How to Deliver the Best Logo File Format to Your Client
Let's find out which files to use, especially when delivering to your client!
Created by Parastudio | https://www.behance.net/gallery/96523179/MADI
Working as a freelancer or company employee logo designer means you will need to go through handover pages. However, the final delivery process is changing over time. The older contract tends to require .eps or .ai file format. It was the bare minimum to deliver the product. However, the new modern client tends to ask more than just that.
Sometimes the requirement to deliver the package will go back to the contract and term of the agreement. But, it is easier to notice the increasing demand for PDF files instead of the .eps format. Surprisingly, you should worry about the new trend. As long as the demand still follows the contract, you can fulfill the client's request.
As a final part of the logo design work, you need to ensure the delivery process is complete and has everything. So, what are the other types of files, and what are the best logo file formats you will need? The answer will depend on the project goal, application, and the current universal standard. But if you are curious, here are some checklists to determine the best format.
1. Using Vector
Since you are working with logo format, there are many things to consider before the final delivery. File and format-wise, the best image option is a vector. So, the idea is that you want to make the sign have higher flexibility and functionality. Thus, you better choose the logo file that has a vector image. A vector image is made up of geometric shapes using curves and lines.
If you use vectors, the connection between shapes and color will be under mathematical equations. Thus, it helps the logo to easily scale up or down in size without distorting and losing quality. It is the complete opposite of the raster or bitmap image, which can look pixelated upon scaling up. So, ensure you deliver vector format work for your client.
It is also worth explaining to your client that the vector might not have a detailed color or pixel as a raster. The vector design is one of the best logo file formats that is mostly used by professionals. So, all logo or graphic designs must be created using vector programs, such as Coreldraw or Adobe illustrator, before you deliver the final product.
Created by Werklig | https://www.behance.net/gallery/80356475/Gymondo
2. Support Transparent Background
Another good point to deliver a perfect logo file is a transparent background. Most vector images have supported this aspect, such as PNG, eps, or PDF. The reason you will need a transparent background is to elevate the uses. The client can easily use and apply it in different backgrounds without editing the original data.
The idea for this point is to eliminate all of the unnecessary images in the file before you deliver it. Remove the white background, the mockup, or anything. If you do want to use background, make it only for your mockup. So, the client can use the logo file after you deliver the final product. So, remember to see whether the format supports the idea.
Created by AMEDIA DESIGN | https://www.behance.net/gallery/126546801/Perfect-body-logo-design
3. Editable File
Whether your client wants an editable or non-editable file for them or not, you need to include the editable one. So when you deliver the finished job, the client will have the work that they can alter in the future. It also helps designers to save some space from the logo file and give a backup to your client. But the idea itself is also more than just giving them a chance to edit.
Providing your client with a working format will help them to work further in the future. If your client does not back to your service and chooses another designer, the file format will be their guide. So, what is the best logo file format to use? Most of the time, you can deliver the master data for the client.
If your client requests a PDF file, you can also make it editable. Most of the time, the PDF provides a non-editable version that comes with the exact design and layout. So, it is the best option for those who want a printed format. But, you can also check the Preserve illustrator editing capabilities option from the Adobe illustrator saving option. So, the PDF will be editable.
Created by Ivan Hudema | https://www.behance.net/gallery/130207715/Lunatta
4. Use CMYK Color Mode
Another good point to determine the best out of the best file format is the color mode. For this project, the staple requirement is CMYK or Cyan, magenta, yellow, and key (black). Even though you can use RGB (red, green, blue) color model, it will have very limited hues. But if you want to deliver the best for your client, you can also make both color modes.
The idea is that a logo file with CMYK will be more appropriate for printing media. Meanwhile, the RGB is the perfect color for digital media. So, you can consider the two image color formats to cope with two applications possibilities. To make your client logo design process easier, you can start with CMYK.
Most of the vector applications come with CMYK color. But, you have the chance to convert the logo color to RGB later on. You only need to make the proper adjustment and deliver the product in different color modes. So, to deliver the best logo file format, you need to ensure you learn the design application, mediums, and details.
It is also a great idea to separate each of the color variations in different locations. In other words, you will deliver the finished logo design in many different folders with specific goals. For digital use, place all of the raster images in one folder. But for print, you can put the CMYK format for your client.
Another good point for the best logo file format is different scenario colors. So, the underline is to provide black and white or monochrome versions for your client. But it is not a simple black and white. You have to ensure you can deliver the best design through a range of color variations. Why so? Because nowadays, a flexible design is more desired than the static one.
In this case, you can either make ranges of logo versions. But again, it will go back to the nature of the logo itself. You might create some color variations, such as full color, black, white, or inverted design. If you can deliver all of them, it will help your client a lot in adjusting or implementing the design.
Created by Requena Office | https://www.behance.net/gallery/130997385/Orbita
5. One Logo Per File
Another good point that you need to pay attention to is the logo per file requirement. So, you want to deliver the final product to your client in many types of formats. Why so? One of the reasons is to help your client work easier. For example, you need to put the RGB and CMYK images separately.
You can also include some different versions of your design in separate files. It will make the format easier to tell. At the same time, the client can implement the product as intended. Imagine if you deliver everything in one data while your client only needs the logo image, it will take more time just to pick and separate the pictures.
Created by Tree Creative | https://www.behance.net/gallery/109158309/Monet-Star-Garden
6. Image Format
As you include the editable format for your client, you will also need to include the image data. In this case, the commonly used and best logo file format to choose from is JEPGs and PNGs. It will be a sufficient move for both you and the client if you deliver the files. It is because they have some specific details that bring advantages to the applications.
