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A PDF is fine, but you should also include some type of vector copy which can be resized without losing detail, plus a JPEG.

If they have spot color in the logo, include a note specifying the color or colors for future printers. You should include a CMYK and grayscale version also.

Take note of your grayscale version. Light colors may drop out, and if a light color is on the outside, part of your logo may disappear and need an outline.

Thanks!

So if I include the following is it correct:

- .EPS file
- Large JPG (RGB 72dpi)
- Large JPG (CMYK 300dpi)
- Grayscale Large JPG (RGB 72dpi)
- Grayscale Large JPG (CMYK 300dpi)

Should I include anything else? Should I include a small, medium and large versions of the JPG's or is large OK?

This is something I haven't done before, all advice appreciated.

You can export the pdf as pdf/x and that will preserve the vector directly in the pdf.

Send these file formats:

.ai
.eps
.pdf
.png (with transparent background)
.jpg (Honestly, the .jpg should just be for viewing purposes. I wouldn't use it on any actual print or web use, so there really isn't a point in sending multiple resolutions).

Send a full color version and a black and white (not grayscale) version. On the full color, note all spot colors or CMYK colors that were used.

Send RGB versions of the full color.

Really helpful info, thanks Sketcher!

Just a few more questions:

- Would it not be better to just give the .EPS file instead of including the .EPS and .ai files
- For the .pdf would you save that as a high res CMYK?
- Do I not need need to include JPG's in different resolutions for non designers?
- What format would you send the RGB full color version in?

Different printers prefer different formats. It's best that the client has every option available just in case. Also, I've seen .eps files open weird, especially if they have gradients or other effects in them.

I would save it with vector editing capabilities, so resolution won't matter. Yes to CMYK.

I can't imaging what the different .jpg's would be used for. The .png would be used for the web and the .ai or .eps would be for print. I send a .jpg so clients without design programs have a file they can open to view the logo. If it's not being used for any design use, there's no point in sending different resolutions. For any web or print design, a .jpg is unnecessary.

I would say just the .png only because that's the only version I can see being used on the web. Print would all be CMYK so a RBG .ai or .eps file would be unnecessary. There are very few printers who like RGB files, but they'd easily be able to convert your .ai file to RGB themselves if they want to. You could also send the .jpg in RGB.

What program did you create the logo in?

Dropping a jpg onto an illustrator artboard and saving as an .ai or .eps isn't going to work out so well...

Thanks so much for this, so so helpful.

I'm going to include the following:

.ai ( one file containing color & b&w logo)
.eps ( one file containing color & b&w logo)
.jpg (large logo, 300 dpi)
.png (large logo, 72 dpi)
.pdf (with vector editing capabilities)

I usually only save files as .png if I need a transparent background, however the logo I designed has a background color. Would you still save it as a .png? I don't know much about web design, why is .png preferred over .jpg?

I created the logo in Illustrator

Make the black and white and the color versions separate files. Provide color versions in spot and process, all saved separately.

Don't forget to include a style guide.

The logo has a background color?

Yes, the logo is centered on an orange background.

First:
To understand the who pdf/x thing here is an excellent reference. I send this link to clients all the time. http://www.globalgraphics.com/technology/pdfx/

Second:
You would do well to learn more about dpi. So many people do not understand how dpi / resolution works. A 100px x 100px image at 72dpi is exactly the same as 100 x 100px at 300dpi. In reality what is most important is pixel dimensions. In fact there is not such a thing as a 72 dpi PNG. PNGs do not preserve any dpi data.

Here are a couple of good links about the "DPI Myth"
http://www.webdesignerdepot.com/2010...e-myth-of-dpi/
http://www.rideau-info.com/photos/mythdpi.html

Third:
When I am designing graphics for the web where it is the client that will be putting them on the site, I usually tell them, "Please give me the actual pixel dimensions you need, and I will create them for you." Why? Because too many times I provide a high res raster image, and they either put it on the site directly, and just use the html to scale it, or they resize it in a image editor, and it comes out looking awful.

If they say they are using Photoshop, I often tell them I will send them a pdf file that can be opened in Photoshop. Then I just provide them with a pdf/x with the layers named, so that layers are preserved in photoshop if necessary. (like if the graphic has a shadow layer). Why? Because when they import the pdf into photoshop, they have to choose the dimensions that it will be rasterized at. Instruct them to open it at the exact dimensions they need for their web graphics. After it is imported in this way it is good to tell them usually sharpening the image slightly may be necessary.

Any way I started doing all the above, when jpgs and pngs ended up on websites looking terrible. The clients would blame me, or other people would ask them, "Who made those graphics for you? They look terrible!" Providing them with such a pdf with instructions, in my opinion, is the least trouble free method.