Designing a logo in physical media, such as drawing or painting, is easy for small businesses to craft a graphic representing their brand. However, you need a digital version for social media, letterhead, and Zoom backgrounds. Where can you learn how to digitize a logo? This guide tells you everything you need to know.
Pick Digitizing Software
Choosing the right software is paramount to creating a high-quality digital file. While you can purchase programs for this purpose, there are free options that deliver similar quality results.
To find the right program for your needs, you must do a little research. First, look at what the software offers. Does it provide all the services you need? Are all of them free? Some brands offer free and premium versions and lock certain services behind paywalls.
If you plan to use your logo in various ways (as most companies do), ensure your chosen program offers vector files. Vectors solve the issue of decreasing resolution quality when enlarging an image, using a different system to describe the graphic digitally. As a result, you can use a vector file for various projects, while pixel-based files (called bitmaps or rasters) have a limited range.
Pick an Appropriate Size & Stitch Type
In addition to using your digital logo for online and print materials, you can also turn it into an embroidery pattern. You can either upload your digital version into an embroidery design program or choose software that digitizes your image as part of the design process.
Once the logo is digital, you can choose the stitch type and size. There are three kinds of stitches:
Fill Stitch: Describes several different stitches used to fill shapes.
Satin Stich: A straight, flat stitch that, when used to fill, creates a silky appearance.
Straight Stitch: A single stitch and the most basic component of embroidery.
Combinations of these stitches, as well as stitch length and fabric texture, create various effects.
You'll also need to size the pattern correctly. To do so, determine where you want to embroider the logo:
On T-shirts, sweatshirts, and polo shirts
On hats
On pants
On bags
On socks
Measure your chosen medium and size the logo accordingly.
Pick Colors & Transfer the File
Thread and pixel colors aren't a one-to-one match. Manufacturers produce embroidery floss in a limited range, so you must choose thread colors before stitching the logo.
Most software will automatically choose the closest color match for you. However, you should always look at your options before finalizing the design. Color is relative, so the shade of a fabric can make a stitched logo look different than the digital version, even if the colors are technically identical. You may need to test several thread colors before you find an option that creates the right effect.
Prepare the Machine & Sample Test
Test samples are essential for any embroidery project, as they allow you to spot issues before manufacturing on a large scale. Color is only one factor — stitch type, direction, and design sign all play a part in the look of an embroidered logo. You may also need to adjust the machine settings:
Orientation
Needles
Stitching sequence
Thread brand
Start with one test sample in the size you want. Adjust the appropriate factors and test again if it doesn't appear as envisioned. Only expand production when you're 100% satisfied with the sample.
Once you digitize logo designs, you can use them to promote your company online, sell branded merchandise and identify your team members on video conference calls. You also have the tools to update and resize your logo as necessary, allowing you to take advantage of even more opportunities.
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