Showing off your logo IRL can be as simple as handing someone a business card or wearing it on a T-shirt.
When you print your logo on a physical object, you can reach people at a different level than if they see it online. And there’s no better passive advertisement for your business than someone wearing clothing with your logo on it - especially if it looks fantastic!
In this article, we’ll look at some logo printing best practices and what you need to know to get top-notch results.
Logo file types and variations for print
Before you send your logo to the printer, there are a few things to consider, including which version of your logo is best for the product you want to print it on.
You’ll usually have the “full” version of your logo (wordmark and symbol, or slogan if you have one), plus a symbol or a monogram-only version of your logo that’s better suited for small spaces.
An “imprint area” is the exact spot on an item where you can print a logo. Your design needs to fit (and look good) in that space.
A mug might look better with a smaller symbol version of your logo, so it doesn’t become warped on the curved surface. A notepad, on the other hand, will be a prime canvas for the full logo because it’s a larger and flatter surface.
You’ll also want to consider the color and texture of the object. For example, a colorful plastic water bottle will probably look better with a black or white logo instead of a full-color version.
Most importantly, send printers a transparent version of your logo. A logo with a white or colored rectangular background won’t look as good as one with no background at all.
When it comes to logo file types, printers usually prefer that you send them a vector EPS file, so they can apply it to products with their software. They might also ask for a PDF or PNG for a test run - you should always request a mockup before printing the final products!