Why You Don’t Need Our Raw Logo Files (And Why That’s Actually a Good Thing)
When you invest in professional branding, you want to make sure you’re set up for long-term success.
We love that for you, and we love that for us too.
One question that sometimes comes up during the branding process is:
“Can we get the raw logo files, just in case?”
Totally fair question. And today we want to explain why (in almost every case) you actually don’t need them — and why that’s very good news for your brand’s future.
First — what are "raw logo files"?
Raw files (like Adobe Illustrator .ai files or layered .psd files) are the behind-the-scenes working files we use to build your logo.
They’re kind of like the messy kitchen after a five-star meal: ingredients everywhere, dishes half-done, secret sauces being mixed together.
You’re meant to be served the five-star meal — not left alone in the messy kitchen.
When we deliver your branding, you receive a polished, organized folder with everything you actually need:
High-resolution logo files for print and web (in colour, black, and white versions)
Vector formats (like
.svgor.eps) for scaling up on signage, embroidery, etc.Web-friendly formats (
.png,.jpg) for your website, social media, and everyday use
In short: you get the final meal — beautifully plated, ready to enjoy and impress — without needing to cook it yourself.
So why don’t we hand over raw files?
Because protecting your brand is part of our job.
Here’s what can (and often does) happen when raw files float around:
Someone inexperienced accidentally tweaks or stretches the logo.
A well-meaning printer edits the file and distorts the proportions.
Internal teams start making unauthorized "versions" that break brand consistency.
Future designers “Frankenstein” the brand, leading to a watered-down, inconsistent identity.
Suddenly, the brand you invested in — the one we strategically crafted to position you perfectly — starts to unravel.
And once a brand starts slipping? It’s hard (and expensive) to reign it back in.
Keeping the raw files protected preserves the integrity, consistency, and power of your brand over time.
Plus — there’s a technical reality most people don't realize.
You need Adobe Illustrator to even open raw .ai logo files properly.
And Illustrator isn’t some free little app — it’s a professional design software that costs a subscription fee every month.
Without it, the files won’t even open properly, and there's a high chance of breaking or corrupting them.
It’s a bit like buying a stick shift car without knowing how to drive manual. 🚗
You have the keys, but it’s not going to help you get where you want to go.
That's why we give you the right file types you actually can use easily, on your own, right away.
But what if we want to evolve our brand later?
Amazing — we expect that! Growth is the goal.
That’s why:
You already have the scalable, professional formats needed for normal future use.
If you need new layouts, adaptations, or future evolutions, we can easily create those properly.
We can also quote on a full brand evolution project when you’re ready (so you don’t have to rebuild from scratch or untangle a DIY mess later).
Think of it like this:
You don't need the blueprints and concrete mix from your house build to renovate your kitchen. You just need the right team, the right plan, and the right tools.
What if we really really want the raw files?
We get it. Some companies have very specific internal needs — maybe you have an in-house design team or you're planning a major rebrand internally.
In those cases, we’re open to discussing a separate file buyout option.
Because those raw files? They’re part of our intellectual property, and transferring full ownership comes with its own process and cost (kind of like buying the house and all the blueprints forever).
If you think you might want this, just let’s chat about it upfront — we’ll always be transparent, fair, and strategic with you.
So, what does buying out the raw files actually mean?
If you choose to buy the working files, you're not just asking for a Dropbox link; you're buying:
Full intellectual property rights to the original designs
Ownership over the editable, layered files (the ones only meant for professional use)
The freedom to adapt, alter, or modify them however you want; without MWD's expert oversight
Because of that, there’s a separate cost often starting around 100% to 150% of your original project fee, depending on the scope.
Why?
Because the raw files represent:
The full strategy and design process that went into your brand
Future lost licensing opportunities for us (i.e., we no longer retain creative rights)
The risk of the brand being altered outside the intended strategy
It’s a bit like buying the copyright to a song; you're paying not just for the recording, but for the heart, soul, and expertise that created it.
👉🏼 In most cases, it’s not necessary and we give you every file format you’ll actually use already.
But if you’re planning a very specific need (like building an internal design department, merging companies, or franchising), a buyout might make sense.
If you’re wondering whether it’s worth it for your situation, we’re always happy to have that conversation openly and honestly.
TL;DR?
You get everything you need to use your branding beautifully and powerfully from Day 1.
Protecting your raw files = protecting your brand’s long-term success.
Adobe Illustrator is needed to open raw files anyway (and it’s $$$).
If you need something special later? We’ve got you.
We didn’t build your brand to last 6 months.
We built it to last years.
And that means making decisions now that Future You (and Future Brand You) will be so grateful for.
