Kvalito   •   January 22nd, 2021

Logo is essential and one of the most important steps towards building a brands identity.  Once logo has been finalized, the graphic designer will supply variety of files.  You may think, why am I receiving so many files.  Well, each file has its own purpose and will be useful at some point for a certain thing.

Understanding different file formats is extremely important, since the logo will exist in different contexts.  From Business Cards to Websites to Tshirts to Signage.

What file type should a logo be?

There’s no real answer to this as different graphic designers will use different programs.  The most commonly used programs for graphic designing are Illustrator, PhotoShop or CoralDraw, however, there are many others.

Files generated in these programs are what we call ‘The Original Design Files’.  These are probably the most essential files needed.

What files should the graphic designer provide?

One of the most common mistakes we see people making when having a logo designed is that they don’t receive the correct and/or relevant files from their graphic designers.

If you pay any money to have a logo designed then it is your right to request and should demand certain files from your designer.

The package should include the following:

• The original design file AI (Illustrator), PSD (PhotShop) and/or CDR (CoralDraw).

These files won’t open without the correct software.  Therefore, if you have received these files and are unable to open them, DO NOT delete these.

The printer who will print the marketing material, the company who will create signage and the developer who will create the website, will benefit from these files.

• PDF file

If pdf is created from a vector program, like Illustrator or CoralDraw, then this file could be editable.  This file can be viewed in a web browser.  If saved in a vector program, pdf files can retain quality.

• JPG

This is probably the most common file type, mainly used for photos.  These are compressed files so can be easily shared and uploaded/downloaded and are used for social media, websites and can be opened on any computer.

JPGs are not scalable, therefore, they need to be saved with correct dimensions, enlarging these can lose quality and file will look pixelated.

• Transparent PNG

Like jpg files, pngs are also not scalable, therefore, they need to be saved with correct dimensions and resolution.  They support transparent background, therefore, can be used on websites, and anywhere else that has a colored background.

• TIFF

TIFF files can also have a transparent background and unlike JPGs, they don’t compromise on quality, making them ideal for printing purposes.

Key Takeaways

There are many file types out there, however, the original design file is the MOST important.  Having this file alone will put you in a good position, because, all other files can be created with this and logo can be manipulated or modified.

Having the files listed in this document would suffice in covering all of your online marketing and offline promotional needs, they each have their own pros and cons and each file has it’s own unique role to play in branding the business.

You will save TIME and MONEY, if you have these files, not to mention the inconvenience.

Never close the deal with the designer if you don’t have these files.