You've wrapped up the concept stage of your shiny new logo for your client and now they require multiple file formats and versions of the logo. We have a tried and tested method...
1. Check it, check it, check it again and once you think you’re done check it again.
2. Get someone else’s eyes on it
3. Create a master file with all versions of the logo in
4. Choosing colour
5. File types
6. Final check
7. Supply to the client
8. Put your feet up
So, you’ve come to a point where you’ve designed a logo for either yourself or a client, everyone that is involved is happy with it and you’re finished. Or are you?
Unfortunately you’ve got a really important part left to do. And that is to save out the logo files correctly so you can supply them to the client.
This process will change depending on who is showing you how to do it, however this is the way I was shown and it has worked for me ever since. There are only 7 steps between you and the final package, so stick with it and you’ll be there in no time.
1. Check it, check it, check it again and once you think you’re done check it again
All of the points in this list are super important but if you get this bit wrong you might realise further down the line that all the work you’ve done has been a waste.
So with that in mind, it’s really important to go through your logo file with a fine tooth comb.
Try to simplify your paths as much as possible. Delete any stray anchor points that might be dotted around, and remove any unused colours from the swatch library. Also, outline any type or strokes as these aspects shouldn’t be altered after art-working.
Do this until you are left with a file that is just your logo design and the artboard it’s sat on.
2. Get someone else’s eyes on it
Now you’ve checked it at least 4 times it’s a good idea to get someone else to look at it, whether it be a friend or colleague.
The reason for this is that chances are you’ve been looking at this design for a couple of days and you might not spot something. A fresh pair of eyes and another opinion might help settle some points you may have been unsure about when you were checking.
It’s also a good idea to show that person a couple of versions, maybe you’ve thickened a typeface up a touch and you need help deciding.
3. Create a master file with all versions of the logo in
At this point I make a master illustration file with all the variations of the logo in it, I’ll create separate art-boards for each one so they’re easily accessible.
Your logo might be made up of type and a graphic mark, and there could be instances when the client will need these parts as separate files. For example, as a social avatar or embroidered on a piece of clothing.
Also, during this time you can set the clearance area or exclusion zone for the logo you’ve designed. This area refers to the space around a logo that no other graphic or text can enter. Elements that infringe on this space would be considered to be breaking the brand guidelines. Then adjust your artboard to the size of your clearance area.
4. Choosing colour
Depending on the purpose of your logo you’ll more than likely have a RGB or CMYK colour file. Either of these is fine to start with.
While exploring the initial brand you probably chose a number of primary and secondary colours for the brands colour palette. It’s important that you choose all colour formats for your brand as it plays a key part in the strength of your identity.
The different colour profiles I roll out are – CMYK, RGB, PMS C, PMS U, Black and White (PMS – Pantone Matching System, U – Uncoated, C – Coated).
You can now start saving out the colour variations of logos into your file in all the necessary formats. Make sure you delete any unused colours from each file.
5. File types
There are so many different file types when it comes to logos so I tend to stick to these 3, then if a client requests something else, we can do it separately.
The 3 file types we’ll be looking at are EPS, PNG and JPEG.
Firstly, EPS’s are used for live colour files, all the different colour versions of the logo should be saved out in this format. These should be saved out as separate individual files.
The next step is to save out PNG’s of the RGB including white and black versions of the logo. Make sure you save these out as transparent PNG’s and to be safe I make them 2000px wide.
Finally save out the JPEG’s in the same way as the PNG’s, although this time making sure to leave out the white version as this will just end up a white square. The reason for this is that JPEG’s can’t be saved with transparency, but you probably already knew that!
6. Final check
Now that you’ve completed the logo roll out, have one last check of your files.
To do this just go through the logos methodically to ensure that all you have in each file is the logo and the correct colour profiles. Also, it’s a good idea to get another pair of eyes on a few of these too.
7. Supply to the client
You are almost there! Once you’ve made sure the files are labeled clearly, you can then compress your logo pack into one file and supply it to your client. You can either email it or if the file is too big to send you can use WeTransfer.
8. Put your feet up
Well done, you’ve done it!
Your client is happy, you are happy and you can finally rest in the knowledge that you’ve finished the project successfully.
Max Harding is a passionate designer who gained his experience whilst working for a number of Bristol agencies. He specialises in brand and packaging design with the ability to pick up almost any project brief. When Max isn't working as a designer he often spends his time speaking to others in the design community.