A good logo designer will provide you with the right file formats upon project completion. This way, you can use the logo you paid for at its full purpose.
Why logo file format matters
So you hired a logo designer for your new business. Upon approval, you paid for it and they sent you a flat image in JPEG format. You called the project a success – yay!
Later, you wanted to use the logo on your business card, letterhead, and a big sign on your office wall. You sent the JPEG file to your printer but they asked for a bigger version and one that’s in 300 dpi quality.
You don’t know what these all mean. After all, what you got was a tiny, 72dpi 4 x 2 inch logo in a flat image. That’s all you know. So, you contacted the logo designer again and he said he will have to do hours of work to resize the logo. And guess what? They ask for another payment.
Boom. You just got scammed.
Here are the things you should ask from your designer so you don’t get scammed ever again. See the list below.
A list of things to ask from your logo designer
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Vector File
Unlike a flat image that are made up of pixels (e.g. JPEG), vector files use mathematical calculations to define shapes and lines. This allows resizing without quality loss and are best for retaining sharpness in logos. Most common vector file formats are, EPS, AI, SVG, PDF, and sometimes PSD. -
Color Format
If you think you'd need your logo used in print, ask for a version in CMYK color. If you only plan on using the logo for web use, a version in RGB is fine. In short, CMYK = print; RGB = web. -
PNG with transparent background
Ask the designer to include a PNG with a transparent background so you can easily place the logo on any color background. -
2 versions: for dark and light backgrounds
Also, if it's within reason (I mean, if you're paying a fair amount), ask the designer for two version of the logo. One that works well on light backgrounds and another on dark backgrounds. -
Fonts
Ask for links where you can obtain a license for all the fonts used. The last thing you want is to end up in a copyright tangle with the font owner.