So, you’ve got a snazzy new logo. Awesome! But before you call it a day, let’s talk export. One logo file just won’t cut it. You need a family of logos ready for anything.
TL;DR:
Every logo needs multiple formats and styles to stay sharp across different platforms. Whether it’s for web, print, or social media, having the right variant ready saves you time and keeps your brand consistent. This article walks you through the 10 logo variants every designer or business should have on standby. Simple, fun, and totally useful.
Why Multiple Logo Variants Matter
Your logo isn’t a one-trick pony. It needs to look good on a billboard, a business card, and a tiny social media icon. Different situations call for different versions. That’s why you export more than one file.
Let’s dive into the 10 logo variants you should always export after creating your logo.
1. Full Color Logo – Transparent Background
This is your go-to logo. It’s your brand in all its colorful glory, without any background getting in the way. Perfect for websites, presentations, and digital products.
File types: PNG, SVG
Use for: Websites, emails, digital media
2. Full Color Logo – White Background
Sometimes, transparency isn’t ideal. That’s when your logo sits against a solid white backdrop. Nice and simple.
File types: JPG, PNG
Use for: Documents, reports, software that needs a background
3. Black Logo
When color printing isn’t an option, you need this version. A solid black logo is universally friendly and ultra versatile.
File types: PNG, SVG, EPS
Use for: Photocopies, single-color printing, branding collateral
4. White Logo
This is the hero for dark backgrounds. It keeps your branding alive in moonlight mode.
File types: PNG with transparency
Use for: Websites with dark themes, watermarks, product packaging
5. Horizontal Logo
This is your wide-format logo. It stretches out and gives everything room to breathe. Many sites and headers prefer horizontal logos.
File types: PNG, SVG, JPG
Use for: Website headers, letterheads, email signatures
6. Stacked or Vertical Logo
Think of this as a compact twin of your horizontal version. Perfect for squares and tight spots.
File types: PNG, SVG
Use for: App splash screens, profile pictures, product tags
7. Favicon (or Icon-Only Logo)
This is your logo stripped down to just the symbol. No text. Icons are essential for little spaces where detail would get lost.
File types: PNG (at 32x32px & 16x16px), ICO
Use for: Browser tabs, app icons, footers
8. Monochrome Logo
This version takes it back to basics. One color only. Super handy for stamps, engravings, and embroidery.
File types: PNG, EPS, SVG
Use for: Printing, branded materials, uniform design
9. SVG Vector File
This isn’t a style; it’s a format. SVG means your logo stays crisp at any size. It’s a must-have for developers and scaling fans.
File types: SVG
Use for: Web, high-quality digital work, responsive design
10. EPS Vector File for Print
This one’s for the print pros. An EPS file gives printers what they need—it scales and holds quality for large print jobs.
File types: EPS
Use for: Posters, signs, merchandise, anything printed big
Bonus Tips
- Keep your filenames clear. Use names like logo_horizontal_color.png or logo_icon_white.svg.
- Use folders. Organize by color, format, or use case for quick access.
- Back it all up. Always. You never know when a client will ask for a weird file format.
Logo Export Checklist
To wrap it all up, here’s a handy checklist you can follow every time you’re exporting logos:
- ✔ Full color logo – transparent background
- ✔ Full color logo – white background
- ✔ Black version
- ✔ White version
- ✔ Horizontal layout
- ✔ Vertical (stacked) layout
- ✔ Icon-only (favicon) version
- ✔ Monochrome version
- ✔ SVG file
- ✔ EPS file
Final Thoughts
Your logo is your brand’s face. It should look amazing no matter where it shows up. Taking a few extra minutes to export these 10 versions will save you hours down the road. Plus, your future self will thank you.
Remember: design smart, export smarter.
Now go on, be awesome and show that logo some love!