every edge, artwork at 300dpi or better, and fonts embedded or converted to outlines. A file that needs any of those fixed is sent back, or fixed by the printer at a charge.

Which file should you keep for yourself?

The vector master of your logo, an SVG or a PDF, somewhere you will still have access to in years to come. Every other file on this page can be produced from it, and a business that keeps only a PNG ends up paying to have the logo traced.

What files come with a BrandLaunch template?

Logo templates and kits download an SVG of each arrangement and a transparent PNG at 2000px wide. Card, letterhead and print templates download PDFs trimmed to size and with 3mm of bleed. If you already have a logo but not these files, the logo production files service redraws it into the set every supplier asks for.

Common questions

What file format do printers want?

A PDF at the finished size with 3mm of bleed and artwork at 300dpi or better. Australian printers accept RGB PDFs and convert them to CMYK.

What is a vector file?

A file that stores artwork as lines and curves rather than pixels, so it stays sharp at any size. SVG, EPS, AI and PDF can all hold vector artwork.

What file should I send for embroidery?

A simplified one colour vector of the logo with no detail finer than about 2mm, because thread cannot hold finer detail.

Can I send a JPEG to a printer?

For a photograph at print resolution, often yes. For a logo, no: a JPEG has no transparency and blurs when enlarged, so send vector artwork or a print-ready PDF.