Why can’t I have my logo as a word file?
its a great question…
And one clients ask from time to time. In a world where pretty much everyone uses Word it can be frustrating to not be able to cut and paste from design files. Sadly design software and files just don’t work like that; they are complicated critters with a huge amount of data wrapped up in there. Let me explain:
The issue here is that Word is a desktop publishing program that creates text documents (.doc /.docx) and it’s fantastic at its specialty. What Word is not is design software that creates and exports graphics. While you can insert graphics and images into Word, the file itself is not editable and generally not accepted by printers or designers as a source logo file to print from.
Logo files are created as graphics, not documents
A professional logo is created in design software, think illustrator and indesign, once your logo is completed it’s exported as graphic files to be used in anything from a billboard to a key ring and everything in between. Each use requires a different file type. For example, a print house or sign manufacturer will require formats that are scalable, high resolution and retain definition on large scale print material for banners and signage.
Everyday office software like Word creates documents that are regularly transferred digitally and printed from office printers that don’t require high resolution artwork, files are therefore of a smaller scale and resolution.
Example file types are:
Raster
Raster is the term used for any images made of pixels – tiny squares that capture colour. When 100’s are placed side by side they form an image, like a photograph. However, Raster files can appear pixelated when scaled for large format use unless saved at a very large size which results in huge files that are unmanageable.
Vector
Vector is a mathematical term which refers to the formula made from lines, points curves and shapes.
Vector graphics are scalable and retain their sharpness and clarity at any size from a business card to building signage, while also retaining a manageable file size.
