Delivering a logo to a client is more than just sending a few image files. It’s the final stage of a creative process that reflects your professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to quality. A properly executed handoff ensures the logo is versatile, accessible, and usable across all platforms, leaving clients equipped and satisfied. Yet, many designers overlook crucial elements that can lead to confusion and poor logo usage down the line.
TLDR: The Client-Ready Logo Handoff Summary
A comprehensive logo handoff includes a variety of file formats, color versions, and clear usage guidelines to ensure consistency across all media. It’s essential to include vector files, a logo usage guide, and alternate logo variations. Packaging everything in an organized folder structure improves client experience and reduces support questions. Investing time in a professional handoff process builds client trust and protects your design integrity.
Why Proper Logo Handoffs Matter
Your design work doesn’t end when the logo is approved. A structured and thoughtful handoff plays a crucial role in the client’s ability to actually use the logo correctly. Failing to give clients all the necessary tools can result in distorted or improperly colored logos on websites, signage, and printed material—ultimately reducing the visual impact and effectiveness of your design.
Essential Elements Every Logo Handoff Should Include
Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you should include every time you hand off a logo project:
1. Multiple File Formats
It’s critical to provide logo files in a comprehensive range of formats to ensure flexibility across mediums. Here are the formats you should always include:
- AI (Adobe Illustrator): Editable master file for professional use.
- EPS: Vector format for large-scale printing, signage, etc.
- PDF: Another scalable vector format, often client-friendly.
- PNG: Transparent background for digital use.
- JPEG: For use in documents, presentations, or print with white backgrounds.
- SVG: Web-optimized vector format for modern digital applications.
Each file format plays a unique role in logo adaptability. Provide these files in high resolution (300 DPI) and web resolution (72 DPI) where appropriate.
2. Color Variants
One of the most common mistakes in logo handoffs is providing only one version of the logo. You need to include the following variations:
- Full Color: The primary, approved version of the logo.
- Black & White: Ideal for fax, minimal design, or budget printing.
- Grayscale: Maintains logo integrity where color is unavailable.
- Reversed/White Version: For use on dark backgrounds.
- Monotone: A single-color version often used for embossing or screen printing.
Make sure each variation is provided in all major file formats to maximize usability.
3. Horizontal, Vertical, and Icon-Only Versions
A logo should be versatile enough to adapt to different layouts and constraints. Always include layout-based variations:
- Horizontal Format: For website headers and documents with wider space.
- Vertical Format: Useful for narrow mobile screens or vertical signage.
- Icon or Symbol-Only: Ideal for social media profiles, app icons, and small-scale use.
Clients may not immediately understand the use case for each variation, but by providing them upfront, you future-proof their branding needs.
4. Logo Usage Guide
A logo usage guide is arguably the most important piece of the package. Without guidance, even the most well-designed logo can be misused. Your usage guide should include the following:
- Spacing guidelines: Show minimum clear space around the logo.
- Do’s and Don’ts: Examples of correct and incorrect logo usage.
- Color codes: Include HEX, RGB, CMYK, and Pantone values.
- Typography info: Indicate typefaces used and their intended usage.
- Backgrounds: Demonstrate proper use on light, dark, and photo backgrounds.
Present the usage guide as a PDF for easy reference, and consider creating a branded, visually compelling layout that reinforces design credibility.
5. Organized Folder Structure
A refined presentation is about more than just aesthetic appeal—it’s about functionality. Deliver your files in a logical, categorized folder structure. A well-made folder setup might look like this:
- /Logo-Files
- /Color
- FullColor
- BlackWhite
- Reversed
- /File-Formats
- AI
- EPS
- PNG
- SVG
- JPEG
- /Variations
- Horizontal
- Vertical
- IconOnly
- /Color
- /Brand-Guidelines
- /Fonts (if license permits sharing)
An intuitive structure saves clients time and helps reduce back-and-forth communication.
6. Font Files or Licensing Links
If your logo includes custom typography or specific fonts, it’s important to either include the font files (if legally allowed) or link to the fonts’ download or purchase source. Without this element, clients might substitute fonts, leading to a fragmented brand appearance.
Example:
- Font Name: Montserrat
- Download Link: https://fonts.google.com/specimen/Montserrat
7. Favicon and Social Media Assets
Today’s branding journeys don’t end with physical material—they stretch across digital platforms and screen sizes. Providing these extras separates amateurs from professionals:
- Favicon (.ico, .png): 16×16 and 32×32 pixel versions for browser tabs.
- Social Media Logos: Square versions optimized for platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn (typically 1080×1080 px).
These elements allow clients to launch their branding online without delay.
8. Final Handoff Recap Document
To tie it all together, include a final PDF or .txt document outlining everything in the handoff package. Use it as a quick reference and inventory. It should include:
- Project name & date
- Designer contact info (if support is needed later)
- Overview of logo variations
- Summary of included file types and formats
- Licensing or usage terms (if applicable)
Tips for a Seamless Handoff
- Use compressed zip folders: Make it easy for clients to download and store everything together.
- Store a cloud backup: Platforms like Dropbox or Google Drive allow for future link re-sending if clients lose access.
- Walk the client through it: A brief video or email explaining the contents goes a long way in building trust.
Conclusion
Client-ready logo handoffs aren’t only about delivering a product—they’re about delivering clarity, value, and trust. An organized and thoughtful package ensures your design will be used as intended across all mediums. More than that, it confirms for the client that they’ve worked with a highly professional designer who understands the full scope of branding. When you consistently include all the key elements, you not only protect the integrity of your work—you also elevate your brand.