Logo format best practices

[Neupix]

Guidelines For Creating & Delivering Logos

Hello Designers,

Due to an increase in logo contests at DesignContest.net, I would like to raise your awareness about creating and delivering logos to clients. Please read through the following guidelines, and make sure you follow them when designing.

Graphic Formats

There are two types of graphics that can be created:
1) Vector format
2) Raster (Bitmap) format

Vectors can be scaled to any size without losing quality. They are based on mathematical calculations.

Raster graphics can not be scaled properly, as they lose quality and become pixelated. JPG, GIF, PNG & TIFF are all raster based files.

All logos on DesignContest.net must be created in vector format.

Creating Vector Logos

To create vector based logos, designers should be using either Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw or Macromedia Freehand or Macromedia Flash. Photoshop is a viable option, but it is important that no part of the logo is ever rasterized by the program (this can often occur when filters are applied). The first three programs are recommended.

Please Note: Even If the logo will be used on the web, it should still be created in vector format. This is to give the client flexibility in using the logo in the future. Remember, Vector can always be converted to Raster, but the opposite is not always true.


Converting Text to Outlines

Because every computer has a different set of fonts installed on it, you should never assume that the client has the particular font you used available. It is often illegal to deliver font files with your logo, so it is important that you convert all your text to paths, curves or outlines. This step will convert all fonts into a vector shape, and will not allow you to edit the text any further.

In Adobe Illustrator, simply select the text you want to outline and go to Type > Create Outlines.


Saving & Delivering the Files

Once finished designing, all vector logos should be delivered in both their original program format (.AI, .PSD, .FLA, .CDR, etc.), and as a .EPS file. EPS is an industry standard, meaning "Encapsulated PostScript". It can be imported into all major design programs, and is often the file of choice for many printing companies.

Files should be zipped or archived using an appropriate utility, and should be tested for compatibility before being handed over to the client.


Restricted Content

No third-party images should be used in logo designs (e.g. Clipart, Stock Photos, Stock Designs). This is true for several reasons, including the following:

• Most image makers have legal terms to prevent designers from using the work in any sort of Trade Mark or Identity
• Serious consequences may arise out of unauthorized use of someone's work
• There is a great lack of originality associated with placing mass-produced images into a company's identifying mark.

Additional Information

About EPS Format - redirect to www.prepressure.com

[shawngearhart]

This is a VERY good rule! I have always felt that logos MUST be designed in vector format – otherwise they will cause more money and lots of frustration down the road.

Just giving my eProps!

[cpgearhart]

Agreed...gotta go vector! Good rule.

[DraganB]

two thumbs up for this! vector for all

[originalvision]

Converting Text to Outlines
Because every computer has a different set of fonts installed on it, you should never assume that the client has the particular font you used available. It is often illegal to deliver font files with your logo, so it is important that you convert all your text to paths, curves or outlines. This step will convert all fonts into a vector shape, and will not allow you to edit the text any further.

Arent converted fonts look a bit thicker? And what about the slogan? If the slogan will be in outlines it wont be possible to edit it. I usually send 2 *.ai files: normal and font_in_outlines. Anyway those Guidelines are very good.

[Neupix]

Originally Posted by originalvision

Arent converted fonts look a bit thicker? And what about the slogan? If the slogan will be in outlines it wont be possible to edit it. I usually send 2 *.ai files: normal and font_in_outlines. Anyway those Guidelines are very good.

Nope. Converted font's do not become thicker unless you physically apply a stroke to outline it. Sending two files is good practice - but I do not want to require it. I am mostly concerned with people designing a logo with Helvetica, and then delivering it to a PC that only has Arial.

Good points

[mizzdabeat]

I like the new guidelines. Thanks for making this clear and posting it!

[digitalmunky]

Do unto other's graphics as you would have them do unto yours...

[freethemonster]

nothing beats vector graphics... great rule!

[retlaw]

Great rule! Great post! I am happy to see some specific instructions for designers to go by. I can see how there would have been a lot of problems with some clients receiving files that would make it difficult to use in several different formats.

[malibu]

hey! thanx for the tips... im just a little confused by one thing... in coral draw, how do we make sure the logo/design is in a vector format? do we have to save it in a particular way or modify it somehow or what?
sorry... im kinda new at this!

malibu

[retlaw]

In CorelDraw your initial design/drawing/artwork is created in vector format automatically. That is how the program creates the images. In order to save that image in different formats you need to "export" your drawing into JPEG, GIF, TIFF etc...

[edkodesign]

how does one go about zipping or archiveing a vector file?

[i_travin]

hi guys...
i use photshop most of the times...and going by the looks of things its not the best way to go vector in ur work...but i wanted to know how to save my psd as a .EPS file?
m kinda new to this and hav no professional experience!

[resurepus]

Originally Posted by i_travin

hi guys...
i use photshop most of the times...and going by the looks of things its not the best way to go vector in ur work...but i wanted to know how to save my psd as a .EPS file?
m kinda new to this and hav no professional experience!

I am afraid you can't. The best way is to use a vector editor such as Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw or Macromedia Freehand

[i_travin]

alright..cool..
thanks a lot!

[grimsqueaker]

Originally Posted by resurepus

I am afraid you can't. The best way is to use a vector editor such as Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw or Macromedia Freehand

Erm, Photoshop is also a vector program. You just have to design a certain way (using shapes and paths and the pen tool).
You should be able to save it by going to 'save as -- .eps' I haven't tried it though. I ususally do use Illustrator, but I know some designers who design in vector with photoshop.

[i_travin]

yeah ..u hav that option in save as, saw it today
but wil hav to bother once again, suppose i save a rasterised psd as eps...wil it become a vector file?

[stanojevic]

hello I_travin! If You save rasterised psd as eps it wont become vector. But, there is way You could play tracing a rasterised image with something like Corel trace! In this case You will get as closest as possible to converting a raster image to vector!

[i_travin]

hmm..yeah...i tried openin a eps in fotoshop n it rasterised it , i mean photoshop won't open it without rasterising. ur suggestion seems the best way, or else simply work on a vector program from the start as many others hav suggested

thanks