Common Image File Types Explained (and Which Ones Work for Custom Stamps)

Choosing the right image file type can make a big difference when printing logos, creating marketing materials, or ordering custom stamps.

Some file formats are designed for high-quality printing, while others are better suited to websites or digital use. Understanding the differences between common image file types will help you choose the best format for your custom stamp - whether it’s a rubber, self-inking or pre-inked stamp, paper embosser or wax seal stamp.

In this guide, we explain common image file types, what they’re used for, and whether they’re suitable for custom stamp production.

Quick Comparison Guide

File Type	Best Used For	Vector or Raster?	Suitable for Custom Stamps?
AI	Logos and print design	Vector	Yes
EPS	Professional printing	Vector	Yes
SVG	Web graphics and logos	Vector	Yes
PDF	Sharing artwork and documents	Both	Sometimes
PNG	Web graphics and transparent backgrounds	Raster	Sometimes
JPG / JPEG	Photos and digital images	Raster	Sometimes
TIFF / TIF	High quality print images	Raster	Sometimes
HEIC / HEIF	Apple photos	Raster	Usually No
GIF	Web graphics and animations	Raster	Usually No
PSD	Photoshop editing files	Raster	Usually No
DOC	Word documents	n/a	No

 

Vector File Types

Vector files are the best option for custom stamp production because they can be resized without losing quality. They create clean, sharp artwork and are commonly used for logos and professional printing.

AI (.ai)

AI stands for Adobe Illustrator. It’s the native vector file format used by Adobe Illustrator and is commonly used for logos, branding and professional design work. It's best used for:

• Logos
• Branding
• Professional print design
• Artwork requiring scaling

Can it be used for custom stamp production?

✅ Yes — this is our preferred file format. We use Adobe Illustrator during pre-production, so AI files work perfectly for creating high-quality custom stamps.

EPS (.eps)

EPS stands for Encapsulated PostScript. EPS files are commonly used in professional printing and can contain both vector artwork and high-resolution graphics. It's best used for:

• Commercial printing
• Large-format printing
• Logo files
• Print-ready artwork

Can it be used for custom stamp production?

✅ Yes — EPS files can be opened and edited in Adobe Illustrator, making them ideal for stamp production.

SVG (.svg)

SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphics. It’s a web-friendly vector file format designed for digital graphics and logos. It's best used for:

• Website graphics
• Logos
• Icons
• Responsive digital artwork

Can it be used for custom stamp production?

✅ Yes — because SVG is a vector format, it can be scaled without losing quality, making it excellent for custom stamp production.

Raster Image File Types

Raster files are made up of pixels. Unlike vector files, they can lose quality when enlarged. High-resolution raster files may still work for stamp production if the artwork is clean and single colour.

JPEG / JPG (.jpg, .jpeg)

JPEG stands for Joint Photographic Experts Group, the organisation that standardised the format. JPEGs are one of the most common image file types used for digital photos and web images. They're best for

• Digital photography
• Website images
• Social media graphics
• General-purpose images

Can it be used for custom stamp production?

✅ Yes — JPEG files need to be high resolution (at least 1000 x 1000 pixels at 300dpi) and ideally supplied in a single-colour format.

PNG (.png)

PNG stands for Portable Network Graphic. PNG files are popular because they support transparent backgrounds. They are best used for:

• Logos with transparent backgrounds
• Website graphics
• Digital branding assets

Can it be used for custom stamp production?

✅ Yes — provided the file is high resolution (at least 1000 x 1000 pixels at 300dpi) and supplied in single-colour artwork.

TIFF / TIF (.tif, .tiff)

TIFF stands for Tagged Image File Format. These files are typically very high quality and commonly used in printing and photography. It's best for:

• High-resolution print images
• Professional photography
• Archiving artwork

Can it be used for custom stamp production?

✅ Usually — TIFF files are often suitable, provided the image resolution is high and the artwork is single colour.

GIF (.gif)

GIF stands for Graphics Interchange Format. GIFs are commonly used online for simple graphics and animations. They're best used for:

• Simple web graphics
• Animated images
• Memes

Can it be used for custom stamp production?

❌ Usually not — GIF files are generally too low resolution for quality stamp production.

HEIC / HEIF (.heic, .heif)

HEIC and HEIF stand for High Efficiency Image Container/File. These formats were developed by Apple and are commonly used for photos taken on iPhones and iPads. These are used for:

• Smartphone photography
• High-quality image storage
• Reducing file size while maintaining image quality

Can it be used for custom stamp production?

⚠️ Sometimes — photographs generally don’t translate well into stamps. However, a high-quality photo of hand-drawn black artwork on white paper may be suitable.

For best results:

• Use black ink on plain white paper
• Photograph in natural lighting
• Take the photo directly from above

Editable Design & Document Files

These file types are designed primarily for editing or document sharing rather than direct production.

PDF (.pdf)

PDF stands for Portable Document Format. PDFs are designed to preserve formatting so files can be viewed consistently across different devices and programs. Best used for:

• Sharing artwork
• Print-ready files
• Documents and forms

Can it be used for custom stamp production?

✅ Sometimes — PDFs can work very well if they were created from vector artwork. Otherwise, the same rules apply as PNG and JPEG files:

• High resolution
• Single-colour artwork
• Minimum 1000 x 1000 pixels at 300dpi

PSD (.psd)

PSD stands for Photoshop Document and is Adobe Photoshop’s native file format. PSD files can contain multiple layers, effects and high-resolution imagery. These are best for:

• Photo editing
• Graphic design
• Layered artwork

Can it be used for custom stamp production?

❌ Usually not — Photoshop files often contain photographic or complex raster artwork that doesn’t translate well into stamps. If your design is simple line artwork or a logo created in Photoshop, export it as a high-resolution JPEG or PDF instead.

DOC (.doc, .docx)

DOC files are Microsoft Word documents primarily designed for text editing. They are best for:

• Written documents
• Letters
• Forms
• Editable text files

Can it be used for custom stamp production?

❌ No — however, we may be able to convert the artwork for you if it’s the only file available. If you only have a DOC file, be sure to:

• Include the preferred font name
• Mention any formatting requirements
• Be aware fonts can change if not installed on another computer

Best File Types for Custom Stamp Production

For the cleanest and sharpest results with your custom stamp, we recommend supplying artwork in one of the below formats:

• AI
• EPS
• SVG; or
• High-resolution PDF
• These file types produce the best quality because they retain sharp edges and scale cleanly without losing detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best image format for a custom stamp?

Vector file formats such as AI, EPS and SVG are ideal because they can be resized without losing quality.

Can I use a JPEG or PNG for a custom stamp?

Yes — as long as the file is high resolution, clean, and supplied in a single-colour format.

Why won’t my logo work as a stamp?

Low-resolution files, gradients, shadows and photographic elements often don’t translate clearly into stamp production.

What resolution should my artwork be?

We recommend artwork that is at least 1000 x 1000 pixels and 300dpi resolution.

Need Help Checking Your Artwork?

Not sure whether your file is suitable for custom stamp production? Send us your logo or artwork before ordering and we’ll help you determine whether it’s ready for production or needs adjusting first.