Logo Design Tips

New to editing vectors?

A bit about bitmaps vs. vector art

We want you to be able to edit and use your purchase for many years. If you’re new to editing art, read this article. You will learn about the downloadable art file types we offer, and difference between a bitmap image and vector art.

What are Vector Images (.ai, .eps)?

Vector art is scale-able and editable (given you have an application which will edit a vector file).

A vector image will hold a clean line as it enlarges. It can be placed on different colored background. The art may be modified, recolored, or redrawn.

 

Below, the logo art is modified. It’s recolored, modified, new text is added and placed on a blue background.

Same vector image modified.

 

Vector images use an algorithm that draws a line between two points. Most vector images are a series of polygons or shapes and lines – as the image is enlarged the lines are recalculated and redrawn between the two points. So no matter how large (or small) the image is scaled the shapes and lines hold their integrity.

 

Use a vector editing program to adjust and modify  vector art.

We use vector format images to create all our logos. One vector format has the extension “.ai” (Adobe illustrator specific) and will open in Illustrator and some other image editors.

NOTE: art created in a higher version of Illustrator (CS6) it may not open in a lower version (CS2). Most of our art is saved out in CS4. If you’re having trouble opening our vector art after purchase you may contact use to resolve issues.

You do not need to have a drawing program to use the art but will need a vector editing drawing program to modify and edit the art. We will also edit your art for a fee.

Most likely, you’ll need a vector based application to edit your logo, change the name, change color, etc.

Bitmap images (.jpg, gif).

A bitmap image.

A bitmap image is made up of little pixels. Dots. The image may look OK small, but when scaled up — enlarged — the little pixels turn into giant squares. Below we placed a jpeg image on a blue background.

Often people realize the problem when sizing the logo or placing it on a different background.

If you’ve ever seen art fall apart this way — or get pixelated — it’s most likely because the art is a bitmap image. Most all web images are bitmap images. Which means, after editing your vector art purchase it will need to be converted to a bitmap image format — usually a .png, .gif, or .jpeg. Most drawing program offer this option as a “save” function or an “export”.

Bitmap images with transparent backgrounds. (png, gif)

Certain file formats use transparent backgrounds. This allows the logo to be dropped onto different colored backgrounds and retain it’s silhouette. A png and gif are bitmap file which can be created with — or without — a transparent background.

A png file created with a transparent background and placed over a photo.

 

PDF – the wildcard

A .pdf or printer description file can be either a bitmap – or vector. Created by Adobe – to create clearly printed text. Art files are usually created in  a drawing application – then exported out as a .pdf. Adobe illustrator has the option to export the file in either an editable – or un-editable file type. Meaning some .pdf are fully editable and will open in illustrator – some pdfs can not be edited.

I almost always export pdfs out or illustrator with the editable feature checked. The only time I don’t export an editable version is when the person receiving the file to can’t open it in whatever application they’re using (which sometimes happens).

So if you don’t want people messing with your work turn the editable feature off when exporting. The file can also be opened in Acrobat and all sorts of security setting may be applied including the preventing the ability to print the file.

If you have bought art from Flying Cloud and are having trouble with file formats – or editing files – feel free to contact me using the art request form.