Summary: This article explains how Logo Templates need to be prepared and the technical requirements expected for this item type before you upload it to a Graphics category.
Tips for Designing Logo Templates
What is a Logo Template?
Logo Templates are distinct from custom, or bespoke logos. Logo Templates contain a graphic element plus editable text that can be modified by the user.
A Logo Template is a file that can be modified to have a custom name, tagline, and color scheme. The text is an integral part of the design, so the typography should work well with the overall concept and style. They are scalable and can be used for everything from business cards to billboards and printed documents to web designs.
Successful Logo Templates:
- Are scalable
- Have editable text.
- Are legible large and small
- Can be used for print and web
- Are easy to customise by the end user
Technical Requirements
- All files in the GraphicRiver Logo Templates category must be 100% vector
- All Logo Templates must be in Illustrator EPS version 10 format.
- The file must be CMYK.
- Files, layers, and swatches must be organized and easy to use.
- Text must be editable.
- The item must include a help file to list the fonts used.
- If you chose to use product mock-up for the main preview image, you must also include a plain version of the design, so customers can see the logo clearly.
- Layers and objects should not be locked.
- There should be no visible guides.
- The file must be constructed well.
- Graphic elements should be made with the minimum number of points possible to define the shapes, this ensures that the paths are smooth. Excessive points can make the file difficult to edit and can show irregularities at higher magnifications.
EPS Requirements
Before submitting your logo template, ensure that your file meets the following EPS requirements:
- The EPS file must be version 10 compatible.
- There should be no stray points. Stray points are invisible points that have no stroke or fill and cannot be seen without closely inspecting your design.
- Stray points can occur when lines are cut and deleted or the Pen Tool has been used on the artboard without drawing a path. You can find stray points in a few different ways, one is by looking at your design in outline mode. In Adobe Illustrator, you can go to Select -> Object -> Stray Points.
- There should be no open paths. All filled paths must be closed or they can cause problems when the file is edited and customized. For more information, read Dealing with Open Paths article.
- Layers and objects should not be hidden or locked.
- The file cannot contain rasterized elements or un-expanded effects. Logo Templates must be 100% editable vectors and cannot contain rasterized elements. To find rasterized content in an Illustrator EPS file, you can open the Links Panel, go to Window ->Links.
Once you have your Logo Template file ready to sell, you should follow our guide to preparing your item for upload.
Tips for Designing Logo Templates
- Avoid designs that convey a specific concept, general designs will appeal to a greater number of subscribers.
- However, designs should not be so generic as to be meaningless.
- For example, using a set of letters or words as a graphic element will limit the number of names that can be used when customizing the template.
- Graphic elements that represent a specific concept can also prove challenging when adding a custom name. If a graphic element relies on the accompanying text to give the design context, it will not be suitable as a Logo Template.
- Before you begin your design, think about the concept and the ease of customization.
It may be helpful to trial your logo template with a variety of names before you upload it for review. - The logo must have a graphic element and a name (tagline is optional).
- The logo must have editable text.
- The logo must be suitable for all sizes - from business cards to billboards.
Please note that it is important to refine and optimize the elements in your design. Fine details and text won’t print well at small scales. Errors and inconsistencies in your design will stand out when the logo is enlarged.
- The text and graphic element must be balanced:
- The visual balance of the logo should be aesthetically pleasing. Each element needs to work together to create a unified design.
- Poor alignment or scaling of the graphic element and text can cause the logo template to look unbalanced.
- The choice of the font must compliment the graphic element so that the logo appears to be a single coherent design.
- Non-standard fonts must include a link to the font used in both the item description and a help file. Read our full article on using outside assets for more information.
- Layers, swatches, and colour pallets should be well organised. Keep the layers unlocked. If possible, separate the elements into different layers.
- Make sure the file is easy to customise. Subscribers appreciate files that are quick and easy to use.
Important: When you use a font and link to it in the item description and help file, be sure to choose a legal, reputable font site. System fonts do not need a link.
Graphic elements that represent a specific concept can prove to be challenging when adding a custom name. If a graphic element relies on the accompanying text to give the design context, it will not be suitable as a Logo Template.
The logo template must have a graphic element and a name (tagline is optional).
Important: Logos that are created using text only may not provide enough value for the subscriber and could be removed from the library.
Logo creation kits are useful when the design relies on a specific combination of letters. The file has a larger audience and the subscribers can select a letter combination that matches their needs.
Design Credit: Vintage Monogram Logo Kit, By Sztufi
Important: Monograms must be your own creation or made with assets you own the appropriate license for. Refer to clause 24 d & e of the Elements Author Agreement.
Uploading lots of individual monogram logos that are part of the same design family could breach the Elements library rules. This may result in items being removed from the library.
Layer Styles (.ai) and Appearances (.psd) allow the user to keep the look and feel of the design. We recommended that you include a help file if your design takes advantage of these features.
Design Credit: Dwarf Esports Logo by Suhandi