Style Guides Part 2: Logo Rules

One of the most basic parts of a style guide is describing the appropriate use of the logo. In this section, you’ll want to lay down some ground rules about what modifications are allowed (if any), how to use the logo in different backgrounds, and any spacing or size limitations.

Standard rules for logos outline these basic principles:

1. Don’t alter the color, angle or layout of the logo (when possible, use PANTONE color standards to keep consistency).

2. A clear zone must surround the freestanding logo. You don’t want your logo to be crowded. Many companies use a ratio for required space—for example, leaving a space around the mark equivalent to the height of the text in your logo.

3. The logo should always be easy to read so don’t put the logo on a multicolored background or over the top of a photo. Logos with a dark background should be reversed (white only).

4. Only use black and white when you can’t reproduce your logo in its original color.

You’ll also want to provide visual examples of what is/is not approved, so there is no confusion as to what to do in a given situation. For example, show what the logo would look like stretched vertically or horizontally and cross it out as a bad example.

Although these rules may seem needlessly specific, they will help you keep a consistent, professional image so you’ll be able to build a strong brand.

Comments

[jULIO gENEROZO]

hi a have a question, is that true that when making a logo you allowed to use only two colors for the picture? i would appreciate if you can help me ... thanks

[Benjamin Archambault]

Hi

When you have a logo with tree lines of words besides what is the rules for the letters, like if i have a "of" or "The" in the name of the company, should I let it at the end or i should put it in the beginning ? Here's an example.

xxxxxxx Breathe
xxxxxxx The air
xxxxxxx Out there

or

xxxxxxx Breathe The
xxxxxxx air Out There
xxxxxxx

Thank you

[Rainbows]

Can anyone please provide me with a website link with rules/information that the symbol should never been removed from the woodmark and qualifier line and placed somewhere else on corporate stationery. I know it is a no no, but need to provide written evidence to prove it.