April 11, 2023

Complete Guide: Prepare Logo Designs For Prints

One of the so many intentions of a logo design is to be used for marketing purposes.
Here are some easy tips to follow on how to use a logo properly in prints!

Created by Mr.Mockup™ | https://dribbble.com/shots/15091771-Business-Card-Mockups

Designing a business logo can be a bit of a task. Not only should you choose the best elements, but also you need to consider how to use them on your products. Learning some tips on how to use logo designs in prints can be helpful to make sure your design works at its most.

Most of the time, people recognize a business logo but fail to recall the name. This is called the power of logos, which is essential to support business branding. Your goal is to be easily recognized by the audience so you can secure a position in the industry.

Created by Mr.Mockup™ | https://dribbble.com/shots/15758098-Corporate-Stationery-Mockups

However, a brand sign might fail to present its maximum effects due to printing issues. There are several factors that play a key role in determining the effectiveness of your sign. First, a good location promotes visibility so your audience can easily spot it.

Second, size does matter. Bigger is not always better when it comes to printing a sign. Product size should be taken into consideration when resizing the symbol. Next, image quality choices, backgrounds, and color options also take part in ensuring the power of logo design on your business products.

Created by Bonumo | https://dribbble.com/shots/19756115-Business-Cards-Design

There are several tips on how to use logo designs in prints to help you make the most of the brand sign. Keep the following points in your mind when printing symbols on the products.

1. Logo Positioning

The placement of your design affects how it influences your target audience. Careful consideration is required when it comes to deciding where to place the sign on your product. There is a general rule known as the inverted pyramid method, which can help you find the best position.

Using this method, you will want to put significant information at the top. This allows the audience to notice the information and identify your brand quickly. The information may include but is not limited to your business logo, slogans, etc.

Poster printing is a good example that requires you to place the design at eye level, allowing quick identification from readers. Left-side print is also recommended compared to right-side or middle printing, according to a study that found that people tend to look to the left first.

Furthermore, it is crucial to consider wear and tear when choosing the best place for your trademark symbol. Similar to logo printing on fabric, it requires careful thought to keep the design visible yet safe from potential damage.

Overall, good positioning is key to the optimum effect of your brand logos. Using the layout in prints is an effective way to attract the attention of the audience, so it makes sense to consider the best placement. Follow these tips on how to use designs in prints for the best outcome.

Created by Matt Naylor | https://dribbble.com/shots/15186398-Garden-Show-Collateral

2. Color Scheme Choices

Colors can make or break your layouts. The fact that the color scheme is closely related to visibility makes the process of color selection a bit daunting. The visibility of a logo includes clearness and readability, which means it should be easy to read even at a distance.

The idea of presenting a wide array of colors in a logo design does not agree with this principle. Instead of using too many colors, you can opt for several colors in the same tone or scheme as the poster. It offers a brilliant solution to keep the layout visually attractive in a subtle way.

This is one of the useful tips on how to use logo designs in prints which has been used by the world’s top brands. They reduce the number of colors in their brand logos, which eventually results in aesthetic and consistent artwork.

Adjusting the transparency of your logo also helps with visibility. For instance, a poster with a striking-colored background is suitable for a semi-transparent brand sign. This technique works effectively to prevent overpowering design.

A poster with white background, on the other hand, does not require significant changes. Simply focus on the size to make sure its visibility and legibility.

Created by Vedad Siljak | https://dribbble.com/shots/17378946-Oblivion

3. Incorporate High-Quality Images

The final result of your logo design in prints heavily depends on the quality of your images. The high-quality image will provide you with impeccable details which can represent your professional business. On the other hand, low-resolution images will lead to pixelated prints.

This is why it is essential to make sure the image size brought to the print company fits your print. The larger your print, the bigger the image resolution it demands. For the best result, avoid using an image under 100-pixel resolution. This is how to use logo designs in prints correctly.

Image resolution, often defined in dots per inch (dpi), describes the number of dots or pixels that exist in a square inch of the image. You need a high-resolution image to ensure each square inch has as much information as possible.

