When a potential customer goes onto a business’ Facebook page, the first thing they see is the page’s cover photo (or cover video). So, as the manager of a Facebook page, this is a location where you want to infuse vital information to attract the customer and get them to scroll further. 

How do you upload a GIF as a Facebook cover? To upload a GIF as a Facebook cover, you will need to first convert the file to a video format. Afterward, you will be able to upload the new video file.

Consider using a Facebook cover video template for a quick solution. Choose from templates, customize graphics and text, save video, and upload to Facebook.

If you have tried uploading a GIF to your Facebook cover, you may have already discovered that, although a video or a photo can be uploaded as a Facebook cover, Facebook does not support the GIF file format. If you try to upload a GIF as your cover photo, Facebook will automatically convert the GIF into a JPEG and choose the first still image as the cover photo instead.

» MORE: How to Make a Facebook Cover with Placeit? 8 Easy Steps

What is a GIF?

What exactly is a GIF in the first place? The term GIF is an acronym that stands for “Graphics Interchange Format.” Putting it simply, a GIF (pronounced “jiff” or “gif” depending on your preference) is just an animated image file. They have become very popular recently, but the GIF file format is, in fact, two years older than the internet itself. Since GIFS are neither JPEGs (or a still image) nor are they videos, they can be a little tricky to use on social media posts.

Well, then you are probably wondering why you would want to use a GIF as opposed to a video or just a picture if that is the case? Well, firstly, GIFs are typically shorter than videos and do not require audio to convey a message. So, a viewer can get a large chunk of information in a time-saving way (which also looks good for a brand’s image). Also, a GIF can communicate more than a single still image can.

GIFs are more accessible than videos also. There are thousands of free GIFs available on the web, and thousands more are being created every day. Most of these are available for free without the added worry of copyright. So, someone looking to use a GIF can easily find the right one to download and use.

Also, GIFs play on repetition such that, if you are trying to beat a message into a viewer’s head, they will see it on repeat several times before they have the urge to stop watching it. If a video is on autoplay and you do not want to watch it, you will simply scroll on to the next thing, but with a GIF, you are likely to stare at it three or four times before you have even considered moving on.

GIFs are also cheap, easy to create, and yet, can still be sophisticated. Videos, on the other hand, are not usually on the cheap or easy to create.

» MORE: Why Is Your Instagram Story Blurry After Adding Music?

Where Can You Get GIFs From?

Accessing a GIF file is simple with several open-source sites available where you can readily download or use GIFs. Finding the right GIF can be as simple as typing a phrase into a search engine and adding the word GIF at the end. Keep in mind though, a GIF is not what we need for Facebook, a video is.

Giphy.com is a whole GIF search engine of its own and a great place to find thousands of open source GIFs. These GIFs can also be downloaded directly unto your PC or a phone if you have downloaded the GIPHY app.

There are other GIF search engines available for free as well. There are also several apps where you can easily take several pictures and convert them into your own GIF. Live photos on smartphones operate like GIFs and can be uploaded to GIF-making sites and further edited as well.

However, for a Facebook Cover, you will need a video file. You can either find a GIF and convert it to a video, or just find a video to begin with.

To keep this process simple, we recommend using a Facebook cover video template. They are pre-made templates that can be customized to your needs. Simply pick the layout you like best, and start adding your own images and text.

These will download as a video file, and make uploading to Facebook quick and easy.

» MORE: How to Make a GIF in Affinity Photo [Complete Guide]

Is Uploading a GIF the Same as Uploading a Video?

GIFs and videos are not the same thing. Although you have to convert your GIF to a video file format before being able to use it as your Facebook cover, to the one viewing it, it will still be interpreted in their mind as a GIF. Basically, a viewer will perceive a GIF on your cover as a moving picture as opposed to a video.

It is advisable to use a GIF when you want to invoke a quick emotional response from an audience or when you want to express an emotional response yourself. GIFs can summarize a lot of information into a single action or a single facial expression or a single caption.

