Hi all,
Is it acceptable to work with PDF logo files in a layout, or does it ideally need to be an original vector file, such as .eps or .ai?
Thanks!
What difference does it make?
Pdfs can contain vector and raster, and various colour models.
As long as it looks good and is the right colours then it doesn’t matter.
Pdfs are just containers, holding information.
It really does depend on the content.
Sometimes you can save a pdf from illustrator that retains illustrator editing capabilities
This gives 2 file types in 1, a pdf when viewing in acrobat and an AI file saved within to edit in illustrator.
In short you need to examine the file and ensure its ok.
But technically its either right or wrong
You’ll have to determine that.
Or upload examples here and we can take a look.
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In short, you can place lots of file types into InDesign.
PDFs can contain vector information - that logos usually are vector.
If you check the PDF of the logo - open in Acrobat and go to the File Description
You can see what application produced the PDF
In the example I found online - it was created in MS PowerPoint
You might have Adobe Illustrator for your logos - or another program.
But opening a PDF in Illustrator that wasn’t created in that program is problematic.
As a PDF created from Illustrator that has editing enabled is ok to open back in Illustrator.
It’s not ok to say open a PDF created created in InDesign/Photoshop/Powerpoint etc. in Illustrator.
As the PDF creation is not the same.
And the way Illustrator interprets instructions created from other applications could cause unintended outcomes - like complex clipping paths, compound masks.
As Illustrator would use it’s own flavour of interpretation how to edit the components.
In short - it’s not a good idea to edit a PDF in Illustrator unless it was created in Illustrator.
What’s the output of your file from InDesign?
What’s the intention? Is it print? Digitial? Online?
What’s the state of the PDF - is it vector - is it raster - is it spot colours - is it CMYK/RGB?
Yes you can place many file types to InDesign
It’s up to you to determine that the files are good quality for the output intent you are required to create.
So a PDF of a logo can be fine - it can be wrong - it can be right - it depends on the PDF and ensuring it’s ok.
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It totally depends on what you intend to do with that logo in that layout.
For something printed on paper or whatever, it doesn’t matter, PDF or .ai
as long as the correct colors are carrying over in the created PDF.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been handed PDFs that were converted to RGB on creation. Pay attention to all your settings. If branded Pantones are intended, make sure they stick.
Large format printers tend not to want PDFs because you can’t possibly have all the correct machine/media/ink profiles. You often "get what you get "and you’ll love it or go back and follow the print vendor specs. 
On the other hand, if this layout is an elevation, you should use the .ai.
An elevation shows how elements are laid out on a wall (or similar) Real World surface - and sometimes actually including the dimensions intended as well but I’ll VIF it anyway because I don’t trust you. 
Let’s say you’re designing the wall behind the reception desk at a spa. You want the logo in 3D halo lit letters and you want a tag in painted acrylic, and maybe some applied vinyl graphics. Technically this would all be better laid out in Illustrator, but if you are using InDesign, use .ai files to place vector elements and link to any imagery at full scale (with bleed but hidden under the frame.)
While I still have to take it apart, I won’t hate it as much if I don’t have to chase down Pantones for PDF logos.
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Thanks for all this super great info!! Great tips!
In this case, my real question is, when I ask for someone’s logo and they give me a folder with pdf and a jpeg, do I need to go back and insist on a .eps or .ai file (which people may or may not have), or if the pdf is sufficient for whatever I’m using it for design-wise. Which, sounds like yes it’s fine!
Are you saying that if I am working large format, a pdf logo in a layout is not sufficient/optimal?
That’s what I said - examine the PDF and see if it’s suitable.
You’re placing it in InDesign - when you make a PDF for print there’d be no way to tell where the image came from or what the original file format was anyway.
It doesn’t matter if it’s .ai or a PDF file.
It could be a .ai file or an .eps file and still not be suitable.
PDF files can contain vector/raster and spot colours.
You have to examine the files and ensure they’re suitable.
Only you can do that - as we don’t have access to your files to check them.
No you don’t have to insist on .ai or eps files.
Only insist if it’s not suitable.
Even if the logo is a jpg - is it suitable?
Is it colour critical? Is it printed using the spot colours - or CMYK or digital in some mix of RGB???
I have no idea what you’re using them for in InDesign - or what the output intent of the work is.
A jpeg might be suitable - is it high enough resolution for printing?
Pretty much the basics of a graphic designer knowledge base.
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When doing large format, or any type of printing, read the printer’s specs. Their website will usually have a File Prep section. Read them. Then follow them.
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