Image Based Logo Design? Top 73 Best Answers

For small business owners, determining the right logotype is a crucial step in the entrepreneurial journey that signals the transition from an idea on paper to a budding company.

Of course, you might feel a lot of pressure to create the perfect logo, but we’re here to help relieve some of that stress and walk you through some different types of logos to consider, including:

While a logo is only part of the larger branding image, having an idea of ​​what you want before you start down the design path will ensure you create something that serves you, your business, and your target audience.

But first… what is a logo?

The term “logo” is often used as a catch-all to define any emblem a company has designed to visually represent its brand.

But there are two main categories when it comes to logo design:

Logos that consist only of writing – denoting a company’s name or initials. Logos that contain both text and an icon

Within the two broad categories, there are five main types of logos, each with their own strengths and unique design characteristics. One style might suit you better than others depending on a variety of factors: the length of your company name, your industry, and your potential clients.

Each type of logo may serve a different purpose, but certain styles have gained popularity in recent years, especially as more businesses go online-only.

“Most often, logos operate on a sliding scale between the purely verbal and the purely visual: a one-letter word that makes a visual pun, for example, or an icon that contains a company name,” —Michael Evamy, author of Logo: Das Symbols and Logos Reference Guide.

With that, let’s go into more detail about each logotype.

1. Wordmark/Logo

The most classic and purest form of a logo is the word mark, sometimes referred to as a logotype. And it’s just the company name.

The plain text treatment depends on the company name. It’s more common for companies with short names to opt for a wordmark logo design (a hyphenated word or name/combination is ideal). If a company name consists of two words, they can be stacked to save space.

With no symbols or illustrations, the typography takes center stage and the stylized company name becomes the brand’s visual landmark. Think of famous examples like Coca-Cola, Google and the New York Times.

But even without images, there is still plenty of room for artistic flair when it comes to the choice of font, color, character features, spacing, and shapes.

The style of the words elicits meaning and evokes the personality of the brand, be it playful, artistic, educational or serious.

How to Use Wordmark Logos

The beauty of wordmark logos is that they’re easy to apply across media and add recognition by being clean and straightforward.

It’s common for companies to shorten their wordmark logo to an initial or monogram (think Facebook, which uses its famous F in most of its applications). Next, we’ll explain monogram logos.

2. Monogram/Letter Logo

If your business name isn’t too short, consider a monogram (or letter character) logo or logo variation.

A monogram logo contains one to four letters, most commonly a company’s initials or first letter. Used in place of a traditional symbol, it transforms a company’s identity into an eye-catching image.

Of course, the initials become the central part of the logo. In your design, they need to be legible but also memorable.

If you’re new to the market, consider putting the full company name under the logo to build recognition—this tactic is common when brands are just starting out.

How to use monogram logos

Lettermarks and monograms are typically more compact by nature than logos that contain an image, and they look good in small spaces, especially squares.

However, since these types of logos are text-only, you should focus your energies on choosing the right font. Your logo should be legible but distinctive and inviting. Think of HBO, McDonald’s famous “M” or the interlocking Cs in Chanel’s logo as notable examples.

And as mentioned, it’s not uncommon to see a monogram or letter version of a wordmark logo used for smaller spaces like website favicons, apps, and social media profile pictures. You should make sure the font is the same in both versions to build brand awareness.

3. Combination logo

A combination logo consists of a word or letter mark with a symbol (often referred to as a logo mark). It’s the most common type of logo design, partly due to its flexibility. You can use the icon alone (e.g. in social media profile photos or favicons) or just the word or letter mark if you need it.

A combination character can have a symbol appear next to, above, below, or within the text. It can sometimes even represent a letter in the company name.

The symbol is an identifying element of your brand and can be abstract or literal. Think Nike’s iconic Swoosh – a smoothed check mark unrelated to the name. Contrast that with Apple’s logo — a symbol that directly links to the company’s name.

How to use combination logos

Companies that successfully develop a strong brand identity with a combined logo design may try to simplify their logo. This can be achieved by omitting the font to rely on the symbol representing the brand – see the section on branding logos below.

But combination logos are a better choice for new businesses that need to build brand awareness. Ultimately, a combination mark is a surefire way to create an adaptable logo that can be used across media. Think of how big companies like Adidas and Taco Bell are using this format across channels.

Now that we’ve covered the three main types of logos (word mark, monogram, and combination mark), let’s talk about three less common types of logos.

4. Trademark/Logo Icon/Designer Logo

A brand logo is a standalone image or symbol. The sign can be figurative, representing a real object (think Apple again) or an abstract form.

This type of logo doesn’t include the company name, which is a big risk for a new business that wants to get their name out there. Brand logos work best for brands that have already built recognition.

And just like the time that goes into developing a company name, the type of image used in the brand logo needs to be heavily considered. What does the image say about your company? Is it a direct reflection of the company name or something more abstract? Does it convey an emotion or meaning to a potential customer?

How to use a brand logo

If you like the idea of ​​a brand logo but aren’t sure if it’s the right choice, consider designing a logo with a wordmark and symbol combination logo. The icon can be used on its own for specific applications, such as B. Social media profile pictures or website favicons.

5. Emblem Logo

One of the oldest forms of a logo is the emblem. The elements of an emblem logo include vintage-style text within a container (often a circle or other shape). Think badges, seals or coats of arms. Emblem logos are treated as a coherent image rather than typography.

The emblem can convey prestige or finesse – often associated with brands that have a long history. But this type of logo is also less versatile, especially for online use. Emblem logos are usually complicated, so they can be more difficult to scale down for use on social media or business cards.

How to use emblem logos

Because of their shape, emblem logos make fabulous social media profile pictures. They also look great printed on almost anything – from clothing to stickers, due to their unique designs.

6. Mascot Logos

Mascot logos feature an illustrated character that acts as a brand ambassador. These types of logos are often fun and friendly, giving the audience a personality to relate to and connect with.

You will often see mascot logos used in children’s brands due to their appealing nature. Think of Kellog’s many characters, from Tony the Tiger to Tucan Sam.

Service companies, food brands, and sports teams are great users of these logos. But lately we’ve seen a trend that more and more apps and tech brands are embracing animated characters to humanize their brands.

How to Use a Mascot Logo

Choose a mascot logo if you want to give your brand a zest for life and personality. Mascots can be great for storytelling and animation. If you’ve built an app or run a technology company, mascots can be used to inform, excite, and motivate users of your tools.

Choosing the right logotype

Remember: your logo lives both digitally and physically. It’s scaled to different sizes, printed on paper, uploaded as a profile picture – the list goes on. That’s why it’s so common for brands to create designs with and without an icon (or monogram) to have both on hand.

This practice has become particularly popular in the age of social media, where a logo must be used across digital channels. When you have a longer company name, it doesn’t always work in a small space like a square profile photo. A monogram or symbol-only version can make your design more customizable.

Whatever type of logo you choose, your design should create an impression of your brand. When it stands out from similar companies in the market, it’s easier to differentiate your product or service and build recognition with your target audience.

Want to learn more about logo design? Check out our guide or get started with our logo maker today!

This post was last updated on July 11, 2021.

You may not know the extent to which logos are a part of our lives. Take a look around – there’s one in the top corner of your screen, possibly one on your shoe, and definitely a lot more in sight.

These trademarks, whether they appear on the side of a bus or as tiny icons on our screens, are a key asset for any business. They are used to represent a brand’s identity and differentiate it from its competitors. A good logo will not only accurately reflect the brand and its character, but it will also be memorable and work well in different contexts.

When creating a logo, consider the different forms a logo can take. From a single visual icon to plain text, or various combinations of both, here are nine different types of logos and tips on how to use them to create a winning design.

The 9 types of logos

01. Word marks/lettering

Wordmarks (also known as logotypes) consist of the company name written in a specific font. While this may sound very simple, as Steve Jobs said, “Simple can be harder than complex.” To successfully learn how to design a logo, you need to pay special attention to every little detail.

If you’re looking for a wordmark or text logo, here are a few options you can take. Some brands create a custom font specifically for their logo, such as B. Coca-Cola. However, this takes time and requires the skills of a professional designer. Alternatively, you can choose a logo font that reflects the mood of your brand. For example, modern logo designs generally use a sleek sans serif font, while trendy logo designs may require more elaborate fonts. Consider using uppercase, lowercase, or a mix, and add special characters or colors to your logo.

