Frequently Asked Questions
Below are a few questions I’ve been asked over the years. I hope you find them helpful. If you have a question that I did not address, please email me and I will try to answer it for you.
What is a PDF file?
This is an Adobe Portable Document File used for cross platforms. They are web friendly and can be used as download files for your website. Adobe offers a free reader at www.adobe.com if you do not have it already installed on your computer.
What do they mean when they say a file is saved in a vectored EPS format?
A vectored EPS file is an Encapsulated PostScript file used for saving graphic files like logos. It is a mathematical-based file that can be scaled to any size (unlike a pixel based format). This should be the first format that a logo design is created in. You will recognize it because it will have a file extension of .eps or .ai. A PhotoShop file can be saved in an EPS format as well but PhotoShop files are not mathematical formatted and are based on pixels so be aware when you ask for one. Be specific and ask for a vectored EPS file.
Is there a difference in resolution size for a website verses print?
Yes, a photo used on a website should be saved using a resolution of 72 pixels. A photo used for offset printing needs to have a resolution of 300 pixels.
What is a pixel and why does it matter?
A photograph is made up of many small pixels. Monitors view images at 72 pixels or dots per inch. However, in offset printing, you will need 300 dpi to get a good quality print. If you enlarge a photo above 100%, the pixels will begin to be visible causing a fuzzy or blurry appearance. As a rule, you can enlarge an image some but the more you enlarge it, the poorer the quality so don’t go crazy.
Here is a sample of a picture taken on a 15MB camera. It comes out at 44” wide x 66” high at a resolution of 72. When this picture is converted for print, it will be saved at a resolution of 300 which will change the size to 10.56” wide x 15.84” high. As a general rule of thumb, you will be reducing your picture 4 times smaller. So if you are starting out with a file size of 4" wide x 6" high at a resolution of 72 dpi, and you want to use it for print, it will have an actual size of .96" x 1.44" high when saved at 300 dpi.
As a side note, I highly recommend you keep a version of the file before you begin adjusting the size. Once you reduce the resolution and save the file, you cannot get it back. Always make a back up first.
How do I get a transparent background of my logo?
How you save your file will determine how it will appear on a monitor or print. For website formats save your file either as a GIF or PNG. For offset printing save your file as an EPS.
JPG and TIFF files will have a white box around your artwork so try to avoid placing them on top of a color background or picture. If you do not have the software to convert these files, please let me know. I can convert them for you.
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