My printer says my logo isn’t a vector. What now?

You sent your logo, and the printer, sign shop or embroidery company wrote back that it “isn’t a vector” or “isn’t print ready.” Here’s what they mean and what to do, in order. Most people get this sorted in a day.

What they mean

They need your logo as shapes, not pixels, so they can enlarge it, split it into colors, or have a machine cut along its edges. A PNG or JPG is pixels. Sometimes an .ai, .eps or .pdf is pixels too, if a picture was saved inside it. That’s called a fake vector, and it’s the usual reason a file with the “right” extension gets rejected.

Step 1: Check the file you sent

Drop it into the checker. In a few seconds you’ll get a grade and an explanation you can forward:

• A or B: It is a vector. With a B, the printer probably needs the text converted to outlines so their computer doesn’t swap your font. With an A, ask them what specifically is wrong. They may want a different format, a single page, or separate color versions.
• C: Mostly vector, with a picture inside. Ask whether the picture part matters for your job.
• D: Auto-traced. It may be fine for a large banner, but fine detail and small text can look lumpy. See auto-traced logos.
• E or F: It really isn’t a vector. Keep going.

Step 2: Look for the original file

The vector version of your logo may already exist somewhere:

• Your email. Search for “logo” with attachments, or for your designer’s name, around the time the logo was made. Look for .ai, .eps, .svg or .pdf files, or a zip file.
• Shared folders. Designers often deliver files through Dropbox, Google Drive or WeTransfer. Old links can expire, but the folder may still be in your account.
• Freelance marketplaces. If you hired someone on Fiverr, Upwork or 99designs, the final files are usually still attached to the order.
• Logo makers. If the logo came from an online logo maker, log back in. Many include vector files, sometimes as part of a paid download.
• Past printers. A shop that printed your shirts, signs or cards before may have had the logo redrawn, and will often send you the file if you ask.

Run anything you find through the checker before sending it.

Step 3: Ask the designer

If you know who made the logo, ask for the source files. Here’s a short email you can copy:

Hi [name], our printer needs our logo as a vector file. Could you send the original Illustrator (.ai) or EPS file, plus a PDF, with all text converted to outlines? A PNG or JPG won’t work for them. Thanks!

Step 4: If the original is gone

You have three options, roughly from best to quickest:

1. Ask the printer. Many shops redraw logos themselves for a small fee, and they’ll make exactly the file they need.
2. Hire someone to redraw it. A freelance designer rebuilds the logo as clean shapes. You’ll own a proper vector for every future job.
3. Auto-trace it, if the logo is simple, bold and you have a large, sharp image. Check the result before sending it.

More detail on each, including what to give the person redrawing it, is in how to get a vector version of your logo.

Step 5: Keep it somewhere safe

Once you have a file that grades A, save it where you’ll find it again, with a clear name like “logo-vector-outlined.ai.” Keep a PDF copy next to it, since almost anyone can open a PDF. You’ll need it again for the next sign, shirt or sticker order.