A wordmark is a great choice for brands with memorable names or those who want to get their name out there, as their logo will appear in all of their marketing materials.

Examples: Wix, Coca-Cola, Subway, Casper, Kellogg’s, eBay and West Elm.

02. Letter Shapes

Letterforms are one-letter logos that contain only the first letter of the company name. Brands often have an additional version of their logo that includes their full company name (referred to as a word mark or logotype, as explained above) that can be used on a variety of occasions.

Because letterform logos are small, they scale easily. Even when used in tiny dimensions, they are likely to remain recognizable, especially if they have a fairly simple design without too many details. This makes them ideal for app icons, favicons, social media profile pictures and more.

In general, letterform logos are a good choice for brands that are already reasonably well known. Otherwise, getting people to know and remember your business name can be difficult. They are also beneficial for brands with long names.

Examples: Facebook, McDonald’s, Netflix and Pinterest, Uber and Beats.

03. Lettermarks/Monogram Logos

Lettermarks (aka monogram logos) are typographic logos made up of the brand’s initials. In most cases, brands with monogram logos are referred to by their abbreviated version in conversation, like IBM and NASA (when was the last time you heard someone say National Aeronautics and Space Administration?).

Similar to the logotypes above, lettermarks can also be created using a custom font or by finding a font that successfully conveys your brand identity. Consider various typographical parameters such as kerning (spacing between letters), width, weight, and style (e.g. bold or italics).

In certain industries, it’s common for brands to use the abbreviated version of their name. If you’re working within these areas, you might want to stick to the norm and create a lettermark logo. Lettermarks are also a common choice for brands with long names that want to be more memorable with a shortened version.

Examples: HBO, IBM, NASA, CNN, HP and Louis Vuitton.

04. Logo Symbols/Trademarks/Icons

Logo symbols (also known as trademarks or pictorial marks) are graphic symbols, icons, or images that reflect the brand’s identity or activity. Typically, these types of logos depict an object from the real world. Some of the best icon logos let you know which brand it is as soon as you see them.

If you decide to use an image mark, think about what you want your mark to symbolize. Want it to be a literal representation of your name, like Apple? It can also be used to subtly suggest your brand’s values ​​or message. For example, notice how Twitter’s bird is pointing up, representing hope and freedom.

Finding the perfect image for your logo icon can be a challenge, especially if you’re a relatively new brand. Not only will you likely grow, change, and add new products over time, but it can also take time for customers to recognize your logo and associate it with your brand. If so, consider including your name in the logo (see combination characters below).

Aside from choosing an icon that evolves with your brand, an important logo design tip is to make sure your design always stays timeless. While it may be tempting to design an on-trend and “contemporary” image logo, you don’t want to have to create a new logo months later to stay current.

A plus to using these types of logos is that they help create a strong tone of voice. Once your business gains recognition, a well-designed logo icon can become very memorable.

Examples: Shell, Apple, Twitter, Target, Instagram and Snapchat and Major League Baseball.

05. Abstract logo marks

These are image-based logos that use abstract shapes to reflect a company’s branding. Unlike figurative marks, which represent a real object, abstract logo marks are more metaphorical.

Because they don’t represent a specific recognizable object, abstract logo marks give you the opportunity to create something very unique. By choosing this type of logo, you establish your brand’s core values. Experiment with rendering them in a simple, geometric shape that evokes the right emotions and messages. For example, Airbnb’s logo not only looks like the letter “A”, but also evokes the well-known “location” symbol and is an abstracted form of an upside-down heart.

If you decide to go with this type of logo, make sure you’ve solidified your brand identity and know exactly what you want to convey to your audience. Additionally, an abstract logo can be a good choice for global brands whose names don’t work well in different languages.

Examples: Airbnb, Chanel, Nike, Olympics, Google Drive, Adidas and Pepsi.

06. Mascot

Mascot logos consist of illustrated characters that act as visual representations or “ambassadors” for a brand. They can be anything from fictional creatures to real people, as long as they reflect the brand’s identity.

Mascots can be a great way to get customers to connect with your brand, as people tend to naturally resonate with other people or characters. You can also use a mascot to create a fun, playful vibe that engages your audience, which explains why companies that target children and families often use this type of logo. Consider whether a mascot is right for your business and, if so, how you can use it to send the right message.

Because of their generally friendly, engaging nature, mascots can work well in designing for social media and marketing campaigns. Note, however, that they often consist of more details than a standard logo, so a simplified version may be required for small dimensions such as favicons or business cards.

Examples: Michelin Man by Michelin, Colonel Sanders by KFC, Cap’n Crunch, Tony the Tiger by Kellogg’s and Mr. Peanut by Planters.

07. Emblems

Emblems, also known as badge logos, are typically reminiscent of coats of arms. They combine text and symbolic images into artistic designs with a traditional flair.

When considering whether an emblem is right for your brand, think about the industry you’re in. While there are no rules, this type of logo is particularly popular with universities, sports teams, and coffee brands. A current logo trend is a contemporary take on the emblem, opting for a more minimalist approach that usually involves vector illustrations and clean lines.

Emblems can also give you the space you need to add a slogan that reflects your brand’s message. When creating an emblem, keep in mind that this type of logo can be less versatile due to its intricate details and doesn’t always work well on a smaller scale. In these cases, you can create a simpler alternative.

Examples: Starbucks, Stella Artois, Harley-Davidson, NFL, Warner Brothers, Manchester United.

08. Combination Character

This type of logo combines (surprise, surprise) images with words. For example, a combination logo could consist of an icon with a wordmark, or a mascot with a letter shape, etc. Some brands have a main logo in the form of a combination mark, while occasionally splitting the text and image to better adapt to different contexts.

Combination brands are very popular with brands across all industries as they are extremely versatile. You can create multiple variations of your logo and use them for different purposes while maintaining clear and cohesive imagery throughout. For example, notice how Lacoste uses its combination mark on its website design, while most of its products only feature the popular and recognizable green crocodile.

For businesses that are not yet well known, combination brands can be a good starting point to help you build brand awareness. Over time, you’ll have the freedom to use just the text or just the icon while remaining recognizable. Also, supporting the text with symbols, icons, and other forms of images helps potential customers understand what your brand is all about.

Examples: Taco Bell, Toblerone, Dropbox, CVS, Dove, and NBC.

09. Dynamic Brands

When it comes to understanding different types of logos and figuring out which one is right for you, dynamic logos are kind of a unique anomaly as they can take many forms. This might sound strange since a general rule of logo design is consistency, but that’s what makes dynamic logos so versatile. It is precisely this consistency that dynamic logos thrive on. These types of logos require a basic framework that serves as the core theme that appears in each and every version of the logo.

For example, remember when you open your Google browser and suddenly see the familiar wordmark logo denoted by historical figures, holidays or celebrations, but you always know it’s Google. Your brand has enough clout to transform its recognizable logo into various configurations that are not only relevant and timely, but further solidify its brand message.

Another great example of a dynamic brand logo is Hilary Clinton’s “H” symbol. In its original form, the logo has a patriotic red, white and blue color palette that has been diversified into many other variations, which helped convey their campaign message and core values ​​in a very effective manner.

These two examples show that a dynamic logo isn’t just a random selection of icons or images hastily thrown together, but a thoughtful and strategic approach to design that effectively communicates what a brand is about.

This is especially effective for brands that are dynamic themselves. If you work in a creative industry and want to stay fresh and innovative, this type of logo might be for you. However, try not to get too carried away with constant changes and adjustments to your logo, because when customers start making positive associations with your brand, you want them to nurture that connection. Remember, no matter what type of logo you choose, consistency is always key.

Examples: MTV, Hilary Clinton, Google, Nickelodeon and Virgin.

make your own

Whatever type of logo you choose, remember that mindful design not only enhances your brand, but also ensures that customers will remember your logo for a long time. Over time, consumers will form positive associations with your logo and brand, which ultimately creates value and trust.

Now that you know what type of logo is right for you, it’s time to create it. Our logo maker allows you to customize text, typography, colors, shapes and much more. This free tool lets you test different types of logos to create the perfect logo.

By Dana Meir

Design Expert & Author

By Kylie Goldstein

Branding expert and marketing blogger

The world of advertising is a constantly changing and expanding field. One thing that has remained constant is the need for logos. They have been around for thousands of years and even appear in the Bible in the form of signet rings. For a concept to last that long, there must be a universal need that transcends generations, cultures and technologies.

