Receiving your logo only as a plain image file, when you expected the vector or source files, is more common than you'd think. It is usually settled by a clear exchange, provided you handle it in the right order.

Step 1: find what was promised

Go back to the quote, the service description or the order. What do they list as deliverables (formats, vector files, source files, versions)? That list, and not what you imagined, defines what the designer must hand over. Knowing which files to ask for is the subject of which file formats to request for a logo.

Step 2: ask in writing

Send a short, factual message, preferably in the order's tool or by email, to keep a record. For example:

"Hello, I haven't received the vector and source files for my logo, which were included in the order of [date]. Could you send them (SVG, PDF, source file) by [date]? Thank you."

Step 3: follow up, then use the remedies

  • On a platform with protected payment, open a claim or dispute under its rules. See what ComeUp really protects (in French).
  • Off a platform, follow up with a more formal letter (recorded delivery, for example) recalling the order and the deadline.
  • As a last resort, ask a conciliator, a consumer association or a lawyer for advice.

Step 4: the fallback if the files never arrive

If you have a good-quality image of the logo, it can be redrawn as a vector from it. That is precisely what vectorisation is for. See vectorising a logo: what does it really change (in French), the signs that show a logo needs vectorising (in French) and the vectorisation service.

How to avoid the situation

  • Have the deliverables listed in writing before paying: formats, source files, colour and black-and-white versions.
  • Check the assignment of rights, which determines your right to have the logo modified. See who owns a logo.
  • Check the delivery as soon as you receive it, without waiting until you need it.

Frequently asked questions about a logo's source files

Is a designer obliged to provide the source file?
It depends on what was agreed. If the quote or order includes the source files, yes. If not, it has to be discussed: some designers assign them for an extra fee, others don't.

Can a logo be modified without the source file?
Yes, but with more difficulty: it has to be redrawn or vectorised from the image available, which is possible if the image is of good quality.

More questions about logo design

Who Owns a Logo: the Client or the Designer?
Copyright belongs first to the designer: the client only acquires use of the logo through a written assignment of rights. Read the article →

How Do You Check a Logo Doesn't Already Exist Before Adopting It?
Five checks reduce the risk: image search, trademark databases (INPI, EUIPO), sector, name and domains, professional advice. Read the article →

Can You Use a Free Font in a Logo?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no: 'free' doesn't mean 'free to use in a logo'. Read each font's licence. Read the article →

Can You Take Inspiration From a Competitor's Logo Without Risk?
Take inspiration, don't imitate: study the sector's codes, but avoid any resemblance that creates confusion with a competitor. Read the article →

What Common Mistakes Should Be Avoided When Creating a Logo?
The most frequent mistakes: unnecessary complexity, lack of originality, poor readability at small sizes, and no vector files. Read the article →

What File Formats Should I Request for a Logo So I Can Use It Across Different Materials?
A professional logo should be delivered as a vector file (SVG, PDF, EPS) for print, plus PNG and JPG exports for the web. Read the article →

How Can a Logo Strengthen a Small Business's Brand Image?
A good logo gives a small business instant credibility and consistency across all its materials, often before the first customer contact. Read the article →

See all questions about logo design →

My take as a designer

A complete delivery is part of the job: a client should never have to chase their own files. When I see a logo delivered only as an image, I know its owner will hit the problem the day they want to print large.

Files you ask for after the fact are files you should have checked before paying.

To sum up

Re-read the quote first, then ask for the files in writing, listing exactly what you expect.

With no reply, use the platform's remedies or a formal friendly demand, and keep vectorisation as a fallback.

For next time, have the deliverables and the assignment of rights listed before paying.