When it comes to image resizing, it is important to note that any resize activity should retain the original appearance of the design. It is not recommended to grab images from random websites and stretch them to fill the space, as it will make them lose their original shape and look pixelated.

However, it is worth noting that the results may vary depending on the printers and the quality of the print material. Check with your print company to get information related to pixel requirements so that you can obtain clear prints.

Created by Mr.Mockup™ | https://dribbble.com/shots/15642571-Business-Card-Mockups

4. Ditch the Slogans

A few things need adjustment when you print your logo on products, including posters. Some brands create a visual identity containing slogans to convey their pitches. In fact, slogans are not necessarily needed when it comes to poster printing.

Following these tips on how to use logo designs in prints helps you maintain a simple and clean outcome. Several reasons that make sense to ditch the slogans from your brand identity in prints. First, most slogans are less identifiable than other components in your logos.

Involving slogans in prints can distract the attention of the viewer. Scrapping the slogans helps maintain the focus of your audience on the content so that your messages can be well-delivered. Second, slogans make your layout less readable.

Slogans bring additional elements into your visual identity. Therefore it makes your print look crowded. This will lead to poor readability, which eventually influences the power of the brand sign. To keep things tidy and visually simple, choose a neat logo version.

Having that said, it does not mean you cannot use slogans at all. In order to maintain a clean look of the brand sign, you can print your slogans elsewhere. It can be used as the footer or anywhere with good visibility but does not take the attention of your audience.

Created by Abdullah Mubin | https://dribbble.com/shots/16585569-Ural-Logo

5. Create Logo Variations

Before rushing to a print company, make sure your design has several versions; each version has to be prepared for its own use. This is one of the useful tips on how to use logo designs in prints to keep your layout visually attractive and readable on any kind of print.

Possible logo versions may include but are not limited to full color, all black, all white, and grayscale. Full color is the main version that is ideal for most applications. If there are no specific conditions that require other versions, full color should be prioritized.

All black, as the name suggests, presents a black version of your logo. It is suitable for light or multicolored surfaces, allowing the brand sign to stand out against such backgrounds. All white, on the other hand, is a version that is ideal for dark backgrounds.

A grayscale version is quite unique. It uses black ink to print the full version, creating a distinct version of gray. But some printers may require a grayscale version, so it is highly recommended to contact your print company before getting the task done.

This tip on how to use logo designs in prints helps ensure a clear output with excellent readability. Choose the right version for the right surface to achieve the goal.

Created by Mr.Mockup™ | https://dribbble.com/shots/12860049-Corporate-Stationery-Mockups

6. Pay Attention to Your File Type

File type matters when it comes to printing logo designs. As it identifies what the signs are made of, submitting the right file type allows you to print the symbol correctly. We know two main file types: raster and vector.

If your image is a raster, it means it is made of pixels. Meanwhile, if your image is a vector, then it is made of geometric shapes. Each file type has its own characteristics that allow you to determine which type is suitable for your brand identity.

Raster images do not change size, so they are not suitable for large printing. On the contrary, vectors have excellent flexibility, so they can size up and down without changing the quality. This is why vector images are suitable for logo printing.

In addition to file type, file formats need your attention. Different file formats are available, such as .eps, .pdf, and .png. Before submitting your file, make sure the printer supports the file type and formats that you desire. These are among the tips on how to use logo designs in prints you shouldn’t skip.

Created by Dylan Menke | https://dribbble.com/shots/17216390-Print-Design

7. Evaluate Negative Spaces

Negative space is the white space between objects, such as letters or shapes, within an image. Oftentimes, this space creates a whole new image by accident. You may find something you probably dislike about it, so it is necessary to evaluate the negative space before you proceed.

Negative space evaluation requires meticulous observation of images in various sizes. It helps you find not only an unexpected image between letters but also additional objects you do not want to include in the design. Anything you find in the negative space should not reflect negatively on your business.

In graphic design, negative space is basically used to make the objects more expressive. It is often found in posters, illustrations, and creative lettering, which support the main object to become more realistic.