This is the first of ten logo design tutorials. Artists don’t like to follow rules, but in the world of design there are some rules that are hard to break. And since these articles are aimed at those with little to no experience, let’s start with some basics. Think about what a logo actually is. It is a specific image and/or typeface that represents a person, place, company, movement, etc. And along with representing that identity, it can convey an emotion, it can exude confidence, and it can even inspire. This is the power of design.

Logos are used for many things. They create an identity, they promote a brand, they protect a reputation. I made a few logos for people who just wanted an image to represent themselves. But for this article I am now referring to corporate logos (trademarks) and the need for them to have an immediate and distinct identity. Let’s move on to rule number one with this introduction:

Photos are not logos and should not be used in logos.

The easiest way to examine this is with an example. Let’s say you own a flower shop and you have a nice photo of a custom arrangement. You are proud of it and want it to represent your company.

Even if the photo in question is of professional quality, it is not logo material. It could be used in designing your letterhead. The photo could be integrated into your business card. But adding your company name under the photo and using it as a trademark is bad design. Why is this?

STYLE: A logo must appear individually planned and designed. A photo can only inadequately assign this uniqueness to a brand. It may be of impeccable quality, but it will lack the desired stylization. SIZE: A good logo works well at any size. Photos don’t scale well. When displayed at a small size, they become difficult to see, especially when printed in black and white. When displayed at a large size, they quickly become pixelated unless the original file is created at a very large size. More on that in a future article. COLOR: For budget reasons, your logo is often only printed in one color – and that one color is not always black. A monochrome printed photo quickly loses contrast and impact.

Finally, let’s go back to the example of the flower shop. What are the alternatives?

A flower shop logo usually features a flower. You can take a letter of the company name and replace it with a floral illustration shaped like that letter. This solution is overkill, but if done well, it’s a very workable solution. You can integrate a stylized flower above or to the left of the company name. You can even buy a font that feels organic and doesn’t use an image.

The possibilities are limitless. But if you’re looking for your solution, leave your camera behind.

You may be wondering, “If I can’t use a photo, how am I supposed to create an image?” This is where vectors come into our story. And this is where the second article comes in.

Articles in this series about logo design

Logo design apps allow you to create a logo right from your mobile device. We have tested and reviewed 8 of the best logo maker apps. Here are our logo design app recommendations.

Always remember that logos work best when they create a positive, emotional, and memorable connection with the target audience. Working with an agency or hiring a designer usually guarantees good results, but that comes with a higher price tag. If you’re just starting a new business, these top logo design apps are a great starting point for understanding and tweaking the logo aesthetic you want.

What options do you have for getting a logo?

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Let’s take a look at all your options when it comes to getting a logo, sorted from most expensive to least expensive:

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Cooperation with a design agency:

Design professionals in agencies produce a quality result, but they are very expensive and usually outside the price range for brand new startups.

Cost: $$$$

Work with a freelance designer:

You can work with a freelance designer through 99designs and browse designer portfolios to find what you’re looking for. The results depend on the aesthetics, experience and expertise of the designer. Prices generally depend on the number of edits, scope of the project, and level of experience, but are typically in the $300s range.

Cost: $$—$$$

Start a logo design contest:

When you start a logo contest on 99designs, multiple designers submit custom logo concepts and you choose your favorite design. Logo contests start at $299, making them a viable option for many entrepreneurs.

Cost: $$—$$$

Use a logo design app or logo generator:

You can generate template based logo options with online logo design generators or logo design apps. They are the easiest way to create a logo quickly, cheaply and with minimal effort. Oftentimes, logo design apps are most convenient when you need a logo for a small project: it could be a new concept or a business venture you’re trying out publicly for the first time.

Choose the best logo design app for your brand from OrangeCrush

It’s important to remember that design options and customizability come at a price; It’s rare that you’ll find this in a logo design app or generator. But what you can find is a simple, charming, and maybe temporary fix for your logo design until business picks up.

Cost: $

What is a logo design app?

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A logo design app is a program that allows you to design a logo right on your mobile or tablet device. They are similar to web logo makers, except you don’t use them on a desktop computer, you use them directly on your smartphone. While the former option offers a larger screen for users to analyze and edit their designs, logo maker apps are the most convenient solution to source a cheap logo as soon as possible.

How do logo design apps work?

You select an initial symbol or template from the options provided. You customize it with your favorite colors, fonts, backgrounds and other elements. Finally, download the result as an image to your phone or email it to yourself – different logo maker apps offer different download, file format, and resolution options.

The benefits of logo design apps

Comfort on the go

First, of course, you can use them anytime, anywhere. This may seem superfluous at first, but it makes a world of difference when you consider that the life of an entrepreneur is often on the move, running from one meeting to another. Therefore, it’s much easier to set aside 10 minutes here and there to create multiple iterations of a logo on your phone rather than having to sit in front of your desktop to get it done.

Simple, user-friendly interface

Second, logo maker apps tend to have a better user interface than most of their web counterparts. Because the mobile screen real estate is significantly smaller, the apps are usually very well organized and take you from one logo making step to the next without overwhelming you. Plus, you can use your fingers to resize, rotate, and move, which is more fun than using a mouse.

Modern designs

Finally, the style and quality of design that you get with the apps themselves varies. This varies a lot from one app to another, but in general I’ve found that mobile logo maker apps offer more modern designs than many web-based logo makers.

Well-suited for B2C brands or event-based logos

Overall, these logos seem to be a better fit for business-to-consumer brands, as the design tends to be fun, fresh, and whimsical in contrast to the more traditional options showcased in their web counterparts. Similarly, logo maker apps also offer many options for temporary, event-based logos like weddings or pop-ups.

What to Consider Before Using a Logo Design App

picture format

Be sure to check out what type of file you will receive after designing your logo with a logo design app. A JPEG file is not scalable (meaning you can see the pixels if you enlarge the image) and has a colored/white background. PNG files also have limited scalability, but they can have a transparent background, which makes it easy to place your logo on different backgrounds. Vector-based formats such as AI files are generally the preferred format when designing logos from scratch as they are fully scalable and therefore adaptable to a variety of sizes, styles and media.

Learn about the difference between vector and raster images.

Commercial vs. personal use

Check if the app or generator you are using allows you to use your finished product commercially. Some logo maker apps like VanillaPen: Design Studio have a brilliant selection of images and customizations, but users can only use their final designs for personal use unless they pay an expensive subscription.

watermark

Look for the watermark. Many apps offer free logo designs or other graphic designs decorated with the app’s own watermark; Users then pay to have the version removed with that one.

We tested the most popular logo apps

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The fictional startup

I tested a number of highly rated iPhone apps to create logos for my fictional startup: Wander.

Wander is a travel route app. When you’re planning a vacation to a new place and have a list of things to see and do, Wander helps you organize those half-baked ideas into a manageable itinerary. Drag and drop your activities and Wander puts everything into schedules so you don’t have to worry about the logistics and just focus on having fun.

I want the logo for my app to be fun, colorful and make people think of vacation.

test criteria

To help you focus on the top options, below we’re including a ranking of the logo apps we’ve tested according to these criteria:

Ease of Use: Measures how easy and quick it is to create a logo, from simple to complex (90% fall into the Simple or Intermediate categories).

: measures how easy and fast the tool is to create a logo, from simple to complex (90% fall into the Simple or Intermediate categories). Customizability: Measures how much you can customize the logo suggestions, e.g. by color, layout, size, etc., from low to high.

: measures how much you can customize the logo suggestions, e.g. by color, layout, size, etc., from low to high. Cost : Measures the cost of downloading the app itself and/or downloading the logo you create, from 0 (if it’s totally free) to three dollar signs as the most expensive option.

: measures the cost of downloading the app itself and/or downloading the logo you create, from 0 (if it’s totally free) to three dollar signs as the most expensive option. Bottom Line: Measures how much I love the logo I got – within the limitations of using a logo design app – from 1 star to 4 stars.

: measures how much I love the logo I got – within the limitations of using a logo design app – from 1 to 4 stars. Best for: Since there is no one-size-fits-all “best” app for all logo needs, this is a quick tip on what type of business and brand each app is best for.

