Open any "export" menu and you face a wall of file formats: PDF, AI, EPS, SVG, PNG, JPG, TIFF, and more. For print, most of them are wrong, and sending the wrong one is a common cause of blurry or boxed-in output. The choice is simpler than the menu suggests. This guide explains each format and when to use it. It is part of our complete print-prep guide.
The short answer: send a print PDF
For almost every print job, a PDF is the right format. A properly-exported print PDF can carry vector graphics, embedded fonts, CMYK colour and bleed all in one file — everything a printer needs. When in doubt, send a PDF (see how to make a print-ready PDF).
Vector formats — for logos and graphics
Vector files store artwork as shapes that scale to any size with no loss:
- PDF (vector) — universal and print-ready.
- AI / EPS — native design formats; great if your printer uses the same software.
- SVG — web-oriented but vector; usable but less common for print.
Use vector for logos, text and graphics — they stay crisp at any size, from a sticker to a large banner. See logo files for printing.
Raster formats — for photos
Raster files store artwork as a grid of pixels, so resolution matters:
- TIFF — high quality, lossless; ideal for photos going to print.
- PNG — lossless and supports transparency; good for logos with transparent backgrounds.
- JPG — compressed and lossy; fine for photos if high-resolution, but not for text or logos.
Use raster only for photographs, and make sure the resolution suits the print size (see image resolution for print).
What to avoid sending
- A low-resolution JPG pulled from the web or a presentation — it will print blurry.
- A Word, PowerPoint or Canva link instead of an exported file — export a PDF instead.
- A screenshot of your design — never print-quality.
Quick reference
- Most jobs → print-ready PDF.
- Logo / graphics → vector (PDF, AI, EPS).
- Photos → TIFF or high-resolution PNG/JPG.
- Unsure → send a PDF and ask the printer to check it.
For posters and photo prints specifically, a high-resolution PDF or TIFF gives the best result (see our premium poster).
Frequently asked questions
What file format should I send for printing? A print-ready PDF for almost every job — it carries vector graphics, embedded fonts, CMYK colour and bleed in one file. When unsure, send a PDF.
PNG or JPG for print? PNG is lossless and supports transparency (good for logos); JPG is compressed (fine for photos if high-resolution, but not for text or logos). For print, prefer PDF or TIFF over either.
Can I send a Canva or PowerPoint file to a printer? Export it to a print-ready PDF first rather than sending the editable file or a link — that gives the printer a fixed, correct file. See how to make a print-ready PDF.
What format is best for a logo? Vector — PDF, AI or EPS — so it scales to any size with no loss. See logo files for printing and the product range.
