Post-purchase 101

You have just received your new, shiny branding and can’t wait to start using it? Awesome! This short guide will quickly explain how to download your files and what the file formats mean so that in less than ten minutes you’ll be able to use them like a pro.

How to download your files?

Your files will be sent in an e-mail once you have accepted the design. This is going to be a link rather than file attachments (as some of our files are too large to be attached to an email) and it will be valid for 30 days. The link will be a secure download (usually via google drive, wetransfer or dropbox.) Simply click or tap the link and download your files. We recommend downloading the files at your earliest convenience.

If you received a download link that takes you to google drive then we recommend that you download the files to your computer. If you have your own google drive account you may want to move the files there however this may remove the files in the original shared folder and we won't be able to retrieve them in case you wanted us to make any extra edits. So please make sure you download the files first, then if you wish you can upload them from your computer to google drive. 

Google drive file download:

1. Click a file to download.
   • To download multiple files, press Command (Mac) or Ctrl (Windows) while clicking other files.
2. Right-click and click Download.

Note: You can't drag a file or folder directly to your desktop. 

It's also possible to download your files using an Android or an iPhone device however we recommend using a computer. 

For more information please visit: 

https://support.google.com/drive/answer/2423534?co=GENIE.Platform%3DiOS&hl=en&oco=0

File backup

After you have successfully saved the files to your device, we strongly recommend making a copy of your files. This will simply protect you from any accidental data loss which may occur if your device becomes faulty, damaged, or is lost/stolen. 

 As we don't keep copies of client files, you are responsible for storing them securely and ensuring you have at last one backup copy. 

We recommend using an external drive or a usb stick for this purpose. You can also use cloud storage such as dropbox, iCloud, Amazon or Google Drive. 

Note: If you intend to store the files in your own Google Drive, instead of making a copy using the Google Drive link you received, you will need to download the files to your device first, then upload them to your own drive from that device. This ensures the files are not linked, so that when we delete the folder, the files in your Google Drive won't be removed too. 

File formats

Although there seems to be a lot of confusion around this topic, it’s no secret knowledge and the difference is very easy to understand. There are five basic file formats you may encounter when dealing with graphic design stuff. We’ll guide you through each of those, explaining what they do and how to use them.

Please note eps and ai files are becoming obsolete so as of May 2020 they have been replaced with svg and pdf however they are still available upon request when placing your order.

Jpg

This type of file format has a background (usually white). Its layers are merged and not possible to edit directly. If enlarged, it loses quality by becoming pixelated. You can use jpg in digital (social media, website) marketing.

Best for: social media and website, where a white background is best.

Png

Like the above, but has a transparent background (some programs will display this as a grey checked background - this is an indication of a transparent background). If you see a white/solid colour background in one of the png files we provided you with, it’s only your software displaying white instead of the checked one - the background is still transparent.

Best for: social media and website, where a transparent background is required.

SVG

Scalable vector graphic. Use in any web design, animation work. Can be edited with Adobe Illustrator. Your SVG file may not open with regular Preview on your computer. This doesn’t mean the file is faulty, your computer may not have the right software installed to open it. You don’t need to open this file unless you’re a designer. Only edit if you know what you’re doing. 🙈

Best for: Web design, animation.

PDF

Vector-based pdf file, ideal to send to your printer. Use Adobe Illustrator to edit.

Best for: Professional print.

TIP:

You’re trying to upload a file to another website and for some reason it gets rejected? The file is not faulty, but the website may require your file to be of certain size or resolution. It’s best to check the upload specs for that specific website or contact the website owner/customer support for more information.

We also have a handy guide on cropping and resizing which you can view here.

OTHER FILES

Aside from the five types of files mentioned above, your branding may consist of a set of social media icons which are png files you can upload to your website. You will also see a color palette with numbers. These are HEX codes you can use to create a consistent brand look.

WHAT ABOUT THE FONTS?

Font names will also be provided and you can use this information to download/purchase them for your use. Please note font files are not included because it’s illegal to do so. If you wish to use the exact fonts that were chosen for your branding, simply google their names and either download or purchase them from font websites. We try to use inexpensive or free ones, however, if you can’t find a particular style, let us know and we’ll suggest some alternatives.

QUESTIONS?

We are here to answer any questions you may have. We suggest you check out our handy FAQs Post-Purchase section here:

https://pearlandpixel.com/pages/faqs

If you can't find the answer to your question there, simply email us at customerservice@pearlandpixel.com and we will get back to you within 1-3 days.