Ease of Use Customizability Cost Bottom Line Best for Logo Maker : Design Creator by Md kamal Uddin Easy High $$ ★★★★ Contemporary Brands Logo Maker Shop Easy Low $$ ★★★½ Bold and Modern Brands Logo Maker by Bizthug Pte Easy High $★ ★★ Casual Brands Watercolor Logo Maker Easy Low $$ ★★½ Cute Brands ICONA Easy Medium $ ★★½ Minimalist Design Fans DesignMantic Difficult Medium $$$ ★★ B2B/Professional Brands LogoScopic Studio Medium Medium $ ★½ Clip art Fans Logo Maker + Logo Creator Hard Low $ ★ Not much

The best free logo design apps

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The best free logo design apps we’ve tested are:

Logo Maker Shop: Design Creator (by PIXO): Basic templates are free, pay a subscription to unlock all. Only available for iOS. Logo Maker – Logo Creator (by Bizthug Pte): Simple logos are free, pay $4 to unlock all. Watercolor Logo Maker (by Tap Flat Apps): Limited selection is free, pay $10 to unlock all. Only available for iOS. LogoScopic Studio (by RoadRocks): Limited selection is free, pay $4.99 to unlock all. Logo Maker + Logo Creator (by Jagwinder Singh): Limited selection is free, pay $4 to unlock all.

Read on for our full review of each of these logo design apps.

The best logo design apps

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How it works

There is a moment when you open this app that you don’t know where to start. Take a deep breath and work your way through each category, filtering to narrow down the look and feel you want. There are 2000+ logo templates and 5000+ fonts and graphics in this app’s library, but only a small part of them can be used and customized without starting a subscription.

Images via Logo Maker: Design Creator

quality

The variety of templates this logo maker app has to offer is really something special. There’s a flair for abstract design that pervades throughout the app, and the makers have kept the graphics available on trend, with plenty of colorful illustrations and minimal shapes on offer.

Images via Logo Maker: Design Creator

Costs

Some templates (categorized as “Basic”) are free, but most templates are marked as “Pro” and only accessible by paying a subscription service; $2.99 ​​per week, $9.99 per month with a 3-day free trial, or $99.99 for lifetime.

How it works

While starting with a blank canvas is an option, it’s always easier to look at the 1000+ logo templates that the app comes with. Once you’ve picked your favorite, you can customize the text with the 200+ fonts and add different icons and a background to really customize the template for your brand.

Image via Logo Maker Shop

quality

The logo templates are really modern and well designed, even the free ones! Most options are either wordmark style or have simple, clear icons. If your brand is bold and hip, look no further. This is almost the best logo design app I’ve tested.

A logo created with the Logo Maker Shop

Costs

Some templates (categorized as “Basic”) are free, but most templates are marked as “Pro” and only accessible by paying a subscription service; either $4.99 for a week, $12.99 for a month, or $39.99 per year.

reviews

Ease of Use: Easy Customization: Low Price: $$ Bottom Line: ★★★½ Best for: Bold and modern brands

How it works

A logo created with Logo Maker

Start by choosing a black and white logo template from the suggested options – some of them are accessible, some are locked in the free app. Next, edit your icon in an in-canvas display that lets you customize fonts, colors, and overlays, and also add stickers (like icons, ornaments, and ribbons) or even your own images.

Image via Logo Maker

quality

The free app is quite limited, but once you unlock the paid options, you can do a lot with this logo app! It comes with tons of preinstalled backgrounds, icons, and overlays to create different versions of your logo. The editor is simple and fun. However, the aesthetics of the logos definitely go more casual than professional, so this wouldn’t be the best choice if your business serves other businesses, for example.

Logos created with the free version of Logo Maker

Costs

Free three-day trial and then $5.99 per week, $7.99 per month, or $39.99 per year.

reviews

Ease of Use: Basic Customization: High Price: $$ Bottom Line: ★★★ Best For: Casual Brands

How it works

First select the watercolor style shape that will be the background for your logo. Then you will be taken to the editor where you can adjust colors, add text and make other adjustments.

Image via Watercolor Logo Maker

A logo created with the Watercolor Logo Maker

quality

As the name suggests, this app offers watercolor style logos. The question to ask yourself is: does this fit my company’s brand? If you run an art shop or ice cream shop; if your brand is cute and a little whimsical; This could be a perfect choice. When you run a B2B business, keep moving.

Costs

Free app with limited range and pay $2.99 ​​to unlock a specific element (e.g. logo style or icon) or pay $9.99 to access all options.

reviews

Ease of use: Easy to customize: Low price: $$ Bottom line: ★★½ Best for: Nice brands

How it works

Press Create to display the Icona canvas with three options in the footer: Shapes, Text, and Drawing. Click on shapes and enter a keyword (e.g. travel) to get many icon options to scroll through. You have the option to customize the icon by color, stroke, and opacity. Then click Text to add your company name and customize the font, color, or alignment. The drawing icon lets you start drawing your own shapes, which is useful when you use this app to brainstorm possible logos and then professionally design them separately.

quality

Lots of icons and great font options! In its attempt to be minimalist and forward-thinking, the user interface isn’t simple at first. A good place to start logo brainstorming.

A logo created with ICONA – Logo Designer.

Costs

Pay $1.99 to download the app, then download as many logos as you want.

reviews

Ease of use: Basic Customizability: Medium Price: $ Bottom line: ★★½ Best for: Fans of minimalist design

How it works

The app’s process is quite similar to the desktop version that we covered earlier. Basically you enter your company name and optionally a slogan. Then the app automatically generates a variety of logos for you – keep scrolling to see many different combinations. For more specific results, select your industry from the dropdown menu. Once you find a template you like, customize the logo by adjusting fonts, colors, and all that good stuff.

A logo created with Right Solution’s DesignMantic

quality

There are thousands of icons to choose from, so the industry categorization really helps. The symbols are definitely more cartoonish and less modern. However, when it comes to professional businesses on the more serious side of branding, there are more options for logos on DesignMantic than many other mobile logo apps. Unfortunately, the canvas and editing user experience isn’t as seamless as other apps.

Costs

The app itself is free to download and use, and you pay $37 to download your logo — the same price as the web app.

reviews

Ease of Use: Difficult Customization: Moderate Price: $$$ Bottom Line: ★★ Best For: B2B/Professional Brands

How it works

First, select the icon for your logo from the following categories: Iconic (abstract icons), Pro (professional/business icons), Art, Lifestyle, Fashion, and People. You can tap and hold to add favorites while browsing the logo options. After choosing an icon you can add your company name which you can further edit by font, size and alignment. You can continue editing by changing icon colors and optionally a background color. Finally, you can email it to yourself right inside the app.

quality

In general, the style of the icons is cartoonish: a step beyond clipart, but still not very modern. As nice as it is, being able to move and resize the icon and text with your fingers gives you less control: sometimes you do things you didn’t intend without the ability to undo the changes.

A logo created with LogoScopic Studio

Costs

Free logo maker app with very limited selection of logos, Iconic category only. To unlock all the features of Logoscopic Premium, the annual subscription costs $39.99 with the first year discounted to $19.99.

reviews

Ease of Use: Medium Customizability: Medium Price: $ Bottom Line: ★½ Cliparty Logos (oh-oh)

How it works

Scroll through the many categories of templates including Bags, Frames, Artwork, Masks, Signs, Vintage, etc. to get a taste of the multitude of directions you can take your logo. Then select your favorite to continue editing where you can tweak your fonts, backgrounds and colors.

quality

This logo app’s interface is quite confusing, with many categories of logos, some of which are quite random. The editor’s UX is also unnecessarily complex. Some of the templates are not fully editable and color ranges are limited. The most frustrating aspect of this experience was ads that would cover the screen every 10 seconds while editing – not necessarily the best technique for getting the user to convert to paid content.

Costs

Free three-day trial and then $34.99 per year to unlock everything. Like the $2.99 ​​weekly subscription and $9.99 monthly subscription, the trial period does not grant access to all features of the app.

reviews

Ease of Use: Difficult Customizability: Low Price: $ Bottom Line: ★ Not much.

Are logo design apps for you?

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In summary, a logo design app can be a good resource for entrepreneurs, especially when you’re just starting out or when you need a disposable logo for an event quickly. While apps like all online logo makers have their limitations in style and differentiation, they’re a convenient, quick, and affordable way to create a first logo for your business. Especially if you run a consumer business and your brand is young and modern, mobile apps can provide a solid logo solution.

