Creating a logo with a vector program allows you to use the logo anywhere.
A vector is a mathematical line read by illustration programs that defines a path between anchor points. Vectors are created by using the pen tool. Most illustration software offers tracing elements making this process easier to accomplish. By learning to use the pen tool and tracing software elements, you can create a vector logo in a few steps.
Instructions
1. Open the illustration program. Select "File, New" from the drop down menu. Choose the type of document profile for your logo depending on the type of document you wish to create.
2. Select "Print" or "CMYK," a printing term for the process colors cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, for printed logos or "Web" or "RGB," or red, green and blue, for web-based logos. In the raster effects menu, select "High, 300 ppi, pixels per inch" for print or "Screen, 72 ppi" for Internet-based logos.
3. Size your logo document to 600 by 600 pixels, or 8.33 inches by 8.33 inches. Choose "Okay" or press "Enter."
4. Import a bitmap file or .jpg into the illustration program by selecting "File, Place" from the drop down menu. Size the image according to the guidelines in the illustration program. Choose "Place," "Okay" or "Enter."
5. Select the graphic. Choose the "Trace" function from the Object drop down menu. Choose a preset or manually enter the adjustments by selecting the mode, which determines the color of your image. Adjust the threshold value as necessary, turning any stray dots into black or white.
6. Increase the blur if your image contains jagged or pixelated edges. Select the "Path fitting" controlling the distance from the traced shape from the original. Choose a higher setting for jagged edges.
7. Adjust the "Minimum area" determining the smallest squared element configured in the tracing. Adjust the "Corner angle" producing a smoother corner edge. Select "Ignore white" if you don't want white elements, such as the logo background, included in the trace. Choose "Trace" or "Enter."
8. Select "Expand" from the Objects drop-down menu to view the vectoring. Preview the vector in the "Outline" or "Wireframe" mode.
9. Select the "Reduce Nodes" function, which connects point where lines converge, for simplification of the lines or paths in your logo. Select "Object, Path" from the drop down menu when reducing or adding nodes to your graphic, by selecting "Add," "Subtract," or "Clean up."
10. Adjust any points in your tracing with the pen tool.
11. Convert anchor selections as necessary when adjusting lines and curves by selecting a point and moving the handle that appears. Follow the specific instructions for your illustration program for hints on the pen tool options and the functions. Save your work to your hard drive.
12. Select the pen tool by clicking the icon when drawing a logo from scratch. Click anywhere on your logo file creating a point. Repeat, and create additional points. Join sections by selecting two points while holding the "Shift" key then choose "CTRL/CMD J." Add curves by selecting a point and adjust the handles forming the desired angle.
