Logo and Graphic Requirements
What is a Vector File?
Want to include a logo or graphics on your awards?
To make sure your engraving looks crisp, beautiful, and professional, we just need your artwork in a format called a vector file.
Vector Files (What we need)
- File types: .eps, .ai, .pdf, or .svg
- Why we need them: Unlike bitmap/raster images, vector files are built using paths and curves rather than tiny dots. This means we can edit them for production requirements, and your logo can be stretched to any size and it will never become pixelated.
- Where to find them: Because they require special software to open, you might not have one saved on your computer. The best way to get one is to ask your company's Marketing or Graphic Design team!
Bitmap/Raster Files (What to avoid)
- File types: .jpg, .png, or .tiff
- Why they don't work for engraving: These files are made of tiny pixels. They cannot be edited for production requirements. If we try to scale them, they become blurry and blocky. (Please note: Simply renaming a .jpg file to say .pdf at the end will not convert it into a vector).
Can't find a vector file? Don't worry!
If you can only find a standard .jpg or .png of your logo, we can vectorize the logo for you. Our design team can manually recreate your logo as a high-quality vector file. This process just adds 1 extra business day to your timeline.
What are my next steps?
Not sure if you have the right file? Email whatever you have to graphics@eclipseawards.com and we will review it for you at no charge.
Ready to order right now? You don’t need the perfect logo file to get your order underway! You can place your order online today, and we can gather or vectorize your logo at a later time.
Bitmap vs Vector files: What is the difference?
Vector File Formats
Vector files are defined by mathematical equations rather than pixels, so they always appear at the highest resolution and can be resized without any loss of quality. We can only use logos and graphics that are in a vector file such as .eps, .ai or .pdf.
Creating awesome awards starts with vector files so that we can create awesome graphics!
Bitmap File Formats
Bitmap files (also known as Raster files) are created from a fixed number of little squares called “pixels”. Typical bitmap files extensions are .jpg, .png and .tiff. Bitmap files are commonly used on the web, however they are not suitable for award design as they are low resolution and do not resize well.
Tip: simply saving your bitmap file with a vector file extension will not create a vector file.
Submitting your own artwork: Guidelines & Requirements
All graphic design and artwork proofs are included free with every order at Eclipse Awards. However, if you prefer to submit your own vector artwork instead, please follow the guidelines:
- Request and use Eclipse Awards’ design templates as they indicate the spaces available for markings. Design templates for every award are available at no charge, upon request to graphics@eclipseawards.com.
- Artwork for engraving must be black and white (no greyscales or halftones), and looks best when it is solid and bold . Black areas in your artwork will appear as frosted white when engraved in crystal, and will appear as black when laser engraved in wood.
- Artwork for Cosmo Printing can be full colour but must be in vector format.
- Keep all fonts larger than 9 pts. and try to use sans serif fonts.
- Avoid line thicknesses of less than 1 pts as these will appear too faint. Serif and script fonts with thin lines are not recommended.
- Our prices include marking on either one or two surfaces, depending on the piece. Interesting effects can be created by etching on multiple surfaces, so if you are designing artwork for multi-surface marking, feel free to communicate your ideas to graphics@eclipseawards.com to check feasibility. Markings on additional surfaces are charged at $50 per surface.
- All artwork must be supplied as vector files - bitmap images cannot be engraved or printed and must be vectorized.
- Upload artwork files when ordering online, or email your artwork files to graphics@eclipseawards.com. Compressed files are acceptable. When sending files larger than 10Mb, please send by Google Drive or Hightail.
Note that for every order, Eclipse Awards provides artwork proofs for your review and approval, even when you have supplied the artwork files. Your final approval is always required before we can begin production.
Artwork Changes
Sometimes, if artwork requirements are complicated, of poor quality, or too low in resolution, additional time and expertise may be required to make it suitable for production. In such cases an artwork charge of $150+ may be applied, though we will notify you with an estimate and obtain your approval before starting any such work.
If you have artwork or graphics questions at any time, please contact graphics@eclipseawards.com. If you have an active quote or order, include your 5-digit Order number for reference. Thank you!
What to Include on your recognition awards?
When it comes to recognition awards and trophies, there are no rules and you can include anything you like. However there are some standard elements to consider:
- Award Name: if your award or event has a special name, it’s best to include it (optional)
- Achievement/Purpose: why is the award being presented? (optional)
- Logo: adding your organization’s logo will make the award feel more corporate and professional, so consider if it’s appropriate for you situation (optional)
- Recipient Name: we recommend personalizing each award with the recipient’s name whenever possible. This adds value by making the award unique and much more meaningful. It communicates your intention as opposed to presenting something generic and off the shelf. Use phrases like “Presented to…” or “In appreciation of….” to preface recipient names (strongly recommended)
- Date: a date adds context and credibility to your award, while also serving as a reminder of when the award was presented. Some awards include a specific date, while others include a month and year, year only, or a period of time (recommended)
- Message of Appreciation: include a message of gratitude or appreciation that is intended for the award recipient. Short and concise messages (one or two sentences) are best as they will stand the test of time. If you have a longer message, it may be better to include this on an accompanying card or to express it verbally when presenting the award (recommended)
- Presenter or Donor Name: sometimes it’s appropriate to include your name to clarify who is presenting the award. This is implied and usually not necessary if you are including your organization’s logo (optional)