Our advice: just play around with the apps and when you’re ready for a polished look, start a 99designs contest for a truly unique, professional logo.

Ready for a logo designed by a pro? A logo design contest can provide you with dozens of ideas from professional designers from around the world. Learn more

This article was originally published in 2017. It has been updated with new research and information from Annabelle Peacock.

When you start a branding or logo design project, one of the first questions your designer might ask you is “What kind of logo are you looking for?”

You probably have no idea. You just know you want it to look good and represent your business well, right? But there’s a lot more that goes into a logo design, and each type of logo brings a different feel to your brand and works well for different purposes. Let’s break down each type of logo and find out which one works best for your business.

If you had a thousand words to describe how great your company is, what would you say? Luckily, that’s exactly what your logo properties do every day. So the big question is: what do you want your logo to say?

Logos explain who you are, what you do, and how your brand feels—all in an instant. Colors, shapes, typography, and other design elements all affect how your audience experiences your brand. If you get it right, customers will fall in love with you at first sight.

So how do you do it right? We’re here to explore the 7 logo traits that all great logos have in common.

A great logo has the following characteristics…

1. The right form

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Graphic design is all about visual communication. The art of creating a logo is knowing both what you want to say and what visual elements can express it. Certain emotions and feelings are evoked by certain images and even the shape of the logo itself.

To gloss over the scientific background of graphic design, all you need to know is that each shape represents a different property. Adjust the shape of your logo to match the characteristics you want your brand to show.

Circles and ovals: friendly, casual, inviting

: Friendly, casual, inviting Curvaceous lines: Playful, relaxing, mesmerizing

Logo design by Radovan Ciobanenco

Triangles: leadership, authority, dominance

: leadership, authority, dominance Squares and rectangles : efficiency, security, trustworthiness

: Efficiency, Safety, Trustworthiness Sharp angles and points: Aggressive, angular, gritty, unconventional

Logo design by allyna

Horizontal lines: stability, calm, reliability

: Stability, Calm, Reliability Vertical Lines: Prosperity, Success, Command

Logo design by onripus

Of course, you are free to create your own original abstract shapes to convey something more unique. You can even mix and match parts of a shape to customize it.

For example, a square with rounded corners still conveys security but is a little friendlier than a square with sharp corners. Or think of the Apple logo; It’s technically an abstract shape, but its rounded edges and curves give it many of the “circle” attributes of warmth and nonchalance.

2. The right business leads

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Logos convey important information about your brand. You can do in seconds what press releases, product descriptions, and about pages can do paragraph by paragraph.

Design cues related to your business can help get information across quickly, and they can range from easily overlooked subtlety to outright bluntness.

On the more nuanced side, you can add “dog whistle” cues that only your target customers will understand. For example, the RhythmVille logo uses a familiar font that most musicians will recognize, even if they’re too far away to read the “Music Company” part.

Logo design by rugby jerseys

Likewise, you can see that Dr. Trusty is a dentist, although this is not specifically mentioned in the logo. The tooth pictures make it clear what kind of doctor it is.

Logo design by Pau Pixzel

If you prefer to go a bit more abstract with your type of logo, you can always add a clear tagline to signal what you do. In logo design, it’s a perfectly acceptable way of eating your cake and eating it too.

Logo design by ON & ON

3. The right colors

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Just like shapes, each color has its own emotional connotations. Often these meanings are pretty universal because they are based on things we see in the real world. Red, the color of blood, evokes feelings of urgency and alertness. Brown, the color of trees and wood, evokes nature and the land. And it’s pretty certain that people all over the world associate yellow with the warmth of sunshine.

Colors also have certain cultural associations. For example, in the US, green is the color of money, and in Japan, purple often represents evil.

Logo design by Terry Bogard

Logo design by Fulcro Logo design by orangejuice

Because of these primal reactions, color is one of the most important logo attributes. Color alone can determine how your brand comes across, even in direct contrast to other characteristics such as shape or typography.

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Great branding requires a consistent color scheme, so your logo’s colors should match those of your website, in-store decor, employee uniforms, and more.

For more information on color theory, see our logo color guide. Or skip the research and discover the colors that best suit your brand with our interactive logo color generator. We will suggest the most suitable color for you in no time at all.

4. The right tone

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There’s a reason cereal uses mascots for their logos and law firms don’t. Confirmation by a cartoon tiger doesn’t get you very far with suspected felons.

To effectively optimize your logo, outline a solid branding strategy and identify your target audience. Who are you trying to reach out to? What brands do you identify with? The answers to these questions will help you choose the perfect logo characteristics.

Logo design by fight4ward

Check out the logo of Flying Colors, a paragliding company. Due to the nature of their industry, Flying Colors is mainly aimed at adventurers and extreme sports enthusiasts, groups that appreciate landscapes like the background of the logo.

Logo design by mnuh

Or if you take a humorous approach to branding, use your logo to double down on a joke. The Lawncierge company, whose company name is a pun, matches their sense of humor with a creative and funny butler mascot.

5. The right typography

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All visual elements can influence the mood and vibe of your logo. While that’s obvious for the images in a logo, it’s also true for the typography. How your text looks can affect how your brand is perceived as much as what it says.

Logo design by ❀ᴀʟɪᴄɪᴀ❀

Typography encompasses all of the visual choices in text: naming your font and text size, but also details like serifs, boldness, weight, format, texture, and how to lengthen the bottom of an L to underline the rest of a word.

Logo design by Cross the Lime Logo design by maneka

Fonts aren’t as unique as colors or shapes, although they follow many of the same guidelines. For example, sharp angles (like the M in the Metallica logo) still suggest nervousness and aggression. It’s best to trust your own gut reaction when choosing fonts, but here are some general basics to get you started:

Serifs work best for more formal or professional marks, while sans serifs are more casual and carefree.

With all their curves, script fonts are the style of choice for quirky and imaginative brands alike.

Add more meaning to a word by making it bigger than the others. Use this to highlight specific aspects of your business or even highlight puns.

Use different fonts to separate text types: a prominent, decorative one for your name and a clear, readable one for secondary text like slogans.

Handwritten fonts make you look friendlier, but not as professional.

When choosing typography, remember not to put the cart before the horse. First and foremost, typography is about legibility and legibility. No matter how cool your font is, if people can’t read it, it’s not worth it.

6. The right trends

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You can also incorporate the latest logo trends into your design to communicate that your brand is contemporary and relevant. Trends rely on repeat use and popularity to be effective, and they change every year, so savvy designers can stay on top of what’s hot and what’s not.

For example, these geometric logos follow a trend that combines warm colors and friendlier, shape-based compositions to create a design that is both contemporary and personal.

Logo design by trinitiff Logo design by E the re al”

This logo for House of Gumdrops, a greeting card company, uses a trend of intentional, literal colors to bring to life a rainbow palette of gummy candies and appeal to a predominantly female audience.

Logo design by Bruno Vasconcelos

Logo design by Iva Ron Logo design by Ian Douglas

These logos highlight the prevailing trend of minimalism by reducing it even further with abstract shapes. This move towards abstract concepts amplifies the impact of minimalist logo designs and makes them more impactful.

7. The right sizes

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Not size, but sizes – plural. In recent years, advertisers and marketers have come up with the idea that multiple versions of your logo is the best way, known as a responsive logo. This allows you to optimize the size of your logo wherever it appears, whether it’s a tiny in-app ad or a giant highway billboard.

Design by EWMDesigns

That’s not to say you should have different logos, just different sized versions of the same logo. Start with a small logo that is recognizable with its minimal elements. Then scale with each subsequent iteration. Make things bigger, add more elements or words, and use more intricate details.

We recommend creating four different sizes, but make sure their style is consistent. We cannot stress this enough. All versions of your logo should be recognizable as the same logo, otherwise you’re undermining one of the greatest benefits a logo brings to your business.

What sizes should you use? Our guide to logo sizes and dimensions describes the exact pixel count for logos on social media, website, and print.

Make it unforgettable

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You know what? We really could have made this a list of the most important of all logo attributes: memorability. Most notably, the seven elements add up to more memorable logos, which in turn makes more memorable brands. And when a person decides what to buy or who to do business with, you’ll be glad when they think of you.

