Let’s chat logos/Design.
I know this is “boring” information, but it’s also so important.
When you start a business, I highly recommend getting a logo created professionally. You want to ensure you receive your logo in multiple formats, just in case you may need a specific as you grow. You also want to ensure your design is unique to prevent any brand confusion in the future. I do not offer this service, so this information isn’t biased.
Using a generic logo maker tends to provide you with some pretty well used logos. They also tend to be low level designs meant to be used solely as an image (jpg/jpeg).
Let’s chat file types:
PNG’s are similar to JPEG’s but they can handle a transparent/semi transparent background. They’re great for creating an image where your logo is against a coloured background (ie: watermarks). They tend to be just much larger files but they also don’t lose image quality when compressed so they are best for detailed photos and graphics. If someone is asking for a “raster image” (image made of pixels)- this is what they are looking for.
Jpeg/jpg’s are what you usually see with detailed images on social media/ websites, etc. They tend to compress and sacrifice quality to make sharing easier. When the quality is sacrificed, your image may become blurry or pixelated. This is why when I ask for an image, I ask for an original copy- not one found on social media. I would only use this type of file as your photos on social media, photos of your work, etc. This is also a raster file.
SVG’s are my favourite for what I do, personally. They’re a web friendly vector format (uses mathematical equations to create images using points, lines and curves- creating a scalable image). They allow the user to resize without any loss of clean lines or colours and read the text/Image separately, but are best used at screen size. They are best for logos and icons (like your social media buttons). They tend to be favourited by cricut users because of their ease, but they also tend to be confused for JPG’s in “file sharing groups”. True SVG’s can not be shared in this manner. They also do not contain a permanently attached background, generally. And text is treated as text, in this format. (Search engines can read them, vs a flat image like a jpeg). These files can help your website seo.
PDF’s are great for preserving data in its original file format. They’re great for both images and text and are widely used for their ease to edit. I don’t tend to have use for these unless necessary so I’m not familiar with all of their capabilities for this application.
EPS files are a much better quality vector format for printing large scale products (ie; billboards, banners, etc) with a lot of detail - think pngs- but better quality. They aren’t typically used for web based applications because they aren’t optimized for it. These can be time consuming to design and require illustrator to open so I don’t personally use them.
When using a scroll saw, any format works because you follow the lines of a print out as a guide.
When sending information to a laser (depending on the application) format is important. I can’t pull a PNG or JPEG apart to create a layered image like a sign without redrawing it, which can be extremely time consuming and in the end will cost the client more money. (Although, you can engrave both of these files).
When I’m printing on something such as keychain QR codes, any format will work if you don’t plan on having a catered/large background.
Otherwise, SVG’s are best. If you’re sublimating a mug, they all work.
A tshirt? You’re going to want an svg to cut your vinyl.
Ensuring your logo/design is in the correct format, is important to keep your brand unified. That said, all hope is not lost if your require another format for your application. Toss us a message to discuss pricing on converting your logo to multiple formats.