The best starting point for a custom gobo is your original logo file, accompanied by clear notes about how the design should look. Use vector artwork when available; if you only have an image, send the largest, clearest original rather than a screenshot.
This checklist helps you check the file, spot details that may need discussion, and explain your design before production. It is intended for logo owners, designers and project teams preparing artwork—not for choosing a projector.
1. Choose the best available logo file
GoboSolution prefers AI, EPS, PDF or SVG artwork and also accepts high-resolution PNG and JPG files. An artwork review is included before production.
The extension is only the starting point. A PDF can contain a low-resolution image, while an SVG can include an embedded bitmap. Ask your designer for the original vector artwork if it is available.
| What you have | What to prepare |
|---|---|
| Original vector logo | Keep an editable master and send a copy with the intended logo version clearly identified. |
| Large PNG or JPG | Send the original image, without enlarging it or taking a screenshot of it. |
| Logo inside a PDF | Check whether it stays sharp when enlarged; ask for the original design file if uncertain. |
| Website thumbnail or social media image | Look for a higher-quality brand asset before submitting. |
Changing a filename from `.jpg` to `.svg` does not turn an image into vector artwork. Similarly, increasing an image's dimensions does not restore missing detail.
2. Inspect edges, small text and fine details
Open the file and look closely at curved edges, small lettering and narrow spaces between shapes. Jagged outlines, compression blocks or blurry text are signs that a better source file may be needed.
Next, view the complete design at a smaller size. Does the brand name remain easy to recognize? Does a small tagline still contribute to the design, or does it become visual clutter?
For example, a logo with a long tagline and a detailed illustration may benefit from a second version containing only the main mark and brand name. Send both versions with clear labels if you want them considered. Do not remove brand elements without the logo owner's approval.
There is no universal minimum text size or line-width rule in this checklist. The appropriate treatment depends on the artwork and production requirements. Flag any small details that must remain rather than assuming they will be reproduced exactly as shown on a screen.
3. Explain the background and open areas
A white rectangle in a JPG may be part of the intended design, or it may simply be the background used when the file was exported. A checkerboard displayed by an image editor usually represents transparency rather than a pattern in the artwork.
Explain which interpretation is correct. For example:
“The rectangular white background is not part of our logo. Please review the brand mark and lettering only.”
Or:
“The surrounding shape is intentional and must remain part of the design.”
Do not use a digital preview to assume which regions will transmit or block light in the finished gobo. Ask for those areas to be confirmed during the artwork review, especially when the design uses white lettering, outlines or an inverted logo.
4. Identify the intended color version
Brand folders often contain several versions of the same logo: a single-color mark, a two-color version and a full-color design. Choose the intended version and label it clearly.
If a gradient, shaded illustration or specific color relationship is essential, include that information in your notes. You can also provide a brand reference document, while keeping the actual production artwork separate and easy to identify.
GoboSolution's product options include one, two, three and full-color versions; white or transparent areas do not add to the listed color count. Use the custom logo gobo options to review the available choices.
A screen reference helps communicate intent, but it is not a guarantee of the final projected color. The light source and projection surface can affect the appearance.
5. Keep lettering and file versions clear
Check spelling, capitalization, punctuation and the exact logo version before submitting. For vector artwork containing live text, ask your designer whether a copy with text converted to outlines is appropriate. Keep the editable original separately; outlining is a preparation suggestion, not a stated requirement for every order.
Use descriptive filenames such as `brand-main-logo-full-color.svg` and `brand-logo-single-color-reference.pdf`. Avoid sending multiple files named “final” without explaining which one should be used.
If you provide alternate versions, state their purpose: preferred design, simplified alternative or visual reference. This helps prevent a reference image from being mistaken for the production file.
6. Include projector and size information
Clear artwork does not establish physical compatibility. Along with the file, gather your projector make and model and any available gobo specifications. If you already have a gobo, a photo and its documented dimensions may help the review.
Do not confuse the physical diameter of the gobo with the size of the projected logo. If the required dimensions are uncertain, request confirmation before choosing a size. Compatibility with a third-party projector needs to be confirmed before production.
Your pre-submission checklist
- The file contains the correct, approved logo version.
- You have supplied the original vector or the clearest available image.
- Small text, fine lines and important details are identified for review.
- Backgrounds and intended open areas are explained.
- The preferred color version and any essential color references are clear.
- Alternate designs are labeled separately from the preferred artwork.
- Projector and gobo-size information is included, or you have asked for confirmation.
- You have permission to use and reproduce the submitted artwork.
Ready to prepare your custom gobo?
Review the custom logo gobos page to choose your options and submit artwork through the product's upload field. A custom gobo is the image-bearing component; a projector is not included.
If you need help confirming compatibility or preparing a commercial project, request an artwork and project review. Explain what is uncertain so the team can review the right details before production.