Source
r/graphic_design•
logsplit818

[Newb Question]: What file types should I send to a client once the design work is done?

I just finished one of my first logo commissions (it will be used as a logo on the web and on physical objects). Now the client and I have reached an agreement on the logo, the final invoice has been submitted, and I need to get a "bundle" ready with all the different files. So far I've just been emailing them .png's of the mockups.

Should I send the .ai files and .pngs? The client is not extremely tech savvy.

TL;DR: What file types should I package in for the final logo?

Posted May 27, 2013, 2:11 AM UTC

611
crdotx•

Give them a zip containing two folders, one with 3 sizes of a png, and the other folder (labeled Vectors) with an SVG and an EPS. Explain that the vectors are for any other graphic designer should they get the logo changed and need to have something to work off of.

5
logsplit818OP•

This is exactly what I needed, thanks!

1
ElectricRiley•

.eps is more universally usable than .ai

3
ImNotNew•

PDF's are better than EPs files. PDF's support transparency and everyone has a PDF reader.

2
nom-de-reddit•

I never send copies of my working files, as they contain prototypes and intermediary construction steps that I consider to be my work and not part of the deliverable.

I just copy the final art to a new doc, then make a pdf and whatever bitmaps they want from that file, and zip it all up and give it to them like that.

Wrt drafts, I'll usually send either a low-res watermarked png, or a locked down, watermarked pdf that disables editing, printing, copying, etc.

3
twodayslate•

Since the client is not very tech savvy I would send him three different sized .pngs (small, medium, large) and the .ai file. Explain that the .ai file is the vector file for printing and resizing.

Might as well throw in a .docx as well ;)

2
dweezil2k•

seriously, no. all you need is an .ai file and a pdf. seriously. i wouldn't lie to you

1
[deleted]•

[deleted]

2
dweezil2k•

as a printer, I'd like to see an .ai file and a .pdf. no damn png files and hopefully no bitmapped files.

2
[deleted]•

I send them a complete kit with all the files so if they go with another designer they'll have everything that I would want to work with when I get a new client who worked with another designer.

I make that clear when I send it to the client, I feel that it's important that they're not locked into using me again. That they'll come back because I did a great job.

2
strongheartlives•

They'll need both vector and bitmap - so EPS, PDF (vector pdf), Tiff & Jpegs (I send all for posterity sake - there is no difference between the EPS and vector PDF but in the event a printer asks for an EPS, which they will, the client won't be confused - you can include some small png's or gifs if you want for web stuff too) - I'd have some usable sizes of the jpegs like a small, a med., and large - 500px, 1000px, and 2500px for example - most print stuff will need the vector anyway. For the vector files make just make sure you simplify it / join all parts that should be joined group the objects - possibly lock the layers if you want. Any one who comes in contact with the EPS or vector PDF will (hopefully) know what they are doing. Edit: Separating the vectors and bitmaps into 2 different folders is good. 1 - general 2 - for printer but even though you could just supply them with a vector PDF and 3 bitmaps and call it a day someone inevitably will say "we need a Tiff" or "we require EPS only" and your client will wonder why you never supplied him with one.

2