: Should I outline or expand strokes when making a logo? Do I have to outline or expand strokes when making a logo? When I use an ink brush for example, should I expand or outline the stroke

@Nimeshi706

My general workflow for both Illustrator and Photoshop is a two file workflow.


1 file for my records which contains all the layers, effects, appearance settings, etc in tact and is not flattened and everything is as "live" and editable as it can be. This allows me to return to the file later and more easily edit anything which may need changed. I keep this file in the client archive. The client never sees this file.
1 file for the client which is expanded, flattened, merged. etc. Editing for this file is not a concern. The concern is to save a file as universally usable as possible. Clients typically should not need to edit files. However, they may need to utilize the file in multiple production environments. So create a file that is as absolutely simple as possible is beneficial.


Illustrator files are not much different than creating something like a digital painting in Photoshop. When you work in Photoshop, you create layers, add styles, etc. But when you're ready to provide a file to the client you save as a jpg or tiff which flattens all the layers and merges all the styles. That's all the client needs. Yet you retain the .psd for you to edit again later if needed. The same style workflow for Illustrator works well for me.

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@Phylliss782

Yes, all strokes should be expanded when supplying final art to clients etc. This will minimise the risk of errors in reproduction. Sometimes the logo or art can be scaled and the stroke may not scale as it should. Also gives you quality control over the logo you are supplying, knowing that it hasn't been edited or scaled incorrectly along the way. Keep a non-expanded master file for your records.

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@Rivera951

When saving or archiving your own personal working files it is a personal option whether to flatten, expand or outline. If you perform these actions, however, you will not be able to adjust stroke width, edit text or use your brush shape as a brush anymore. If you want to be able to edit your elements again then don't flatten them.

When you are preparing images for web display or delivery you export a flattened version using the "save for web" dialogue. It doesn't matter if the objects in your file are expanded or outlined beforehand, just how they appear on the canvas before you at the moment of export.

When you are sending a work file or high quality image for printing to a client for them to re-use you should expand strokes, outline text and generally flatten everything so there is no error on their end (unless for some reason your agreement gives them the fully editable work files).

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