Logo Design Foundations: Exporting and Delivering Final Logo Files

What “final logo files” really mean

A final logo is not a single file—it is a set of master assets and exports that stay consistent across print, web, apps, and vendors. A production-ready delivery typically includes: (1) vector masters for editing and professional output, (2) raster exports for everyday use, (3) clear naming and folder structure so anyone can find the right version, and (4) a QA pass to confirm the files behave correctly in real-world contexts.

Production-ready export checklist (use this every time)

• Vector masters prepared: clean paths, no stray points, no hidden objects, correct artboards, correct logo variants (primary/stacked/icon, etc.).
• Color variants exported: full color, 1-color, reversed/knockout, black, white (as applicable).
• Color management verified: correct document color mode and embedded profiles where needed.
• Raster exports generated: PNG with transparency, JPG for photos/solid backgrounds, multiple sizes.
• Naming conventions applied: consistent, readable, sortable.
• Fonts handled: outlined where required; editable versions include font info and licensing notes.
• Package organized: predictable folder structure, includes readme/usage notes and licensing/ownership notes for handoff.
• QA completed: open on different devices/apps, check crisp edges, verify transparency, verify colors, verify dimensions.

File formats: what to export and when to use each

Vector masters (the source of truth)

Vector files scale infinitely and are required for professional printing, signage, embroidery digitizing, and future edits. Deliver at least one “master” format plus common interchange formats.

Raster exports (ready-to-use images)

Raster files are pixel-based and used for documents, presentations, social media, and many web contexts.

Step-by-step: exporting vector masters

1) Prepare artboards and bounds

• Place each logo variant on its own artboard (e.g., Primary, Stacked, Icon).
• Ensure the artwork fits the artboard tightly or consistently (use the same padding rules across variants).
• Remove unused swatches, hidden layers, and stray points/objects outside the artboard.

2) Save the editable master

• Save an editable master file in your native format (commonly .ai).
• Keep layers named clearly (e.g., Mark, Wordmark, Guides).
• If you used effects that could rasterize unexpectedly, expand/flatten only if necessary and keep an editable version separate.

3) Export interchange vectors

• PDF: export a print-ready PDF with vectors preserved. If prompted, avoid downsampling and keep compression high quality.
• SVG: export SVG for each variant. Prefer “presentation attributes” or “inline styles” consistently; test the SVG by opening it in a browser and placing it in a simple HTML page.
• EPS: export only if requested; keep transparency handling in mind and test by reopening the EPS.

Step-by-step: exporting raster files (PNG/JPG) at multiple sizes

1) Decide a size set (practical baseline)

Choose sizes that cover common use cases. A typical baseline set for each variant and colorway:

• PNG (transparent): 256px, 512px, 1024px, 2048px (width) for horizontal/primary; for icons: 16px, 32px, 48px, 64px, 128px, 256px, 512px.
• JPG (no transparency): 1200px and 2400px (width) for general use on solid backgrounds.

If the client has specific platform needs (e.g., app store, social avatars, email signatures), add those exact sizes to the set.

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2) Export PNG with transparency correctly

• Confirm the background is truly transparent (no white rectangle behind the logo).
• Export with transparency enabled.
• Use sRGB for screen exports to reduce color shifts across devices.
• Check edges on dark and light backgrounds to ensure no halos.

3) Export JPG for solid backgrounds

• Choose a background color intentionally (often white or brand-approved solid).
• Export at high quality to avoid compression artifacts around edges.
• Use sRGB for consistent screen color.

4) Verify pixel snapping and crispness

Small raster sizes can look soft if the logo lands between pixels. For tiny icon exports, adjust alignment so key vertical/horizontal edges sit cleanly on the pixel grid before exporting. Then compare 16px/32px/48px exports at 100% zoom.

Naming conventions: consistent, sortable, and self-explanatory

A good naming system prevents misuse. Use a consistent pattern and avoid spaces and special characters. Include: brand name, logo variant, color mode/variant, background, and size (for raster).

Recommended pattern

BrandName_Variant_Color_Background_Size.ext

Examples

• NorthPeak_Primary_FullColor_Transparent_2048w.png
• NorthPeak_Primary_Black_Transparent_1024w.png
• NorthPeak_Icon_White_Transparent_512.png
• NorthPeak_Primary_FullColor_Print_CMYK.pdf
• NorthPeak_Primary_FullColor_Digital_sRGB.svg

Tip: Use consistent variant labels (Primary, Stacked, Icon) and consistent color labels (FullColor, Black, White, 1C).

