File Formats

Logos InkPen supports three primary formats for saving, plus specialized export options for specific workflows.

Native InkPen Format (.inkpen)

About InkPen Files

The native Logos InkPen format preserves all editing capabilities.

Saving as InkPen

Save (⌘S)

  1. Creates or updates .inkpen file
  2. Maintains current filename and location
  3. Automatic backup before save
  4. Updates document icon in Finder

Save As (⌘⇧S)

  1. Choose "Ink Pen Document" from format dropdown
  2. Enter new filename (extension added automatically)
  3. Select save location
  4. Original document remains unchanged
  5. New document becomes active

InkPen File Structure

When to Use InkPen Format

PDF Format (.pdf)

About PDF Files

Industry standard for print and document exchange.

Saving as PDF

Save As PDF (File > Save As)

  1. Choose "PDF Document" from format dropdown
  2. Name your file
  3. PDF settings applied automatically
  4. Creates print-ready PDF

Export as PDF (⌘⇧E)

  1. Choose File > Export PDF
  2. Select PDF preset:
    • High Quality Print: 300 DPI, compressed
    • Press Quality: Maximum quality, no compression
    • Smallest File Size: For email/web
  3. Configure options:
    • Preserve Illustrator Editing Capabilities
    • Embed Page Thumbnails
    • Optimize for Fast Web View
  4. Click Export

PDF Color Settings

When to Use PDF

SVG Format (.svg)

About SVG Files

Scalable Vector Graphics for web and modern applications.

Saving as SVG

Save As SVG (File > Save As)

  1. Choose "SVG Document" from format dropdown
  2. Enter filename
  3. Standard web SVG created
  4. Optimized for compatibility

Export as SVG (⌘E)

  1. Choose File > Export SVG
  2. Configure SVG options:
    • Styling: Internal CSS or inline styles
    • Font: Convert to outlines or embed
    • Images: Embed or link
    • Decimal Places: 1-3 for web
  3. Optimization settings:
    • Minify output
    • Remove hidden elements
    • Merge similar paths
  4. Click Export

When to Use SVG

AutoCAD/Fusion 360 SVG Export

Special AutoDesk Export (⌘⌥E)

Optimized for AutoDesk Fusion 360 and AutoCAD compatibility.

Critical Settings

Export Process

  1. Choose File > Export AutoDesk SVG (⌘⌥E)
  2. Automatic settings applied:
    • 96 DPI resolution
    • 1.33333× scale factor
    • Absolute positioning
    • No transforms on paths
  3. Name with _fusion suffix
  4. Import directly into Fusion 360

Why These Settings Matter

Best Practices for AutoDesk

PNG Export Options

Standard PNG Export (⌃⌘E)

macOS App Icon Sizes

Export icons for macOS applications:

Required Icon Sizes

Size@1x@2xUsage
16pt16×1632×32Finder, small
32pt32×3264×64Finder, medium
64pt64×64128×128Finder, large
128pt128×128256×256Finder, jumbo
256pt256×256512×512App Store, @1x
512pt512×5121024×1024App Store, @2x

Batch Export for Icons

  1. Design icon at 1024×1024
  2. Choose File > Export Icon Set
  3. Select "macOS App Icons"
  4. All sizes exported automatically
  5. Named correctly for Xcode

Apple Icon Composer Export

Preparing for Icon Composer

Legacy tool for creating .icns files:

Export Process

  1. Create your icon at 1024×1024
  2. Export as PNG with transparency
  3. Export these specific sizes:
    • 16×16 (icon_16x16.png)
    • 32×32 (icon_32x32.png)
    • 128×128 (icon_128x128.png)
    • 256×256 (icon_256x256.png)
    • 512×512 (icon_512x512.png)
    • 1024×1024 (icon_512x512@2x.png)
  4. Drag into Icon Composer slots
  5. Save as .icns file

Modern Alternative

Use iconutil command line tool instead:

  1. Export icon set from InkPen
  2. Create iconset folder structure
  3. Run: iconutil -c icns icon.iconset
  4. Generates .icns automatically

iOS App Icon Export

Required iOS Sizes

Device@2x@3xPoints
iPhone Notification40×4060×6020pt
iPhone Settings58×5887×8729pt
iPhone Spotlight80×80120×12040pt
iPhone App120×120180×18060pt
iPad Notification40×40—20pt
iPad Settings58×58—29pt
iPad Spotlight80×80—40pt
iPad App152×152—76pt
iPad Pro App167×167—83.5pt
App Store1024×1024——

Format Comparison

Feature .inkpen .pdf .svg .png
Vector ✓ ✓ ✓ ✗
Editable ✓ Limited ✓ ✗
Layers ✓ ✗ Groups ✗
Gradients ✓ ✓ ✓ Rasterized
Text Editable Outlined Optional Rasterized
File Size Small Medium Small Large
Web Use ✗ ✓ ✓ ✓
Print ✗ ✓ ✓ DPI dependent

Workflow Recommendations

Design Workflow

  1. Always save as .inkpen first - Preserve editability
  2. Export copies - Never work on exports
  3. Version control - Save incremental .inkpen files
  4. Final delivery - Export required formats

Format Selection Guide

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