However, it is advisable to use a video when the message you want to convey cannot be expressed within seconds. There may be technical facts you wish to communicate or a pitch you would like to make to a group that will take more than just a couple seconds. But, keep in mind that with your Facebook cover, you also cannot go over a minute and a half (or 90 seconds), so you still need to keep your videos short, nonetheless.

Check out this link to see some other cool ways GIFs can be used in marketing for a company.

Converting Your GIF to a Video Format

Even though your GIF will need to be converted to a video file, it is still possible to upload a GIF as a cover photo. The easiest way to do this is to simply convert the file’s format to a video format that meets the requirements laid out by Facebook. After this, upload the converted file instead of the GIF file. There are a few ways to go about this process outlined below:

Option One: Convert Your GIF to a Video File Using a Video Editing Software

As mentioned before, one of the easiest methods to get a GIF uploaded unto your Facebook cover is to convert your GIF to a video file. If you have any form of video editing software on your computer, such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Filmora or iMovie, you can do this in four simple steps:

• STEP 1 – Open the video editing software on your computer
• STEP 2 – Import your GIF to a blank project inside your video editing software
• STEP 3 – Most video editing software have similar features, a timeline, a media browser, etc. Once your GIF has uploaded, you can drag it down to the timeline in your video editing software.
• STEP 4 – Go to your export options. Within the export media box that should be open at this point, choose a common video format such as MPEG, MP4, or MOV. The GIF will export as a new video, and you can now upload this new video to Facebook as a cover video.

Option Two: A Different Way to Convert GIFs to Video Files

While the first method works great on a computer, if you have video editing software, there are many circumstances where you may not have one or both things (i.e., the PC and the software). What if you are trying to upload the GIF to your Facebook cover from your mobile device instead? What if you do not have video editing software, and you do not want to download one for this sole purpose? 

Also, not all video editing software can be used on a smartphone. So, if for any reason method one is not ideal for you, another way you can convert a GIF to a compatible video file is to find a software that will convert the file for you:

• STEP 1 – Download the app “GIF to Video”, available for Android here or “GIF Cracker”, available for iPhone here.
• STEP 2 – Make sure your GIF is on your smartphone.
• STEP 3 – On Android, all the GIFs in your gallery appear automatically in the app. Just select the GIF you want to convert and click convert. On an iPhone, if the GIF does not appear automatically in the app, click refresh (it should be a GIF in your image gallery). Select the GIF>Video tab on your options at the bottom of the page and select the GIF you wish to convert. A convert pop up window will show up.
• STEP 4 – Adjust the settings of your video to meet Facebook’s guidelines before exporting.

Facebook Cover Video Specifications

Facebook has laid out the following recommendations for uploading a cover video, outlining the file size, video dimensions, and its time duration:

Dimensions

The cover should have a minimum size of 820 pixels wide x 312 pixels high. But, several third-party video-editing software companies recommend a size of 820 x 462 pixels for best results because of the way it will be viewed on different devices (more on this below). 

The additional height of 75 pixels at the top and bottom of your image is cropped out when someone views your page on the Desktop version of Facebook. But the extra height is good for the aspect ratio of mobile devices.

You can manually adjust the size of the video you will get from converting your GIF file in the process. If you are using method 1, after clicking on export and selecting the file format you want, the width and the height of the resulting video can be adjusted within the same dialogue box. 

If you are using method 2, you can also manually adjust the dimensions of your video within the app you are using. After selecting convert in Gif to Video, the app will give additional instructions on this. On GIF Cracker, the dimensions are in the window that shows up when you select your GIF to convert.

Again, this is where using a template will be handy because it comes pre-formatted to all of Facebook’s requirements.

Duration

The time duration should be between 20 and 90 seconds.

Most GIFs are not up to 20 seconds long. If your GIF is too short to meet the minimum time duration on its own, increase the number of times your converted video loops the footage of the original animation until the video meets the time required.

File Type

Facebook recommends MP4 and MOV file formats. You could use other video file formats in your conversion, but this could cause an extra headache. Also, note that cover videos can have a maximum resolution of 1080 pixels.

File Size

You should not have too much of a problem with the file size, but overall, Facebook accepts files up to a limit of 1.75GB, so make sure to keep your video file under this size.