Folder organization: make the package easy for non-designers

Organize by “what the client needs,” not by your internal working process. Keep masters separate from exports so nothing gets overwritten.

Recommended delivery structure

BrandName_Logo_Package/  01_ReadMe/    BrandName_Logo_ReadMe.pdf    Licensing_and_Ownership_Notes.pdf  02_Vector_Masters/    AI/      BrandName_Logos_Master.ai    PDF_Print/      BrandName_Primary_FullColor_Print_CMYK.pdf      BrandName_Primary_Black_Print_CMYK.pdf    SVG_Digital/      BrandName_Primary_FullColor_Digital_sRGB.svg      BrandName_Icon_Black_Digital_sRGB.svg    EPS_Legacy/      BrandName_Primary_1C.eps  03_Raster_Exports/    PNG_Transparent/      Primary/      Stacked/      Icon/    JPG_SolidBackground/      WhiteBG/      BrandColorBG/  04_Fonts_Info/    Fonts_Used.txt    (optional) Font_Files_if_licensed_to_transfer/

If you are not transferring font files, include a Fonts_Used.txt listing font names, weights, and where they were sourced, plus any licensing constraints.

Fonts: embed vs outline (and when)

When to outline fonts

• When delivering to print vendors who may not have the fonts.
• When you want to prevent font substitution.
• When the logo must be fully self-contained as shapes.

Best practice: provide two vector sets when typography is involved—an Editable version (live text) and an Outlined version (converted to shapes). Name them clearly.

When to embed fonts

• In PDFs intended for print, embedding can preserve appearance if licensing allows embedding.
• For internal client editing workflows, embedding may help, but it is not a substitute for proper font licensing.

Always confirm the font license permits embedding or redistribution. If not, do not include the font files; provide font names and purchase links instead.

Color profiles and modes: verify before exporting

Digital exports (screen)

• Use sRGB for PNG/JPG/SVG intended for web and apps.
• Check that blacks and brand colors look correct on multiple displays (some variation is normal).

Print exports

• Use CMYK PDFs when a print vendor requests CMYK.
• If a vendor specifies a profile (e.g., a particular press standard), export using that profile.
• For spot colors (if applicable), ensure spot swatches are correctly defined and named.

Practical check: open the exported PDF in a separate viewer and confirm the output preview/separations behave as expected (no unexpected RGB objects in a CMYK print file).

Final delivery package: what to include for a professional handoff

Minimum recommended set

• Vector: AI master (editable), PDF print-ready, SVG digital-ready; EPS if requested.
• Raster: PNG transparent (multiple sizes), JPG solid background (multiple sizes).
• Variants: primary, stacked, icon; plus black/white/1-color and reversed versions as needed.
• Documentation: ReadMe with quick usage guidance and a simple “which file to use” table.
• Licensing/ownership notes: what the client owns, what third-party assets/fonts are involved, and any restrictions.

ReadMe: include a quick “which file should I use?” table

Final QA review (do this before sending)

1) Open exports in different apps

• Open PDFs in at least two viewers (e.g., a design app and a standard PDF viewer).
• Open SVGs in a browser and in a vector editor to confirm shapes and colors remain intact.
• Place PNGs into a document or slide deck to confirm transparency behaves correctly.

2) Check crisp edges and artifacts

• Zoom to 100% and 200% on raster exports to look for halos, jagged edges, or compression artifacts.
• Test the logo over light and dark backgrounds (especially for transparent PNGs).
• Confirm strokes (if any) scale as intended in SVG/PDF and don’t appear inconsistent.

3) Confirm sizes and aspect ratios

• Verify pixel dimensions match the filenames (e.g., _1024w is truly 1024px wide).
• Confirm consistent padding/margins around the logo across variants.

4) Verify color intent

• Confirm digital exports are sRGB and print exports are CMYK/spot as specified.
• Check that black is truly black (not rich black in digital assets unless intended).

5) Confirm licensing/ownership notes for handoff

• State what rights are transferred (e.g., exclusive logo ownership to the client) and what is not transferred (e.g., stock imagery not included, font licenses not transferable).
• List third-party components: fonts, mockups, or any assets used in presentation materials.
• Include a short note on how to request future formats or additional sizes.