When you think of a logo, what comes to mind? Is it a visual element next to or above a brand name? This is called a combination mark logo and is the epitome of how a logo is defined visually. It’s also the most common type of logo you’ll ever see. Why? Because it just works and is easy to recognize as a logo at a glance. But this is only the beginning of logo design. A comprehensive logo treatment needs to dig deeper into your brand story, and fully understand the needs of the brand and the intended communication with the client. You need to know what your options are, starting with the types of logos available to you. There are many different types of logos, such as: Combination mark logos Word mark logos Letter mark logos Monogram logos Letterform logos Symbol or pictorial logos Abstract logos Mascot logos Emblem logos Letters inside shape logos Negative space logos Dynamic logos 3D logos Animated logos As brands grow, expand and evolve, so do the variations of the logos that designers come up with. Yes, a combination mark is a great start, but let’s take a close look. What makes up a combination mark? Why are there so many styles, and what are they called? Why does your brand need more than one type of logo? In this guide, we’ll answer all these questions and more. At the end, you’ll know exactly what types of logos are the best for your brand and how to use them We’ve scoured the web looking at portfolios, websites, branding guidelines and more to come up with the most comprehensive list of logo types in use today. Additionally, here are some logo design tips to get your creative juices flowing.

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THE 14 DIFFERENT
TYPES OF LOGOS
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1. Combination Mark Logos
A combination mark logo is a visual and a word in a composition
together. You’ll see throughout this guide that there’s no one type of
combination mark, they’re actually a combination of many of the
others. That’s why these logos are the most common, they have infinite
possibilities and are super practical.
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2. Word mark Logos
Word mark logos are second in line when it comes to common uses,
and they make up half of almost every combination logo. For a logo to
be considered a word mark its visual must be made up of the brand
name in stylized letters.
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3. Letter mark Logos
Letter mark logos are the best choice if your brand name is long and
composed of more than two words. A letter mark logo minimizes the
length by using the initials of each word and creating a group. In some
cases, the letters will sound like a word. NASA is an excellent example.
NASA stands for National Aeronautics and Space Administration, but
nobody calls it that.
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4. Monogram Logos
Monograms logos are similar to letter mark logos. But they do have a
noticeable visual difference. Both logos use the initials of the brand
name to make up the design, but monograms interlace the letters
instead of having them side by side or top to bottom.
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5. Letter form Logos
Letter form logos are another type of logo that includes letters. In this
case, only one letter. This style of logo is perfect for brands that
appreciate simplicity. For a letter form logo to stand out, it’ll need a
high dose of personality and form. Just a letter on its own won’t be as
memorable.
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6. Symbol or Pictorial Logos
Symbol logos —also called pictorial logos—are made up of graphics that visually represent the
brand name or function. These can be icons, illustrations or shape compositions that are instantly
recognizable as something specific.
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7. Abstract Logos
Abstract logos are like symbol logos gone rogue. Instead of visually
depicting a brand name or brand story, an abstract logo goes in a
different direction. In some cases, it can start off as a symbol and then
transform into an abstract visual and other times the abstraction is
born on its own.
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8. Mascot Logos
Mascot logos are fun and personable, but also limited. Not every brand
will benefit from a mascot logo. How do you know if a mascot logo is
right for you?
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9. Emblem Logos
An emblem logo is a contained design that includes all the elements inside an emblem shape.
Brands that use emblem logos hardly ever have other logo varieties, but might have simplified
versions of the same emblem.
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10. Letters Inside Shape Logos
Similar to an emblem but not quite are the logos that are words inside shapes. The difference
between them is the level of complexity. You could say that an emblem is to a combination mark
what a letter inside a shape is to a word mark.
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11. Negative Space Logos
Negative space logos are a unique creative option for any brand. The visual idea of negative space
is to use empty areas to depict a symbol, shape, or graphic. It can be a subtle effect or a very clear
one, that depends on what you’re aiming to achieve.
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12. Dynamic Logos
A dynamic logo is basically one primary logo that can be adjusted or customized in endless ways.
Some dynamic logos, like the logo for the City of Melbourne, change color but keep the shape the
same. The logo for OCAD University is more about adding elements onto the foundation design.
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13. 3D Logos
Give your logo an extra layer of uniqueness by making it three-dimensional. Make the letters of
your word mark pop out of the page, make your emblem look like it’s made of metal, or the shape
around your brand name look like a real object.
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14. Animated Logos
Any type of logo can be animated, no matter the style. Why did it make this list then? Because it’s a
viable option for your logo combination. Use an animated version of your logo for video intros and
outros on YouTube, to the end of your TikTok clips or to the opening title of your explainer videos.
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