The best example is the PNG that supports a transparent background. It can turn into a handy file for your client that needs immediate use in their webpage. Before you deliver them, you can put all of the ready-to-use image formats in one folder. Show and deliver a message that it is the data that contains images. So the client can go to the right location and use it.
Created by Clara Tadini | https://www.behance.net/gallery/104422147/Modular-Brand
7. Varying Image Sizes
Since logo uses are starting to get more varied, you also need to deliver a range of logo image sizes. When it comes to the best logo file format, you will see how scalability is one of the vital parts of the project. In this case, you have to work with vector images so the design can be used in many mediums and scaled in different dimensions.
When it comes to size considerations, you also need to see whether the logo format was made in a specific dimension. You can see the project brief from your client to see the application and the proper size. But, if you are not sure about the size, you can always deliver the work with the common display size. The largest for 1080 display is around 1920 x 1080.
It makes sense to work and deliver the largest size for the file. You can also consider the image format to allow the client to alter the master data. However, one thing that you need to consider is the new trend of 4K displays. To fit the new standard, you can include a higher resolution such as 3840 x 2160 (4K) sizes for your client.
Other than the logo file format sizes, it is best to work with different orientations. Most modern design comes with a purposeful design, which means it can be used for different orientations, sizes, and variants. The best example is the McDonald's logo design. It has the vertical, horizontal, brandmark, icon, and wordmark to deliver the same sign in different models.
If you consider the different formats, then the file dimension and size will be different as well. It can be wider, tall, or boxy-like dimensions. Ensure you can fit the design, so it has every format used for different purposes. In addition, try to deliver logos in small, medium, and large versions. Determining the size and naming it with that dimension is easier to look at.
For the best logo file format, the different sizes dimension from small to large is about 10 – 15% scale. The example is a small logo size around 100px, medium 500px, and large is 1000px. How about the DPI? You need to refer to the brief to see whether you need to use 72 or 300 DPI. 72 DPI format is best for web purposes. But, you can use a higher DPI for larger and detailed logos.
Created by cantone studio | https://www.behance.net/gallery/123817589/Stark-Brand-Identity
8. Give Varying Logo Design
As said in the previous point, you need to deliver your best work as a designer. In that case, varying logo design brings up more possibilities for your client. But again, you can see the brief whether it is needed or not. Try to work your best but not work for what you are not paid for. In other words, do not make designs that are not needed.
So, what kind of variation do you need? You can deliver the best logo file format in different orientations, such as vertical or horizontal. If you are going to design the logo in this format, consider the situation and also the application. The horizontal design is the most common design that can be used for a typical website or printed medium.
However, the vertical design might have more specific uses, such as for collateral pieces or signage. With that different usage, it is safe to say that some logo files might only be possible in one orientation. Another variation that you can include in the package is an icon or brand mark. Again, it is best to see the brief before you work further with different variations.
The brand mark or icon in the logo is without any text in it. Most of the time, they use it very diverse, but it has some specific characteristics that turn the design focus on smaller media. The logo format and the file will be useful for social media accounts or signs. And lastly is the wordmark. It is the least popular format. But still, it can bring different functions for your client.
Created by Jona Sbarzaglia Studio | https://www.behance.net/gallery/131496973/Fattoria-Castello
9. Include Package Guide
After you got all of the best logo file formats in one folder and are ready to deliver the final project, ensure you include a package guide. So, you might already put the PDF, .aid, PNG, JPEG, and all of the files inside. But does your client know how to use it? Assuming that they are only using it for printing or webpage, they might get confused with the further possibilities.
It is where you need to add a logo guide for all of the possibilities. The idea of a guide also goes to the fact that you want to ensure the next client's designer knows what to do with your work. It also includes some information about every file format used, characteristic, and details. So, your clients know what to do with the proper data after you deliver the final work.
Created by Mohamed Hafez | https://www.behance.net/gallery/129605095/Marks-Branding
10. Give A Clear Naming
No matter how detailed your final is, it won't deliver the real purpose if you don't have proper naming. Until this point, you got a lot of file formats and data in the package. So, which one is which? Use decent naming to help identify each of the files properly. You can write down the client name, the logo orientation, color mode, and variation.
It is a very simple intake to help tell the best logo file format. But, a great naming can save more time to learn about each file. The client will also learn about the logo format from the name. To make it work better, you can put the data in separate and specific folders. For example, the printing, website, color, non, color, or other deliver data details.
Created by CAXA estudio | https://www.behance.net/gallery/128676357/Smash-King-Burger
All File You Need To Deliver In The Packages
Up to this point, you can see how the final project delivery process takes a lot of preparation. You need to put the proper naming, folder and also include a guide. But you cannot forget to find the best format for your logo file. Which one is it? Try to understand the brief, ask the goal, application, and ideas. Thus, you can find the best format and deliver it to your client.
If your client is asking for a PDF, the good news is you can save it from any application. You can also do the same with adobe systems, such as AI. You only need to save it as Adobe PDF. The PDF can also work as an editable format. Regardless of the client's request, you also need to deliver other files. It includes the .ai, editable PDF, JPEG, PNG, and other complimenting work.
So, when you are going to deliver the logo to your client, ensure you got everything right. If the client asks for a different logo file format, you can refer back to your contract. But, it is also a great option to consider the new trend of using PDF. Before you deliver the PDF file, make sure you provide other formats, such as PNG, JPEG, and .ai, plus the guide.