If all of this seems too technical and overwhelming for you, don’t worry. Rather than delving into the complicated world of graphic design yourself, you can always hire a freelance designer to create your logo for you. Pros already know how logo attributes can reinforce your brand’s story. So all you have to do is explain what kind of brand you want to be and your designer will take care of the rest.

Already in school you like to play with colors and like the drawing time. As you got older, your passion for design grew so much that you decided to make it your career. With attention to detail, creativity, and the ability to play around with colors, you’re primed to become a great logo designer.

To make your dream come true, join a logo design company. Unfortunately, you start to move away from the basic principles of logo design and start to follow the latest logo design trends. While this approach might work, it can also backfire, so it’s important to stick to the basics when creating brand logos.

If you’re looking to brush up on some of the golden rules of logo design that you may have learned over time, then you’ve come to the right place. Here are seven golden rules of logo design from logo design specialist David Airey that will make you a better logo designer.

1. Lay a solid foundation

Ask any logo designer and they will tell you that they learn new things with every project. Every client is different and every designer has their own style of creating logos. To ensure that everyone involved stays on the same page, it is important to develop a consensus. That would happen if you ask customers the right questions.

This will help you lay a solid foundation for your logo design project and understand what exactly the client expects from you. Do thorough research and lay the groundwork for your logo design projects to build on and create exceptional logo designs that both your clients and their audience will love.

2. Sketch, sketch, sketch

With so much emphasis on digital tools, logo designers have almost forgotten how to use their sketchpad. Sometimes it’s better for logo designers to leave the screens and mouse behind, grab pen and paper, and start sketching. Technically, sketching makes it easier to play around with shapes and place them exactly where you want them. In addition, you can use your sketches as a prototype and show your customers what your logo will look like later.

This also helps customers visualize the final version and request changes on site if necessary, saving you time and resources for rework. Paula Scher, a designer who created the CitiBank logo, drew the first sketch of the CitiBank logo on a napkin during one of her first meetings with CitiBank executives. The sketch had the iconic umbrella above the evergreen wordmark. This sketch was later refined into what we know today as the CitiBank logo. The sketch looks something like this.

3. Keep it relevant

A logo can say a lot about your brand. From its shape to its color to its font, it can create a perception of your brand in the viewer’s mind. It is therefore important that you pay attention to small details. Choose logo elements that match your brand personality. For example, an elegant font suits a high-street brand than a low-end brand. Make sure your logo’s rationale aligns with the brand personality of the client’s brand.

The best example is the Amazon logo. The arrow pointing from “a” to “z” shows that Amazon offers a complete range of products in its online shop. The McDonald’s logo is another great example of what a relevant logo looks like. The famous golden arches are a symbol representing the mammary glands, which is a sign of nourishment. This reflects that McDonald’s food is nutritious and tasty.

4. Make brand recall your priority

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” – Leonardo Da Vinci

When it comes to logo design, simple is always better. The more complex your brand logo is, the harder it is for your customers to remember. From a marketing perspective, you want your customers to recognize your brand by its logo. This would only happen if you have a simple and clean logo design.

Just look at the Nike logo and you’ll understand what I’m talking about. This black swoosh is very popular worldwide and everyone can recognize Nike products by seeing the black swoosh symbol on their products. Unlike other logos that have undergone an evolution, the Nike logo has retained its original look.

5. Make yourself stand out from others

There are millions of brands in the world and every brand wants to stand out from the crowd. That is why each brand has its own unique logo. As a logo designer, you are expected to think outside the box, come up with unique logo ideas and also convert them into a physical equivalent. Instead of copying other brand logos, make an effort to make your logos stand out.

There is a common misconception among logo designers that in order for your brand logo to be in a different league, you have to create something extraordinary. With little tweaks and touches here and there, you can give a logo a truly unique look. Apple Inc.’s iconic apple bite logo is a great example of how logo designers can create novel logos with minimal effort.

6. Let your logo speak for itself

Don’t try to show too much what a brand is doing with their logo as that would ruin it in most cases. It would be much better if you gave your logo a voice and let it speak for itself. You don’t have to use your brand name in your logos. The Shell logo is the perfect example of how your brand logo can say anything without saying a single word.

7. Fill colors at the end

When creating a logo, always create a black and white version of the logo first. This will help you focus on the logo idea and pay attention to logo elements instead of worrying about colors. Once the monochrome version of your logo is ready, breathe new life into your logo by adding colors to it.

The UPS logo illustrates this point perfectly. The black and white version was originally created with great attention to detail. Colors were added soon after the black and white logos were completed. It gives a much more sophisticated look to the UPS logo. You can achieve the same sophisticated look for your logo by following the same process.

What golden rules of logo design do you follow when designing your logo? Feel free to share it with us in the comments section below.

Create a Successful Logo With These 10 Essential Elements – crowdspring blog

A good logo design goes a long way in making that crucial first impression on a customer.

A logo conveys your company’s values, tells a story, and even helps people trust your brand.

If your logo doesn’t convey the right message to a potential customer, your business is at an immediate disadvantage. It could even mean the difference between choosing the competition over you.

Make sure your logo includes these 10 elements:

1. Your company logo is strong and balanced

A logotype is an icon, regardless of whether it consists of only text or only a graphic symbol or both. It should reflect your company – its heart and soul – its personality.

Keep your audience and your products/services in mind because you want your logo to reflect your business. Favor logos that have a strong, balanced look.

2. Your logo is simple

Simplicity is key.

A complex logo is difficult to print and reproduce and may not fully engage your audience.

Take a moment and think about brands that are successful and/or famous. Most likely, you thought of companies like Apple, Volkswagen, Target, McDonald’s, etc.

What do they all have in common? They all have simple and easily recognizable logos when printed individually and when printed in black and white.

Would you like a free brand evaluation? Answer 5 quick questions and we’ll send you a custom report with actionable insights and concrete actions you can take to build a stronger brand.

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3. Your logo is memorable

Your logo doesn’t always need to describe what your business does. Have you ever seen a car manufacturer with an image of a car as their logo?

How about a shoe manufacturer? It would look silly to have a picture of a shoe…on a shoe.

When using symbols in your logo design, consider symbols that could communicate your brand without the company name. (Examples: Swoosh for Nike). This allows you to use the icon as a standalone image (e.g. on product packaging).

In order for a person to retain a sign (your symbol) and identify with it, a little mental tennis match has to be played with it. When a symbol is too obvious or easy to “read,” the viewer often doesn’t feel a sense of discovery or personal appreciation. However, remember that too much abstraction can be dangerous as your message may get lost.

4. Your logo is flexible

A logo should be visible and distinguishable on a large billboard from 100 meters away or on a small business card from 20 millimeters away.

It should also work well in various size formats like business card, brochure, t-shirt design and other marketing materials like embroidery, stamping, embossing, etc.

A good logo works well in many colors and just one or two colors (yes, black is a color).

A good logo works well on both light and dark backgrounds, even multicolored backgrounds.

Many startups and smaller businesses use their logo on a few marketing materials but use other materials.

Make sure you use your logo consistently, and make sure your logo gives you the flexibility to do it in multiple formats. You can learn more about flexible logos in our guide on the subject.

5. Your logo uses appropriate colors

Image courtesy of Pourya Pouzesh

When looking for a color logo, think about the message color sends to your customers.

Do the colors reinforce and reinforce, or distract or neutralize, the intended core message/personality/mood you are trying to communicate through the logo?

For example, blue often conveys trust, loyalty and freshness. The color blue is common in banking or finance.

Green stands for life, nature and cleanliness.

Also consider colors that go well with dark and white backgrounds. Since logos are often printed in black and white, choose a logo design that is just as strong or stronger in black and white.

Although gradients provide an aesthetically pleasing effect on computers, you should consider possible future uses of the logo, such as letterhead, business cards, and merchandise. Can the logo be easily printed and reproduced in and on all types of media?

A logo for a website, band, or one-off project can be more gridded and colorful than something that’s going to be printed in many different ways.

Think twice about including more than 3 colors in a logo – too many colors increase production costs when printing and can make the logo difficult to reproduce.

Although these costs have decreased significantly, this remains good advice.

6. Your logo is timeless

Image courtesy of Consumerist

Trends are good, innovation is better. (And fads are often deadly).

