Logo Help

About Color
• Screen vs. Print
• Getting Accurate Color Reproduction
• Printing Services

Must Have Adobe Illustrator CS2
You will need Adobe Illustrator CS2 or later (CS3) to edit the files. All of our logo files are saved in the native Adobe Illustrator CS2 format (.ai). Other vector drawing applications may open the file but the results may vary. If you are thinking about buying Adobe Illustrator or would like to give it a try, you can download a trial version from the Adobe website.

Back to top

Changing the Colors
Color changes are a snap! Simply highlight the the shape or text you would like to change and select a different color swatch in the swatches palette. In cases where the logo element has a more complex blend or graduated tone, simply select the shape, open the gradient palette, and drag and drop the colors you would like onto the swatch arrows at the bottom of the palette. If you just want to adjust the color swatch, double click it and change the percentages in the color fields, then hit the ok button.

Back to top

Editing the Text
After you have installed the font(s), just highlight the text you would like to edit and type away. It's that simple. Depending on your operating system and application, you may have to restart Adobe Illustrator and possibly your application before the font becomes available.

Back to top

Using Layers Effectively
All of the Logofly.net files are created using four basic layers - Symbol, Company Name, Tag Line and Guides. All of the information in each layer is named appropriately so that the elements, no matter how simple or complex, can be identified, isolated and modified easily. When modifying the logo elements it is often beneficial to use the layer palette to select the graphic and text elements. Simply click on the right hand side of the layers palette to select the objects on that layer or sub layer.

Back to top

Special Effects
On some of our “Complex” logos we utilize Illustrator's “Special Effects” features. These effects allow the text or symbol to be warped or look as if it's 3D while the text remains editable. In an instance where an “effect” is used, the layer will be labeled with (warp) or (effect). If you have trouble editing the text or graphic, go to “View” in the main menu bar and select “outline.” this will allow you to see the text without the effect. Highlight the text and type in your information. Go back the the “View” in the main menu bar and select “Preview” and your company name or tag line will be be shown with the effect. After you make all of the necessary modifications, we recommend using “Expand Appearance” from the “Edit” menu. This will create outlines with the text and make the effect permanent.

Back to top

Converting from CMYK to PMS color
All of our logos are created with process colors. This means that the color will be created using percentages of Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black. To change your logo from Process Color to Spot (PMS) color, simply open “Swatch Libraries” from the “Window” dropdown menu in the main menu bar. Select the PMS Swatch Library that fits your need. Select the color you like and drag it to the swatches palette. Follow the steps above to change the color from CMYK to your new PMS color.

In certain instances it is cheaper and more cost effective to use a PMS or spot color rather than process color. For instance, if you wanted to print t-shirts with your new logo it would be much cheaper to print with a PMS color and black (effectively two colors) rather that all four process colors. If you're not sure, ask your printer what color format would be the most effective.

Back to top

Screen vs. Print
The color you see on your monitor will vary slightly from monitor to monitor. It may also vary depending on the manufacturer, age, lighting conditions in your home/office as well as the paint on the wall. The color you see on screen is also going to vary slightly from any printed piece using ink or toner. In most cases the visible differences will be most apparent in the brightness of the screen color vs. the brightness of the printed color. Your screen uses emitted light in various percentages of Red, Green and Blue (RGB). Professional printers use Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black ink on paper to create color that is then reflected. Printed colors are naturally not quite as vibrant as the color on your screen.

Back to top

Getting Accurate Color Reproduction
To get completely accurate color reproduction, see a professional printer for assistance. Most printers can provide color proofs callibrated specifically to their press. They can also advise you on paper weight, brightness and many other printing techniques that can enhance your printed image.

Back to top

Printing Services
There are a wide range of printing services available. For the basics such as business cards, letterhead and envelopes, one of the many online services would be a good choice. They are inexpensive and usually do an adequate job at a fraction of what a commercial printer will charge. They are set up for most of the standard items that a small business will need. Their limitations are usually in the form of paper choice, customization and customer service. If you need something custom, speak with your local printer. A local professional printer is a good resource when you are ready to print your catalog and need some good cost saving advice. Most commercial printers also have a staff of production artists trained to catch problems before they arise and make sure the projects go smoothly from start to finish.

Back to top