How we organize client files
So you’ve just received the deliverables of your branding project, but you don’t know which files you’ve received or what they mean. Maybe you found that a logo you sent off to be printed didn’t turn out very well, or perhaps your uploaded website header looked pixelated. More than likely, the reason is because the correct file type wasn’t used for that particular scenario.
Offboarding is such an important part of brand design services, and a quality designer will organize your files in a way that’s easy to understand and use going forward.
When delivering brand identities, we export in five formats: JPEG, PNG, PDF, SVG and EPS so that our clients can choose the right file type for whatever project they’re working on. If you’re our client, you’ll find a complete breakdown of your file types, how and where to use them in your brand guidelines.
Whether you’re a new designer, or a business owner in search of answers, today we’re taking some time to quickly go over some of the most common file types, and provide some insight on how we organize our clients logo files. We hope it helps!
Understanding Logo file formats
AI: Adobe Illustrator files
We’re starting off with a file format for designers. AI file formats are not universal, meaning they can only be opened with Adobe Illustrator. AI files are a “working file” essential for making edits. It’s what designers use to create your logo, and is not usually provided to clients. Instead, we export the this file in various formats that business owners often find themselves using.
JPG/JPEG: Joint PHotographic Experts Group
JPEG’s are the most commonly-used file type,. A compressed (smaller) file size, this format is ideal for images. Use JEPG logo files on social media posts, profile pictures, etc. If you notice a white background on a logo-only file, it’s likely in JPEG format.
PNG: Portable Network Graphic
The most common reason to use a PNG file is because they are capable of transparency, PNG’s are ideal for creating icons, logos, GIF’s and more. Place them on your website, layer over text or other graphics where you want the background to show through. In addition, PNG’s retain a higher quality when resized, in comparison to JPEG’s. This file format is ideal for graphics such as logos, but you wouldn’t typically use them for images.
PDF: Portable Document FormaT
Primarily used for sharing documents, brand guidelines, print materials. If you’re printing any deliverables, such as business cards or letterhead, your print vendor will likely request the PDF version of your file.
SVG: Scalable Vector Graphic
An SVG is a vector file for a logo, allowing it to be scaled to any size without loss of quality or detail. It’s ideal for responsive web design, graphics, logos.
EPS: Encapsulated PostSCript
Another editable vector file, EPS formats are scalable to any size without loosing quality. Need something on a billboard? No problem! EPS files are universal and ideal for print.
What logo file format do I use online vs in print?
Web
When uploading graphics to your website, social media, or for other online usage, the most common formats are JPEG, PNG or SVG, depending on your needs. Consider the scenario, such as whether you need a transparent background, or are looking for scalability. Files in the “Digital” folder are saved in RGB color format, which is ideal for web use.
For higher resolutions, when printing, such as for business cards or marketing materials, you’ll use a different file format. Typically PDF or EPS. Files in the “Print” folder are saved in CMYK color format.
