Sometimes it can be tricky finding the right kind of file when you want to add logos or graphics to your banner. Here are some tips to make sure that the banner comes out at the best quality possible.

Type of files for banners

• AI, EPS, PDF – these files are likely to be vector art. We’ll give you an in-depth explanation of vector art next week. Basically, it is a banner design that doesn’t use any photos, only smooth color transitions. It could have clipart, or gradients, or lots of full color effects, so a designer will need to determine whether it’s vector or not. Vector banner graphics are created with special software that actually allow you to enlarge the graphic to any size — even the size of a building — without losing quality. (These files are not 100% guaranteed to be perfect, since you can unfortunately include other image types within them, so check with your banner design company if you’re not sure about the quality.)
• JPG – these files are sometimes okay, but you’ll need to make sure they are high resolution. These are typically pictures but sometimes logos come in JPG format.
• GIF, PNG – these files are not good for banners because they were designed for the web. They are heavily compressed, so you can see them on your computer screen and they look all right, but if you enlarge them onto a banner they will look terrible. This is because they are not vector art, as described above.
• Microsoft Office (Word, Publisher, etc.) – these files don’t work for banner printing because they are designed to be printed on typing paper. When you enlarge them and print them on a banner, they become rough and jaggedy, and most reputable banner companies will not accept these formats. Even if you save them as a PDF from within Word or Publisher, you’re still not able to save them at the full size of the banner, which means they still have to be enlarged and will lose a lot of quality.

Tips for banner graphics

• Use clipart – if you just want a fairly generic graphic for your banner, clipart is a great way to go. Most Microsoft clipart is unsuitable for banners because of its low quality, but check out Clipart.com or the clipart on your banner printer’s website for higher quality.
• Use high resolution photos – if you’re taking a picture that you want to put on a banner, make sure your digital camera is set to the highest possible resolution. Usually cameras are set to medium resolution, which lets you save more pictures, but they don’t come out as nice.
• Check with your suppliers – most companies have their logos printed on a variety of products, so someone out there probably has a top quality version of your logo. Check with the people who print your business cards, t-shirts, letterhead, etc. and ask them if they have a vector version of your logo. 9 times out of 10, they do, and your banner will come out much better just for asking!
• Use high resolution logos – if you can’t get a vector AI, EPS, or PDF file, and you have to use another file on your banner like a JPG, make sure to send the highest resolution version you have. Images on websites won’t work for banners because they are very low quality in order to make websites load faster. Check with your graphic designer or ask your banner company if you have questions about a specific graphic and need to know if it will work on your banner.

In order to ensure that you use the best graphics for your banners, check with your banner company or your banner designer. By following these basic guidelines, you can be sure that your banner will come out looking great!