Topic awaiting preservation: Logo Print Size?..... (Page 1 of 1)

Hi guys, I'm new to this site. I came across it while searching for some information on graphics/logos. This looks like a great site.

What I need help with is, if I create a logo or have one created for me for my internet business. Will I be able to print that logo on huge banners or other stuff that requires large prints, without losing detail?. I'm a little confused, and im sure you are now too. For example, If I get a logo designed by someone, and they send it to me in 300x300pixels, can printers print that in larger formats without losing detail?. Or am I supposed to get the logo recreated in a larger format?. Should I request a logo in a large format?. Again, its really confusing to me. Anyone know much about this stuff?.

Thanks,

Indiglo

Hi there Indiglo!

First, welcome to the asylum. This is truly a great place in every aspect. So much knowledge around here that you wouldn´t believe...

To your question: First, if you need a logotype that is going to be used in different medias and resized, I would go for the vectorformat. When your logo is in that format in can be printed how big you want and how small you want without losing detail if it doesnt contain pixels. You should keep one original copy as your company logo in EPS-format (incapsulated postscript). For every other use - just save a new copy in the most proper format. For banners and such use normal webformat, gif, jpeg, png and so on. Most bureaus or printhouses will be most delighted to receive your logo in the EPS-format. If it contains text make sure it´s transformed to paths.

Normally you use programs like Illustrator or Freehand to create logotypes in that format. Please bare with me that this was a very brief answer. If I was unclear please get back....

Sincerely yours

Thomas

Hi,

Thanks, that pretty much answers my question. However, you sorta created another one for me..heheh

What do you mean by "If it contains text make sure it´s transformed to paths"?

Indiglo

Hey. Welcome.

Illustrator (and I assume Freehand, though I'm less familiar with that) permits you to break a letter or series of letters (words, paragraphs) into vector paths. This has one huge advantage and one huge disadvantage. The advantage is that you (the client) do not need to have the font in order to open the file. Designers typically have a huge assortment of fonts, but if you, the client, do not have that specific font you will not be able to see the file as the designer sees it. Converting it to outlines means the font is no longer a font but a graphic shape. Anyone can open it (if they have the right software of course).

As you might imagine, the disadvantage is that the "shape" can no longer be edited like type. If there is a typo or a change of wording you can't easily change it like you could if it was still plain old type.

Is that more clear now?

Vector shapes (including but not limited to type) are the most flexible because they can be scaled to any size without losing their crisp edges. Thus for banners and posters this is nearly mandatory. Web pages cannot display vector shapes, but vector art can easily be converted to rastor format (gif or jpeg or sometimes png as stated). It does not work the other way - a jpeg or gif can NOT be easily re-purposed to a banner. You're screwed if that's what you have and that's what you need. Specify that your designer provide vector art and you will have very flexible artwork.