Logo File Formats Explained for Sports Teams

One of the most common questions club managers have after getting a new logo is: "What file do I send to the jersey printer?" The answer depends on who you're sending it to and what they're making. Here's the complete breakdown.

Vector vs Raster: Understanding the difference

Logo files fall into two categories:

• Vector files (SVG, EPS, PDF, AI) use mathematical paths to define shapes, so they can be scaled to any size — from a 5mm watch face to a 10-foot banner — without any loss of quality.
• Raster files (PNG, JPG, WEBP) are made of pixels. They look great at their intended size but become blurry when enlarged beyond their resolution.

Visual comparison

∞ scale

Vector (SVG / EPS)

Sharp at any size — 5px or 50 feet

✓ One file for print, screen, and signage

zoomed in

Raster (PNG / JPG)

Pixel-based — degrades when scaled up

✗ Blurry when enlarged — digital only, at fixed sizes

Always provide your printer, embroiderer, and web developer with the SVG or EPS — not a screenshot.

For physical production, always use vector files. For digital use, high-resolution PNG is often sufficient.

File formats explained

SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics)

Use for: Websites, apps, digital displays, social media with scaling needs.

SVG is an open web standard vector format. It's the best format for anything digital, supports animation, and can be edited directly in the browser. Your web developer will want this. Kit exports all logos in SVG.

EPS (Encapsulated PostScript)

Use for: Commercial print vendors, signage, large-format printing, sharing with Illustrator users.

EPS is the traditional print industry standard. Most commercial jersey printers, signage companies, and trophy engravers will request EPS files. It's an older format but extremely widely supported in production environments.

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Use for: Brand guidelines, sharing vector logos with non-designers, some print vendors.

PDF can contain vector artwork and is universally openable. Good for sharing logos with coaches, sponsors, or vendors who don't have design software.

PNG (Portable Network Graphics)

Use for: Websites, social media, presentations, email signatures, any digital application.

PNG supports transparency (so your logo can sit on any background color) and is lossless. Always request a "transparent background PNG" — not a white-background PNG. Export at 2× or 3× resolution for retina screens. Kit exports PNG at 1024px minimum.

DST / EMB / PES (Embroidery formats)

Use for: Embroidery machines to stitch your logo onto jerseys, caps, and jackets.

These are stitch-instruction files, not image files. They tell the embroidery machine exactly where to place each stitch, in what color thread, and in what sequence. DST is the most universal format (Tajima machines). PES is for Brother machines. EMB is Wilcom's proprietary format.

Important: embroidery files cannot be automatically generated from a logo — they must be "digitized" by a human operator or specialized software, which typically costs $20–$80 per design. Your embroidery shop will digitize from your SVG or EPS file.

Quick reference: what to send

• Jersey screen printer → EPS or SVG + Pantone codes
• Embroidery shop → SVG or EPS (they'll digitize it)
• Web developer → SVG
• Signage company → EPS or PDF
• Social media manager → PNG (transparent background, 1000px+)
• Sponsor presentation → PNG or PDF

Keep all your files organized

Create a simple folder structure: Primary Logo → Secondary Mark → Wordmark, each with a Light and Dark subfolder, each containing SVG, EPS, and PNG versions. Share this folder with every coach, manager, and vendor who needs your brand assets. Kit exports a complete, organized package in one click.