Logos are an essential part of a company’s branding and the first point of brand recognition. Some of the world’s most recognizable logos are also the simplest.
If you’re trying to create a logo for your business, finding inspiration and brainstorming ideas are the two most important first steps.
Keep reading to learn all about the different types of logo design out there and how to discover the right one for you.
How Many Types of Logo Designs Are There?
There are a total of 7 types of logo designs, which we’ll talk about below. Which type you choose for your brand or company depends on your industry, niche, and the message you’re trying to convey.
Your final logo should be easy to remember, unique, and brandable. Below are the 7 most essential logo variation design types.
Lettermark (Monogram) Logo
The letter mark or monogram logo is the simplest of all types of logo design. It’s made of one or more letters or abbreviations of the brand name. Examples of this type of logo include HP, NASA, CNN, HBO, and ESPN.
Wordmark (Logotype) Logo
The wordmark logo is a logo made of words that represent the company. Some of the most popular logotype logos include Coca Cola, VISA, Google, FedEx, and Disney.
Pictorial (Symbol) Logo
A pictorial logo is one of the most basic types of logo design. It’s simply a picture, image, or symbol that relates to the brand. The best examples for a pictorial logo include Pepsi, Target, Twitter, Apple, and Starbucks.
Combination Mark Logo
A combination mark logo combines two different types of logo design: a symbol and a wordmark. Some of the most popular such logos include MasterCard, Adidas, Chanel, and Burger King.
Abstract Logo
An abstract logo doesn’t have a specific meaning, i.e. it’s not a picture or an image of something. Instead, it’s an abstract form or shape that the brand has created from scratch.
For example, the Slack logo is a combination of geometric shapes; the same goes for the Google Drive logo.
Mascot Logo
Mascot logos include the brand mascot and that’s what makes them recognizable. Take for example KFC’s logo with their Colonel Sanders mascot, Tony the Tiger mascot representing Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes, or the green and red chicken representing their cornflakes.
Emblem Logo
An emblem logo includes the brand name or symbol inside a box or frame. A great example of an emblem logo is the Starbucks mermaid placed in a circle. Emblem logos are mainly used by sports teams, schools, public agencies, but also by companies for labels and other print materials.
Study These Types of Logo Design To Find the Right Logo for Your Brand
Whether you’re just starting a new business or want to rebrand your existing one, these different types of logo design will help you get inspired to find your new logo.
Discover more creative small business ideas over on our blog where we post the latest trends and developments in the world of marketing and branding.
What Makes a Good Logo?
A good logo follows a few simple rules. It should be simple, so people can remember it after one look. It should be memorable, so it stands out from other logos. It should scale well, which means it looks clear on a business card and on a billboard. It should work in one colour, so it still reads well in black and white. It should fit your brand. A playful logo suits a children’s brand, while a clean logo suits a law firm. Test your logo small and large, in colour and in black and white, before you approve it. If it works in every size and colour, it is a strong logo.
Logo Variations Every Brand Needs
One logo is not enough. A brand needs several versions for different spaces. The primary logo is the main version, used on your website header and business cards. The secondary logo is a simpler version, used where the primary logo does not fit. A submark or icon is a small symbol, used for social media profile pictures and app icons. A favicon is the tiny icon that appears in the browser tab next to your website name. Each version should look like part of the same family. Ask your designer for all four versions, so you are ready for every space your brand appears in.
Vector vs Raster: Which File Format Do You Need?
Logo files come in two kinds: vector and raster. A vector file, such as SVG or AI, is made of maths, not pixels. You can make it any size without losing quality. A raster file, such as PNG or JPG, is made of pixels. It loses quality when you make it bigger. Always ask your designer for the vector source file, so you can resize your logo for any use. Also ask for a PNG with a transparent background, so you can place your logo on any colour. A JPG has a white background and cannot be transparent, so it is less useful for logos.
How to Brief a Logo Designer
A clear brief helps your designer make a logo you will like. Start by describing your brand in one or two sentences. Say who your customers are and what makes your business different. List your competitors and their logos, so the designer can make yours stand out. Say where the logo will be used, such as on a website, on packaging, or on a shop sign. Share examples of logos you like and say why you like them. Ask for two or three concepts and a round of revisions. A good brief saves time and money for both sides.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many types of logo designs are there?
There are seven main types: lettermark, wordmark, pictorial, combination mark, abstract, mascot, and emblem. Which type you choose depends on your industry, your niche, and the message you want to convey.
What makes a good logo?
A good logo is simple, memorable, and scalable. It looks clear on a business card and on a billboard, and it works in one colour as well as in full colour.
What is the difference between a vector and a raster logo?
A vector file, such as SVG, can be resized to any size without losing quality. A raster file, such as PNG or JPG, is made of pixels and loses quality when you make it bigger. Always ask for the vector source file.
How many logo variations do I need?
You need at least four: a primary logo, a secondary logo, a submark or icon for social media, and a favicon for the browser tab. Each version fits a different space.
Should I trademark my logo?
Check that your logo does not copy another brand first. If your logo is important to your business, consider registering it as a trademark. A trademark gives you legal protection for your brand name and logo.
Disclaimer: Design rules and prices change often. Check with a professional designer for advice on your own brand. This guide gives general information only.
Last Updated: 6 November 2026