The short answer is a definitive no. BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification) has very strict requirements for the logo format, and it exclusively supports a specific type of SVG file. You cannot use common image formats like PNG, JPEG, GIF, or any other raster or vector format. If you're looking to implement BIMI to get your logo showing in supporterd inboxes, you must use a correctly formatted SVG.
Why does BIMI only support SVG?
The decision to mandate SVG for BIMI logos comes down to two key factors: security and scalability. Unlike raster formats such as PNG or JPEG which are made of pixels, SVGs (Scalable Vector Graphics) are XML-based text files. This means they can be programmatically scanned and secured in ways that pixel-based images cannot. It also means they can be scaled to any size without losing quality, which is crucial for displaying clearly across different devices and email clients.
The BIMI working group needed a format that was both flexible for display purposes and rigid enough to prevent malicious code from being embedded. An SVG file can be constrained to a specific, safer subset of its features, which is exactly what the BIMI standard does.
What is the specific SVG format required?
BIMI doesn't just require any SVG; it requires a highly specific profile known as SVG Portable/Secure (SVG P/S), sometimes also referred to as SVG Tiny PS. This is a stripped-down version of SVG that prohibits elements that could pose a security risk. Simply saving your logo with an .svg extension from a standard graphics editor will almost certainly not work.
Creating a compliant SVG P/S file involves adhering to several strict rules. Here are some of the most important ones:
- No raster images. The SVG file cannot contain embedded bitmap images like JPEGs or PNGs. This is a common point of failure, as some conversion tools will embed a PNG inside an SVG wrapper rather than creating a true vector graphic. As one user on an Adobe forum discovered, a stray <image> element will render the file invalid.
- No external links or scripts. The file must be self-contained. It cannot link to any external files, fonts, or resources. All executable content, like scripts, is strictly forbidden to prevent security vulnerabilities.
- Specific file structure. The SVG must include a <title> element with your company name and must not contain certain XML attributes. The image itself should also be square.
How can I create a BIMI-compliant logo?
The process is more technical than just clicking "Export as SVG". If your logo is already in a vector format like Adobe Illustrator (.ai) or EPS, you have a good starting point. From there, you will need to export it while carefully following the SVG P/S guidelines. The BIMI Group provides guidance and there are some conversion tools available to assist with this process.
After exporting, you must inspect the file. Since an SVG is just a text file, you can open it in a plain text editor to check its contents. You'll need to look for forbidden elements, ensure the correct profile is specified in the code, and confirm that there are no external links. It is a meticulous process, but it is necessary for the logo to be accepted by email providers like Gmail and Yahoo.
A final summary on BIMI image formats
To be clear, BIMI only works with logos in the SVG Portable/Secure format. There are no exceptions. Any other format, including PNG, JPEG, GIF, or even standard SVG, will not work and will prevent your logo from being displayed. While the requirements are strict, they are in place to ensure the system is secure and works reliably across all supporting platforms. Getting the image format right is the most critical technical step in a successful BIMI implementation.
What image format is required for BIMI logos?
Can BIMI display a logo without a VMC?
Does BIMI require the SVG to be publicly accessible via HTTPS?
Does BIMI work with all email clients?
What are the specific requirements for an SVG image to be BIMI compliant?
Does BIMI specify the location of the SVG file?
