Tips to guarantee you receive high-quality digital files of your company logo from the designer, and maintain file quality internally.
Your organization has probably already invested or will soon invest a substantial amount of money and time developing a corporate logo and identity. Yet, oddly enough, many companies and organizations never actually "get" a quality digital file of the logo to use for marketing collateral or other needs.
As designers, we face this situation often, and it is perplexing. If a client can't provide high-quality artwork for a project, we need to re-create it. Spending time re-creating a logo is a waste of time and costs you money. It’s never too late for your organization to get and keep high-quality digital files of your business logo.
Why is a high quality digital file of a custom logo important?
Knowing what to ask your logo designer for and how to maintain high-quality digital files will help your company:
- Reduce project time – Speed things up! Eliminate unnecessary time spent re-creating artwork by providing high-quality digital artwork with a project.
- Cut costs – Once is enough...Stop paying over and over for something that’s already been done.
- Maintain brand consistency – Ever played telephone? The need to re-create your logo for every project can cause its appearance to morph over time due to design inconsistencies.
What is the best file format for a logo?
There are two types of file formats best suited for logo artwork.
1. Vector Based File -
A vector file is the best file type for reproduction of a logo because it can be enlarged to virtually any size, and still retains crisp, high-resolution quality with no distortion.
Two common types of vector files are:
- Encapsulated PostScript or EPS file - EPS files will have the extension:
.epsf
.epsi
- Adobe Illustrator or AI File – AI files will have the extension:
2. Pixel or Bitmap Based File -
If your logo has photographic images in it, or you can't get a vector file, the next-best file format for a logo is a pixel-based file. Since these formats are pixel-based images, get a large file size to ensure the best reproduction quality.
Two common types of pixel-based files are:
- Adobe Photoshop or PSD file - PSD files will have the extension:
.psd
- Tagged Image or TIFF file - TIFF files will have the extension:
.tif
.tiff
What are other tips to make the most of a logo?
- Transparent Background – It's best to get your logo on a transparent background; this allows it to be dropped onto a colored background without having a white "box" appearing around the logo.
- Reverse Version – Ask your designer to create a reverse version of your logo; this allows it to reproduce well on a dark or black background.
- Keep it Safe – Give copies of the digital file to key employees who may work with outside suppliers to produce printed and electronic marketing materials, signage, or advertising.
A high quality digital file of your company logo will guarantee your organization works more efficiently, saving time and money.
Remember: Better quality artwork yields a more professional image.