As one of the recommended tips on how to use logo designs in prints, evaluating negative space takes part in promoting readability. If there is enough space between elements, the audience can easily focus on the content and process the information.

Created by Cory Uehara | https://dribbble.com/shots/15270844-I-love-color

8. Recheck Your Design

Review your logo design before you get ready to print it. In order to create a good brand sign, you have tons of aspects to consider, from color choices, sizes, position, and typefaces. All elements contribute to the success of your design, so you need to make sure no elements destroy the whole concept.

For instance, a typeface is essential in graphic design. When working with a visual identity, make sure to limit the type of fonts that you use. Choose two different fonts at maximum in one logo to maintain a cohesive and consistent look.

The same is true for other elements like color choices, shapes, and supporting details. When you squeeze too many fonts, colors, or shapes, this will make your design seem like a compilation of pieces than one great artwork.

A brand logo is your visual identity that reflects your business, so it is crucial to keep it looking professional. Reviewing and re-checking the design gives you a better outlook on the layout which is expected to avoid potential mistakes before it is submitted to the print company.

Created by Mr.Mockup™ | https://dribbble.com/shots/15220832-Corporate-Stationery-Mockups

9. Do Not Rush

The next tip on how to use logo designs in prints would be to take your time. Do not rush with your masterpiece that will make you regret it. Printing a sign is not a rushed job because there are so many things to check. It may require a lot of thought and time, but if it is well done, the result is worth the effort.

Make time to proofread your artwork, talk with the printer when your design is sent, and ask for print proofs. The last mentioned is important to make sure your prints go correctly. It would not be fun if you missed a small detail after placing a bulky order.

Feedback is needed to create a perfect logo print. You probably miss a little error due to blind spots, so you need extra eyes to give you feedback. Before printing, show your logos to several people who have competence in the industry.

Ask for their opinion but do not take it for granted. Focus on parts that may need improvement or failing objects, if any. This is a brilliant solution to save your time and money.

Created by green chameleon | https://dribbble.com/shots/19588822-TRUE-Brand-Design

10. Consider Bleeds

How to use logo designs in prints is not only about the artwork itself but also about technical work. Bleeds are one important aspect to consider when printing a sign because it plays a major part in your printing success.

Bleed is a technical term that is used when a printer refers to the images on a page. When you send a logo for printing, any chosen object must be a certain distance away from the edge. If it is not, the printer may perform a few adjustments, such as resizing the design or changing the paper size.

Always remember that even a little adjustment in your design can cause a huge change which leads to a total mess. This is why you need to make sure your logo design follows bleed guidelines to avoid such conversation with the printer. Not only does it apply to poster prints but also to every product.

Created by Abdullah Mubin | https://dribbble.com/shots/16448983-Mounhome-Logo

11. Avoid 3D Graphic Design.

A 3D graphic design can be troublesome when it comes to logo printing. Some logo maker programs and printers may be incompatible with a 3-dimensional graphic design which can lead to failure in the outcome. Alternatively, you need to shift to a 1D or 2D design.

How use logo designs in prints is easier when you are working with one or two-dimensional graphic design. It is a better choice for every situation, besides it can provide you with an attractive output.

Created by Jisan Branding | https://dribbble.com/shots/17455340-modern-logo-l-branding

Final Words

Designing a brand logo is not only about the best elements used in the layout but also about how you use them in prints. Even a great design fails to bring maximum effect because of printing problems such as logo position, image quality, backgrounds, and other aspects.

The fact that your brand logo is the visual identity of your business makes it important to pay careful attention when printing. Hence, you can avoid any mistake that you will regret in the future. Learning some tips on how to use logo designs in prints is one of the ways to achieve the best print result.

Creating logo variation, for example, is a good tip to make sure your logo fits any background and concept. Ditching the slogans should not be skipped to maintain a simple print with excellent visibility. Additionally, you can also consider technical aspects like printer bleed to avoid unwanted changes.

Using logo design in prints is not a simple thing but learning the tips makes everything easier. Simply follow the useful tips above to bring your visual identity to real life. Take as much time as you need because printing design graphics is not a rushed job.