The scenario
A customer screenshots their logo from a website and sends it as a JPEG. On screen it looks fine, but zoomed in the edges are fuzzy and there is a white box around the logo. A better file choice can avoid both problems.
The definition
PNG and JPEG are both raster images — pictures made of pixels — but they store those pixels differently.
JPEG: made for photos
JPEG uses lossy compression to keep file sizes small. That works well for photographs, but it can create blurry edges and speckles (compression artifacts) around text and solid shapes. JPEG does not support transparent backgrounds.
PNG: better for logos
PNG uses lossless compression, so sharp edges and flat colors stay clean. PNG also supports transparency, so a logo can sit on a garment without a white box behind it.
When a vector is even better
Both formats have a fixed number of pixels. For logos, a vector file (SVG, AI, EPS or vector PDF) is usually the best starting point because it scales cleanly. If you only have a raster file, send the largest, original version you have.
Build a reusable brand file kit
Keep your original design files, a transparent PNG for appropriate uses and a photo-quality JPEG for photographic content. Saving a small image in a new format does not add detail. If your business has only a blurry logo, GMB can discuss artwork cleanup or logo design as a scoped service before apparel or promo production.
At a glance
| Feature | PNG | JPEG |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossless | Lossy |
| Transparent background | Supported | Not supported |
| Best for | Logos, text, flat graphics | Photographs |
Common mistakes
- Sending a screenshot or a social-media copy of your logo.
- Saving a JPEG as PNG and expecting the quality to improve — it will not.
- Re-saving JPEGs repeatedly, which adds more artifacts each time.
Turn your artwork into GMB-ready brand materials
GMB offers artwork services, logo design and branding, custom apparel and promotional printing. A clean master logo can support tees, bags, drinkware and business cards; a photo-rich design may need a different file approach. Start a project with what you have and let us review the right preparation.
Bring these details to your project
- Largest original file, not a screenshot
- Light and dark background versions if available
- Products, print locations and finished sizes
Quick quiz
Three beginner questions. Pick an answer to see instant feedback.
FAQ
My logo is only a JPEG. Can you still use it?
Often, yes. Send the highest-quality original you have. If it needs cleanup or redrawing for production, the team will let you know.
What resolution should my PNG be?
Large enough for the print size. See the DPI vs PPI lesson for how resolution relates to print size.
Is a PDF better?
It depends what is inside. A vector PDF is great; a PDF that just contains a small JPEG has the same limits as the JPEG.
Not sure your file is print-ready?
Upload what you have through the quote portal and the team will review whether it is ready or needs artwork help.
Next lesson
SVG vs EPS →
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