A logo should have a long life expectancy. It will evolve and change over time, but the longer it stays the same at its core, the better your brand will be recognized over time. Examples: Coca Cola, Dior, Rolex.

A good logo will have a sense of timelessness. A logo that feels anchored to a specific time period is more likely to feel dated or need a rebrand fairly quickly.

The best logos rarely change and still feel fresh and vibrant every time.

7. Your company logo is unique

Will it stand out from the clutter and crowd? Is the brand different from the competition in any other way, or is it predictable/standard/boring – and thus unmemorable and ultimately invisible to the target audience?

Choose from thousands upon thousands of fonts, billions of color combinations, and an endless flow of design ideas to create a unique logo.

Try to avoid common logo clichés like “drops,” “wooshes,” and “pinwheels”; These techniques are perhaps the most common practices in the logo industry (look around your house and you’ll see). Avoid clipart like the plague unless the artist changes it significantly.

It’s not reassuring when you start noticing your logo and things that look like it on a lot of other people’s brands. It’s the quickest way to look cheap and second-rate.

8. Your logo uses high quality typography

Ask yourself what you are trying to communicate.

Depending on the application, fonts with serifs convey dignity and power. Sans serifs often look cleaner, conveying either a sense of stability or whimsy (depending on the character of the face).

Will the face work with what you currently have? Can it be read in small sizes? Is the letter/word spacing well adjusted? (The larger the wording gets, the more obvious the errors will be).

Typography is a craft in itself – it’s the first voice you use to express who you are.

Note that there are some really terrible fonts out there. Make sure you get your money’s worth.

9. Your logo derives meaning from your brand

“Design is the silent ambassador of your brand.” – Paul Rand

Your logo needs to derive meaning from your brand, not the other way around.

The best brands in the world are not known for their logo. They are known for the people and the vision the logo represents.

When deciding on where to target your logo, make sure you’ve already thought about your brand, brand identity, and direction for your business. This guide to building your brand identity from the ground up is a great place to start.

10. Your logo will be vectorized

Image courtesy of MJ Claybone

Always request vector-based graphics.

It’s often tempting to ask for complex illustrations in a logo. However, unless you intend never to use your logo outside of a screen/online application, a JPG or PSD will not suffice.

A properly drawn vector design gives you the ultimate flexibility.

Good branding offers small businesses a unique opportunity to differentiate themselves from the competition. With the right logo, you communicate your brand values ​​from the first moment a customer sees it. You only get one chance to make a first impression, so make a good one.

What points should be considered when creating a quality logo?

What are the best AI logo makers?

Your brand’s logo is more than just a name.

It delivers a seal of trust, advances your mission and vision, and connects with your audience. The more memorable your logo is, the better it will resonate with your customers and make your brand memorable.

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But designing a logo, or having it designed by a professional artist, can be expensive (see our logo design cost guide here). Maybe that’s why you’re looking for the best free logo makers online.

If you are on a tight budget or run a small website/business, investing in your branding logo may not fit into your initial plans. But don’t forget that your brand’s visual identity is also important.

So what to do?

Well, the internet is full of surprises. You can do a search and find the right links, just like this one. There are tons of online logo design software for creating logos with no design/coding knowledge.

To help you, we’ve personally reviewed the best free logo makers and generators that will help you design an eye-catching logo that sends the right message about your brand.

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Without downloading/installing or learning graphic design, let’s jump right into the best online logo making tools.

But before you commit to a free logo designer tool, be sure to read our warnings below if you’re serious about your brand and its impact.

Being designers ourselves, we don’t recommend logo makers, instead recommending hiring a professional as a well-designed brand will yield far better results than stock ever could.

What is the best free logo maker?

As it is the easiest to use, we consider Adobe Creative Cloud Express (formerly Adobe Spark) to be the best free logo maker. Check out our consolidated list of other great free logo makers.

If you know the basics of graphic design and want to create the logo yourself from scratch, you can check out the list of graphic design software that you can use.

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As professional logo designers, we use the industry standard Adobe Illustrator to design our logos. Contact us for a custom logo design.

*Warning* Paid or free logo makers can ruin your brand

Logo makers are very tempting. Designing a beautiful, inexpensive logo (though not for free) seems like a business you can’t pass up. But should you really use an online logo maker? After all, your logo represents your brand and you want it to be memorable for your customers.

So, let’s see what you should consider before choosing an online logo maker.

#1 – Lack of uniqueness

You are not the only one visiting online logo design tools. The tool is available to everyone around the world and there are hundreds or thousands of people accessing the same logo templates. Surely other companies could create the same or a similar logo as yours. This makes the visual expression of your brand vulnerable to a loss of originality and impact.

#2 – Less creative expression

The online templates might get the job done for you quickly, but leave little room for creativity. You don’t have much control over the fonts, shapes, color combinations, and other design elements. When using free logo design software, your logo may lack creative touch and flair.

#3 – No access to copyright

Most free logo making sites do not give you a proper trademark or copyright license for your logo. Without information about the legal use of your logo, you could run into copyright issues in the future.

#4 – Hidden Fees

Many of the so-called “free logo maker” websites invest your time in designing an attractive logo for your brand. When you download your logo, there may be a fee to download your high-resolution logo file at the end. So take into account that you may still be paying for a more generic logo.

#5 – Limited customization and resources

You don’t have total freedom to customize your graphics and logo. Customizing and using your own images or designs on the logo is important for business identity. By using these limited customizations, other companies can duplicate your logo without you even being able to claim infringement.

All in all, what will be your best option? You can hire a professional logo designer to create a unique logo for a reasonable price. There will be no copyright issues and you have full entitlement. Here is our guide to choosing a logo designer.

In addition, you can explain your requirements, your desired color combinations, to a real professional human designer with a logo design process. This opens more doors for creativity to create that awesome, one-of-a-kind logo that speaks volumes about your brand.

11 Best Free Logo Makers Online in 2022

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Adobe Creative Cloud Express logo maker is a great free tool for creating unique logos for your brand and business. It has a variety of customization options like fonts, colors, and texts to change designs creatively.

You can find over 100 icons and four styles to start with. There’s also a spinning wheel that makes it easy to choose style and placement. The great thing about the logo maker is that you don’t have to start from scratch.

You can set your preferences like colors, aesthetics, or industry to get a handful of pre-made templates. Just like other Adobe products, you will love the simplicity of this adorable free logo maker.

You can even create other branding elements like social graphics, website graphics, and more right in Adobe Spark.

The best part is that you get Adobe CC Express free for 7 days with Adobe’s free trial offer.

If you decide to purchase an Adobe subscription, be sure to check out our Adobe discount guide to save up to 65% and our Adobe Express download guide.

Canva is a versatile online logo design tool and one you’re probably familiar with. Aside from creating your social media posts and landing page images, you can use Canva to create super awesome logos.

With a drag-and-drop interface, users without any design experience can create beautiful logos in no time. Equipped with 100+ templates, this online logo maker will get you started by answering a few questions about your brand.

Based on your company’s name and answers, you’ll see a variety of logos to choose from. Just a few tweaks and you can change the feel, color, and font. The best part? You can download the high-resolution logo at no extra charge.

The best thing about this tool is that you can try Canva Pro for free for 30 days.

3. Looka – A highly rated choice, great for the beginner/non-designer

Looka is a solid choice for a free logo maker with a fun and user-friendly design. This logo design program saves your logo designs as JPEG and PNG files, along with vector file options like SVG and EPS, making it convenient for scalability.

Looka guides you through the logo design process. You can add specific elements that you want to associate with your brand and incorporate them through icons and symbols. Apart from that, you can choose the overall feel that you are going for and also the color scheme that you prefer.

After designing your logo, you can use it for social media templates, color variations, and even make updates to the overall look after purchase.

Wix is ​​a dedicated logo creation tool that allows you to create stunning logo designs for your brand. Answer a few simple questions about your industry, work, etc., then choose from relevant colors, icons, and fonts. Next, you’ll see some amazing customizable logo templates with your brand’s name.

Once you’re done, you can easily download the logo image and most importantly, you’ll get full commercial rights to the image.

Shopify’s Hatchful is an easy-to-use free logo maker and the perfect choice for ecommerce businesses to create an intuitive logo for their online store. By simply typing in your brand name and choosing the icons, colors, and fonts you like, you can find a wide range of unique logo combinations.

