If you’ve had custom hats or shirts made, you’ve probably been asked for a vector file of your logo or some foreign sounding file. If your response was, “Huh?”, then you are in the right place!
If you have a logo, you probably have the .jpeg, but that’s just not enough. The .jpeg might be popular, but you need multiple file types to use your brand effectively across different mediums. I finished up a logo last week and sent the client 30 (yes, 3-0) files of her logo, including different file types of color variations, alternative logos and branding elements.
When you get artwork for your logo, make sure you get these file types. Your future web designer / print designer / apparel designer / anyone who has to work with your logo, will thank you.
.jpeg: This is a standard image file that is versatile and easy for most people to use.
Do not stretch or increase the size of these images. It will distort and reduce the quality of the image.
.png: A handy file with a transparent background so you can easily lay this over images and color backgrounds without an ugly white box around it. It is also better quality and should be used online. NOTE: the transparent background shows up black on Instagram, so avoid using transparent backgrounds there.
Use .pngs on:
websites, blogs
catalogs
social media banners and profiles
letterhead or Word documents
images
.eps: Often called a “vector” file. Allows you to enlarge your logo without distortion. While you may not be able to use it with basic computer programs, your designers can make banners, signs, and other large format printing with a crisp, clean image.
Use .eps on:
any project where you need to scale the logo larger
.ai: Logos need to be updated every once in a while. When they do, the original file is often handy to have. Most logos are done in Illustrator or Photoshop, so be sure to ask for an original source file for future use.
You will not be able to open or edit this document without Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop, but save it for future work with a designer.
Also, ask your designer for color codes used in the logo. Each color has a unique “hex code,” a 6-digit number / letter combo that corresponds with your exact colors. There are other codes such as RGB and CMYK that will work, too. This ensures consistency in your color no matter the platform or designer / printer.
AVD Bonus: All of my logo designs come with social media templates (like these amazing Rivers Red Angus templates). I love these as tools to create professional posts that are consistent and easy to use. I’ll give you both Facebook and Instagram templates. Upload them to an site, like Canva, to easily create posts online with their tools. Alternatively, save them to your phone and use any photo editor to add text over the top for quick and easy announcements.
If you have more questions, send me a note! I am here to help.
Happy branding!
Kristin
PS: Do you have a logo but don’t have all of these file types? I’d be happy to update your current logo into these file types. Email me your logo file, and I will give you my best quote.
PSS: Ready to update your logo? At Ash Valley Designs, I’ll make sure you are set with every possible configuration, for one affordable price (just $250, for now!). Take my quiz to get started!
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