What File Types Should You Send for Logo Engraving?
Vector files (AI, EPS, SVG, PDF) reproduce best for laser engraving — they scale to any size without losing edge crispness. Raster files (PNG, JPG) work at 300 DPI minimum but degrade if scaled up. If you only have a low-res file, we can usually redraw your logo as vector for an additional fee.
Vector files — the preferred format
Vector files describe shapes mathematically (curves, lines, fills) rather than as pixels. This means the file scales to any size — 1" or 12" — without losing edge crispness. Laser engraving is precision-edge work, so vector input gives the cleanest engraved result.
Accepted vector formats: AI (Adobe Illustrator), EPS, SVG, PDF (when the PDF contains vector elements, not just a placed bitmap).
How to know if your PDF is vector: open it in Acrobat or Preview and zoom to 400%. If edges stay crisp, it's vector. If edges pixelate, it's a raster image inside a PDF wrapper.
Raster files — works at the right resolution
Raster files (PNG, JPG, TIFF) describe images as pixels. They work for engraving if the resolution is high enough:
Minimum: 300 DPI at the final engraved size. If we're engraving your logo at 4" wide, send a 1200-pixel-wide PNG or JPG.
Avoid screenshots from websites — those are typically 72 DPI and look fine on screen but pixelate at engraved size.
PNG with transparent background is better than JPG with a colored background — saves us a step in artwork prep.
What we can do with a low-res file
If you only have a small PNG or screenshot of your logo, we can usually redraw it as vector. The fee depends on complexity — a simple wordmark might be $50–100 of redraw time, a detailed crest or illustrated logo might be $200–400.
Send what you have in the initial brief and we'll quote the redraw cost (if any) before starting. Often we can also pull a clean version from your organization's brand-assets page or about-us pages.
Common file problems
RGB color mode in a vector file — fine for screen but our engraving software needs CMYK. We convert at our end; no action needed from you.
Embedded fonts in a PDF that don't render correctly — happens when the PDF was created on a system that didn't embed the font. Send the original AI/EPS instead, or outline the fonts before exporting.
Logo on a complex background (photo, gradient) — we need the logo isolated. Send a clean version on transparent or solid white.
Multiple layered effects (drop shadows, glows, transparency) — these don't translate to laser engraving. We typically simplify to the core silhouette and show you the engraving proof.