Since it’s a DIY logo maker, you can easily customize the logo’s theme, feel, and color to complement your branding message. The best thing about this tool is that after exporting, you can get the logo in different aspect ratios and sizes in your email inbox. It can be used on your website, social media, business cards, etc.

Tailor Brands is an AI-powered all-in-one best free logo design software that helps you customize beautiful and unique logos for your business in minutes. It’s the right tool for users who don’t have time to go through a long list of templates to find the perfect one.

Here, the tool will ask for your brand’s name and a brief description, then let you select icons, text, etc. to create a bespoke, unique logo for your specific brand. You can customize it and then download a decent resolution file or pay a reasonable price for high resolution logo images.

Squarespace Logo Generator is a unique tool that lets you visualize your new logo on your website, business card, t-shirt, and more. It’s not as robust as other tools on the list, but it gets the job done.

By choosing the type of icons, icons, and colors you want, Squarespace generates beautiful results in seconds. Once you’ve decided on your logo, you can see it live and in action. And if you like it, you can download and use it.

Focused on entrepreneurs, the NameCheap Logo Design Tool has amazing features when it comes to designing super awesome logos. You can easily find the right colors, fonts and icons for your logo by seeing them live in real applications.

By literally narrowing your choices from hundreds to tens, you can see adorable mockups to visualize the logo in real life. Once you’ve completed your logo design, you can download the vector file to use as you see fit.

Bored with all the above tools? Nothing appealing about the logo templates and AI-powered designs you’ve seen? Ucraft will help you create your unique logo from scratch. It’s an easy-to-use vector editor that gives you lots of options and flexibility with icons, text, color, and shapes to design your perfect logo.

Best of all, Ucraft comes with over 220,000 icons, so there’s bound to be a perfect choice for you. Once you’ve completed your design, you can export the high-resolution PNG image file for free.

Zyro is the definition of simplicity and one of the easiest to use tools on the list. This smart logo maker will help you turn your creative ideas into a logo design. All you have to do is pick a starter logo, decide on the color and a shape.

You’ll get a variety of logo ideas that you can easily tweak and customize to create your dream logo. And it’s free! Within minutes you can create and download your logo without the help of a professional graphic designer.

Fiverr’s logo maker gives your brand’s logo a professional touch. Designing an alluring logo for your business is super easy with Fiverr. Just enter your brand name and select your preferred style. By customizing the colors, icon, theme, and font, you’ll get some great ideas and awesome options for designing a logo that will increase brand awareness.

You can choose the paid option to have your logo reviewed and polished by one of their designers to enhance your creative product.

DesignEvo is one of the most popular logo maker that offers 10,000+ templates to create a stunning logo for your brand. By simply hovering over any template, you can seamlessly customize the background, text, color, icon, shape, etc. to make the logo match your brand’s theme.

The best part is that you can preview the logo on your website and in marketing materials like business cards, t-shirts, etc. With anytime, anywhere cloud access, you can tweak and change the logo on the go from any device.

Conclusion of the best free logo makers

So before you use a free logo maker online, I’m thinking about hiring a professional.

Although an online logo maker can mess up your logo, it can be a useful tool if you’re on a budget. Just make sure you’re clear on what makes a successful logo.

For best results, keep five things in mind: Simple, Memorable, Timeless, Versatile, and Appropriate.

If you are looking for a custom logo design, contact us or view our logo portfolio.

frequently asked Questions

Overall, what is the best free logo maker? Adobe Creative Cloud Express Logo Maker is the best logo maker overall because of its intuitive branding elements. What are the best AI logo makers? When it comes to logo makers, Tailor Brands Logo Maker and Shopify Free Logo Maker (Hatchful) are good easy-to-use logo makers that come with AI elements. What points should be considered when creating a quality logo? When it comes to creating a quality logo, it’s important that you remember to keep it simple, memorable, timeless, versatile, and appropriate.

More logo resources

step 3

Save the logo in JPEG format. If your logo doesn’t require any changes, go to the “File” menu and choose “Save As” from the drop-down menu if using Photoshop. In the “Save as” field, you need to go to the “Format” drop-down menu and select “jpeg”. If you wish, you can also rename your logo file at this point. After selecting “jpeg” as the file type and choosing a file name, click “Save”.

How to create a logo in Photoshop

How to create a logo in Photoshop

One of the most important aspects of your business is your branding and how you present yourself to potential customers.

Cohesive branding will go a long way in getting your name out there, but doing it yourself can be daunting for most people. However, as a photographer, you are already creative. So why not use your creativity to create your own branding that perfectly represents you and your business?

There are many different design elements that go into a photography store – website design, blog layout, business cards, pricing and packaging, watermarks, the list goes on and on!

One of the best places to start is your LOGO, which will most likely appear on EVERYTHING you put out for marketing and advertising in any form or manner.

Your logo is your business card and is extremely important, so it should represent you and your company visually.

For example, I like to shoot with real vintage film cameras in my photo shop, so I also want to give them a retro vibe when editing digital files. Therefore, in order to BEST REPRESENT MY OWN COMPANY, my branding includes lots of vintage textures with retro fonts and clip art.

Once you’ve figured out what makes you different, think about how you can incorporate those elements into a visual representation of YOUR BUSINESS!

There are endless ways to put it all together and various software programs that can help you, but since many of us already use Adobe Photoshop, let’s look at how to create and design a logo in Photoshop. We will do this in 4 easy steps. Note: This is also possible in Photoshop Elements.

Let’s start:

Step 1. Create a new Photoshop document

First, create a new Photoshop document. To do this, select File > New. Make sure the background color is set to transparent and the document width and height are similar to a business card.

Step 2. Add a background

Next, I want to use a texture as the background for my image. To do this, drag and drop a texture onto the first layer of the Photoshop document you just created.

Step 3. Add elements to your logo with Photoshop brushes

Next, you’ll want to add some flourishes to your logo using the Photoshop brush tool.

Brushes for Photoshop are an easy (and really fun!) way to customize your branding and make it unique. Many brushes can be found online for free, and HERE is a great place to look for them.

Installing Photoshop brushes is also easy. Once your brushes are downloaded, unzip the file and double-click the brush files to automatically install them into your Photoshop brush library.

Before choosing a brush, change the foreground color to a shade that matches the texture. If you click on the Foreground/Background color icon (on your left toolbar) this panel will open:

If you hover over the texture while this panel is open, you’ll see what looks like an eyedropper tool. Use this eyedropper to click on different sections of the texture to select a color that is already in your logo’s color palette. Here I used the eyedropper to pick a color and then darkened it a bit for extra contrast.

Next, select the Brush Tool (circled below).

Then right-click on your image to bring up your brush library.

Create a new Photoshop layer. There should now be three separate layers.

When I placed my ornament, it didn’t quite blend into the texture, so I changed Layer 3’s Blending Mode to Fix Light. When working on this type of project with different brushes, textures, and fonts, experiment with all the different blend modes and opacity until you feel like everything blends well.

Step 4. Add text to your logo

Now it’s time to add text by clicking the “T” icon (circled below) on your Photoshop toolbar. This will automatically create a new layer for you. You can change the color of your text the same way we changed the color of the brush tool. To increase the contrast, I made the text color a little darker than the embellishment.

Just like Photoshop brushes, there are a number of free downloads for unique fonts, and they’re installed the same way too. I download most of my fonts HERE.

At this point I’ve cropped my image so that the text doesn’t appear too small compared to the rest of the image and set the blending mode to Pin Light again on this layer.

I wanted the word “photography” to be a little different (but a similar style to my other text) so I chose a different font that works well in combination and I turned the blending mode back on (you guessed it! ) pin set light.

I gave my logo design a finishing touch using a faux foil brush (which unfortunately is no longer available).

Step 5. Save your logo as a layered PSD file

Once you’re happy with your finished logo, you may want to do some final cropping, like I did here.

It’s always good to save a copy of your logo design as a PSD file. This way, if you want to go back and make changes later, you can easily tweak each layer without having to start over.

Conclusion

As I mentioned earlier, this is just one of many ways to create a logo in Photoshop. So have fun, experiment, and always strive to keep your brand in mind as you tie all of your design elements together!

Do you have questions or comments about creating a logo in Photoshop? Leave us a comment below – we’d love to hear from you! And PLEASE SHARE our tutorial on the social sharing buttons (we really appreciate it)!