Choose the right file first
For online use, the most useful vector file is usually SVG because it stays sharp at any screen size and loads well on most modern websites. PDF is handy for sharing with printers or internal teams, while EPS and AI are often kept for artwork editing and production work. If you only need a logo on a site header or a Facebook profile image, a clean SVG or PNG export is normally enough.
If your site uses a content management system, ask your web person to place the logo as a proper image file rather than pasting in a screenshot.
Bitmap tracing versus hand redraw
There is a real difference between tracing a bitmap and redrawing a logo by hand. Bitmap tracing can be useful for simple shapes, but it may carry over rough edges, uneven curves and noise from the original image. A hand redraw rebuilds the artwork with cleaner lines and better balance, which usually gives you a file that behaves better online and in print.
For social media, cleaner artwork matters because logos are often shown very small. A hand redrawn version can hold up better in a tiny profile circle, while a traced file may look cramped or jagged. If your original image came from a screenshot, an old photo, or a low-resolution scan, ask for a redraw rather than a quick trace.
How to use your logo on websites
When placing your logo on a website, keep the file simple and give it breathing room around the edges. Use the full-colour version on light backgrounds and a one-colour version where the design gets busy. If the logo sits in a narrow header, check that the text is still readable on mobile because a logo that looks fine on a laptop may become too small on a phone.
- Use SVG for crisp display on modern screens.
- Keep a PNG backup if your system cannot place SVG files.
- Do not stretch the logo to fit a space, resize it proportionally.
- Test light and dark backgrounds before publishing.
- Check the logo on mobile, tablet and benchtop views.
Best practice for Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn
Social platforms crop images in different ways, so your logo should be prepared with enough clear space around it. A square version works well for profile images, while a wider version can suit cover images and posts. If your logo has a fine line drawing or small lettering, consider a simplified social version so it stays legible when compressed by the platform.
For South African businesses posting across Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria and beyond, it helps to keep a small folder of ready-to-use exports. That way your team can publish quickly when a promotion comes up, even if someone is posting from a phone between meetings or on the road. It saves time and avoids last-minute cropping problems, which can be a nuisance.
What to check before you upload
Before using any logo file, make sure you are allowed to use the artwork you sent. You must own the artwork or have the rights to use it, especially if it came from an old supplier, an employee, or a third party. If you are not sure about the rights, sort that out first so the file can be used without trouble later on.
- Confirm the correct spelling of your business name.
- Check that taglines, phone numbers and web addresses are current.
- Look at spacing around the logo in headers, footers and social profiles.
- Save a master file and a separate web-ready copy.
- Keep a backup in two places, such as cloud storage and a local drive.
Getting help with exports and file versions
If you need a web-ready version, a print-ready version and a simple social version, ask for each one to be saved clearly in the correct format. A good file set usually includes SVG for websites, PDF for sharing, and EPS or AI for artwork handling. If your team uses municipal tender documents, supplier packs or product listings, having the correct version ready can make things much easier.
Should the logo need a small tweak for colour contrast, spacing or layout, it is best to deal with that before the files are sent out to everyone. A small change now can prevent repeated fixes later. For any help with the files you received, use the enquiry form on our contact page and include the file type you are working with.
