1. Basics: How Your Logo Appears on the Branding Plate

Before your motif is transferred to the engraving plate, your file is converted into a vector-based engraving template. This means that every line, every letter, and every symbol is converted into exact contours that the milling machine will later cut into the metal.

This precision requires a clear, high-contrast template. Photos or color gradients are unsuitable – they cannot be cleanly implemented during the branding process. The better your file is prepared, the sharper and more detailed your branded image will be.

2. Suitable File Formats and Resolutions

• Vector formats (recommended): .tif, .EPS, .SVG, .PDF (vector-based). These formats remain razor-sharp regardless of size.
• Bitmap formats (alternative): .PNG or .JPG in very high resolution (at least 600 dpi). Only suitable if the motif is clearly black and white.

3. Design Tips for Clear Branding Images

When branding, it's not the color effect that matters, but the structure. Therefore, the design should be simple but precise:

• Avoid overly delicate details – lines under 0.5 mm can blur during branding.
• Use high-contrast areas instead of gradients.
• Ensure sufficient spacing between letters and shapes.
• If necessary, reduce the logo to a simplified version specifically for branding.

Many professional brands use a "brand variant" of their logo – fewer details, but maximum recognition on any material.

4. Fonts, Line Weights & Contrasts

Fonts are a central component of many engravings. To ensure they remain legible, you should consider the following:

• Sans-serif fonts (e.g., Arial, Helvetica, Open Sans) are best suited. They have clear lines and uniform thickness.
• Line weight: at least 0.3 mm. Thinner lines disappear during branding.
• Avoid italics or very fine lettering – they distort more easily with heat.

For logos with text, it is recommended to slightly enlarge or abbreviate the lettering so that it remains easily legible even on small surfaces.

5. Common Mistakes in Logo Preparation

• Color gradients: Branding irons work purely with light-dark contrasts, no mid-tones.
• Photos or raster images: too many grayscales, unsuitable for engraving.
• Blurry templates: lead to imprecise contours.
• Too many small details: can be lost or run into each other during branding.
• Incorrect mirroring: Logos for branding irons must always be created mirrored so that they appear correctly in the brand.

6. How to Submit Your Template Correctly

During the ordering process, you can upload your logo or graphic directly. Make sure the file name is unique and the version does not contain a colored background.

• File format: preferably .SVG or .PDF.
• Color mode: Black and white (no grayscale).
• Size: create it as large as it should later appear on the branding iron.

After uploading, the file will be manually checked and technically prepared. The engraving will only start after your approval – so you have full control over the result if you book our data check.

7. Conclusion & Recommendation

A clean, high-contrast template is the basis for every high-quality branding iron. With clear lines, sufficient font size, and the correct file format, nothing stands in the way of a precise branded image.

Those who take logo preparation seriously save time and money and receive a result that not only looks professional but also lasts a long time – whether on wood, leather, or cork.