3.4 Exporting Logos in Figma
Exporting logos in Figma is a crucial step in the branding process. It ensures that your logo is available in the right formats and sizes for various applications, from digital platforms to print materials. This section will guide you through the key concepts and steps involved in exporting logos effectively.
Key Concepts
1. Export Settings
Export settings in Figma allow you to specify the format, size, and resolution of your exported logo. Common formats include PNG, SVG, and JPG. Each format has its own advantages:
- PNG: Ideal for digital use due to its lossless compression and support for transparency.
- SVG: Best for scalable vector graphics, perfect for logos that need to be resized without losing quality.
- JPG: Suitable for print materials where transparency is not required.
To set export settings, select the logo in Figma, click on the "Export" option, and choose the desired format and dimensions.
2. Resolution and DPI
Resolution and DPI (Dots Per Inch) determine the clarity and sharpness of your exported logo. For digital use, a resolution of 72 DPI is standard. However, for print materials, a higher resolution of 300 DPI is recommended to ensure clarity.
In Figma, you can adjust the resolution by specifying the DPI in the export settings. For example, exporting a logo at 300 DPI ensures it will look sharp when printed on business cards or posters.
3. Multiple Size Variations
It's often necessary to export logos in multiple sizes to accommodate different applications. For instance, a logo for a website header might need to be larger than one for a social media profile.
In Figma, you can create multiple export presets by duplicating the export settings and adjusting the dimensions accordingly. This ensures that you have the right size logo for every use case.
Examples and Analogies
Example 1: Digital vs. Print
Imagine you're preparing a logo for both a website and a business card. For the website, you might export the logo in PNG format at 72 DPI for a crisp digital display. For the business card, you would export the logo in JPG format at 300 DPI to ensure it looks sharp when printed.
Example 2: Scalability
Consider a logo that needs to be used on both a small app icon and a large billboard. Exporting the logo in SVG format ensures it remains sharp and clear at any size. This is akin to using a rubber stamp that can be pressed onto any surface, large or small, without losing detail.
Analogy: Tailoring Clothes
Think of exporting logos as tailoring clothes for different occasions. Just as you would adjust the fit and style of a suit for a wedding versus a casual outing, you adjust the format, size, and resolution of your logo to suit various applications. This ensures that your logo looks its best in every context.
By mastering the art of exporting logos in Figma, you ensure that your brand's visual identity is consistently represented across all platforms and materials, reinforcing your brand's professional and cohesive image.