Logo FAQs

Technical Questions

Which file type should I use for various purposes?

The zipfile you receive will have a variety of file types and color options. Different file types may be suitable for different purposes:

PDF or EPS: High-resolution, scalable vector files ideal for professional print jobs or graphic design applications such as Adobe Illustrator. When in doubt, this is the best format to provide to a vendor.

JPEG: Standard or low-resolution files ideal for do-it-yourself materials, such as desktop printing, handouts, inserting into Microsoft documents or email.

PNG or GIF: Low resolution files with transparent backgrounds, ideal for Web use or placing over another image.

How do I open a JPEG or PNG file?

Your computer probably has a default program to view these files, such as Windows Picture Viewer. You can also adjust your computer preferences to open them with a different program, such as an internet browser like Chrome or Firefox. Adobe Photoshop or a similar photo editing program is best for editing such files.

How do I open a PDF file?

You will need a PDF reader, such as Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader. Google Chrome and some other browsers also have default PDF viewers. Usually, you can download and install a basic PDF reader for free.

How do I insert a JPEG image into a Microsoft Word document?

With your main toolbar open at the top, click the INSERT tab, then click PICTURES. Browse to the saved location and click the file you want to insert. Once you insert the JPEG image, you can resize, crop or add effects.

My printer or other vendor is asking for a "high-resolution vector" file or a “press-ready” file. What should I send them?

NAMI provides high-resolution vector logos in PDF or EPS format. You can send those directly to your vendor for printing. However, you may not be able to open them yourself unless you have appropriate software installed.

How do I open an EPS or AI file?

You will need specialized software for design or photo editing, such as Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop or Adobe InDesign to edit these file types. If you try to open them without the right software installed, you may get an error message. Don’t worry--even if you can’t open them, you may still save these files to your computer and send them directly to a vendor such as a printer, graphic designer or sign maker.

My logo looks fuzzy or pixelated when I try to print it. Why is this happening?

For best results when printing, always use the highest resolution image you can get. NAMI provides vector-based PDF or EPS formats for professional printing. JPEG images are intended for basic desktop printers or digital materials and will not usually be appropriate for professional print jobs. Professional print jobs require files to be 300 PPI/DPI or better, whereas JPEG and PNG files are usually only 72 or 150 DPI. This means they’ll look nice and load quickly on a website but appear low quality if you try to enlarge them for printing.

Usage Questions

My NAMI State Organization or NAMI Affiliate has already created marketing and communications materials that use an unofficial or outdated version of a logo. May we continue to use those?

NAMI State Organizations and NAMI Affiliates must adhere to proper use of the NAMI logo and identity guidelines. We recognize that some organizations have invested significantly in materials that use unofficial or outdated versions of the logo. However, the NAMI Standards of Excellence require that all parts of the Alliance adhere to the NAMI branding and identity policies as part of affiliation with NAMI and the re-affiliation process. As part of the re-affiliation process, organizations should strive to use up any older materials within six months of completing re-affiliation. For questions related to this policy, please contact Marketing & Communications.

My NAMI State Organization or NAMI Affiliate logo is yellow and blue. Is that OK?

Yes, this is fine. The preferred color for NAMI's official logo is all blue (both grassroots emblem and text). While the version with the grassroots emblem in yellow still appears on some older materials, NAMI has phased it out at the national level in favor of all blue. However, any logos for NAMI State Organizations and NAMI Affiliates that still use yellow are acceptable.

How do I request an all-blue version of my logo?

If you would like to request a logo file package with an all-blue version, please contact Alliance Relations, Development & Field Governance. Please allow about 15 business days for production.

I don’t see my organization’s logo in the list. How do I request one?

The NAMI national office provides custom logo packages for NAMI State Organizations and NAMI Affiliates in good standing. To request a logo package, please contact Alliance Relations, Development & Field Governance. Please allow about 15 business days for production.

My organization has created marketing materials such as flyers or brochures. Can the national office review them to see if we’ve used the logo properly?

While we generally don’t have the capacity to provide in-depth reviews of affiliate materials, we can often do quick brand quality checks. Please contact Marketing & Communications for more information.

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