More often than not when asking a client for their current logo, we are provided with a file format that is less than desirable for the project or situation. Although this can be argued both ways, we’ve seen both instances where it was the logo designer’s responsibility to provide the proper deliverables or the client was using an improper method of creating their logo.
Delivering a variety of file formats to your clients will not only leave them satisfied in the long term, but any designer who follows you will also be grateful. Whether you are printing high quality, adding a logo to a website, or inserting your company logo into a Word document, there are various file formats that should be used over the other.
Below is a list of logo deliverables you should be giving your clients and what clients should be getting from their logo designer.
1. Logo in an EPS (Vector) format
An EPS file, or Encapsulated PostScript file, is a versatile vector format of your logo. In other words, you can resize your logo as big or small as needed without compromising the quality of the logo. EPS is compatible with a large number of software programs and is great for use with printed elements due to its high quality.
What it is suitable for:
- Business cards
- Brochures
- Advertisements
- Anything that will be printed
2. Logo in a JPG, PNG, SVG and GIF format
Although it cannot be scaled to the desired size like that of an EPS, JPGs, and GIFs are great and often preferred for internet use. Due to their smaller file size, they load faster on the web and still look ‘sharp’ to the eye when viewed on a computer monitor. Some designers will create these files a little larger than most so their clients are able to downsize as needed. However, the best format for web delivery for a logo file is SVG. It is a special vector format used most often in digital applications.
What it is suitable for:
- Websites
- Online ads and banners
- Email marketing and email signatures
- Anything distributed digitally
3. Logo in a TIFF format
A TIFF, or Tagged Image File Format, is a widely supported file format that works in just about any program. A TIFF is of higher quality than JPG or GIF, but not vector-formatted like an EPS. Typically when sending TIFFs to clients I try to create them at a larger size, so if needed they can resize down or stay with the larger size for more versatility. In certain cases, these can also be used for higher quality prints, granted they were created at 300 dpi and don’t need to be resized larger than delivered.
What it is suitable for:
- Microsoft Office programs
- Standard printing for common use (i.e. invoices, letterheads, etc.)
4. Full Color
This should need no explanation, but provide your clients with a full-colored, CMYK file for the printed file formats (EPS, TIFF) and RGB for the web formats (JPG, GIF). This way they don’t experience strange color issues when printing and will save them money with their printers.
5. Black and Reversed Color Logo
A well-designed logo should not only work in color but also in black and white (reversed-out) versions. Make certain to convert your in-color logos to both black and reversed-out so your client’s logo can work in ANY situation. Many designers usually create a color, black, and white version in each of the first 4 file formats.
6. Icons And Marks
Consider situations where only a part of the logo or corporate identity will be displayed. This often applies to digital presence, such as a website favicon, mobile app icon, etc. It is important that files of appropriate format and size are supplied for these purposes as well.
We hope this information helps you next time you need to redesign or create a logo. If you have any questions, our graphic design team is here for you.