Additional Requirements

In addition to these things, Facebook requests that:

• Your video cover should not be deceptive or misleading
• Your video should not infringe upon any copyrights                             

How to Upload Your GIF/Video as a Facebook Cover

Now that you have your GIF converted to a video file, it is time to upload the video as a cover on Facebook. This feature is only available on Facebook pages, not on an individual’s profile page. For profile pages, Facebook does have some native animations that you can pick as your cover photo.

1. First, head over to your Facebook Page. Where the cover is shown, you will see a video icon and the words “change cover” next to the icon. Click on this.
2. A dropdown box will appear. Select the option “Upload photo/video.” 
3. A window will appear that will allow you to choose a file from your computer. Select your converted video file. At this point, you will be able to drag to reposition your video. 
4. Your cover will automatically resize to an aspect ratio of 16:9 when you upload it. But it is viewed differently on different devices.

Note: On the Facebook mobile version, the sides of your cover will be cut off, making it 360 pixels tall and 640 pixels wide. So, while you need to have a minimum width of 820 pixels, you must compensate for the sides that will be cut off when viewing your page on mobile. Leave a “safe zone” of 90 pixels on each side and avoid having any vital part of your cover in these margins. The cover templates mentioned earlier take care of this for you.

On the PC version of Facebook, the same cropping applies, but this time it occurs on the top and the bottom. This time, the image will be viewed as if it were 820 pixels x 312 pixels. Again, leave a safe zone of 24 pixels at the top and the bottom where you do not put vital information such as a caption. If you’re using a template, you don’t need to worry about this.

Facebook lets you scroll through up to 10 thumbnail options. But with a GIF, the best option for a thumbnail is most likely to be the first still image in the animation. Granted, this may not always be the case.

When you are satisfied with your upload, select the “Save” option at the bottom left-hand corner of the cover.

Take it for a Test Run

Now that your cover is uploaded, it is important to open your Facebook page on different devices to see if the cover appears the way that you intended it to in uploading it. 

Trouble Uploading? Here Are Some Extra Tips 

If your video is still not uploading unto Facebook, there is most likely an issue with the file size or the file specifications. Go back and double-check that your video meets all the requirements discussed above. If not, convert the file again and make sure those corrections are made. Then try your upload again.

It could also be that there is an issue with your browser speed: if the first does not apply, check on the second to be sure.

Audio

You may have noticed that the audio on your Facebook cover is disabled by default. Since GIFs also do not store sound, it is likely that for your converted video, you will not need to activate the audio at all; this should not pose any serious problems.

Conclusion

In this article, we broke down two of the most straight forward ways to upload a GIF as a Facebook cover photo. While there are some other methods to go about uploading your GIF, these other methods are more complicated and take up a lot of time. All in all, for the easiest way to use a GIF/Video as a Facebook cover photo, we recommend using a Facebook cover video template. They are quick and easy, and pre-formatted with all of Facebook’s requirements in mind.

The way people receive information is constantly changing, with many traditional media outlets experiencing unprecedented changes as consumers adopt convenient ways of accessing content on their phones. Still, one traditional giant of the mass media–the magazine–refuses to go the way of the Dodo bird as publishers find creative ways to keep them relevant.

How do you create a magazine cover mockup? In a series of eight simple steps, a striking magazine cover mockup can be created that will allow you to see your idea in the real world prior to actual publication.

Before making your mockup, you will want to have a rough idea of your cover sketched out on a piece of paper or roughed out in a design program, with any accompanying photos you plan on using saved conveniently on your computer. With these preparations, you will be able to get your magazine cover mockup designed, saved, and ready to share in a matter of minutes.

Step #1 – Visit Placeit

Head over to www.placeit.net to get started.

Placeit is a one-stop-shop for all things related to graphic design and will make your magazine cover mockup a breeze.

Step #2 – Locate the Mockup Tab

On the Placeit homepage, you will find the following five tabs in the top left corner of the page:

• Mockups
• Designs
• Logos
• Videos
• Gaming

The default should have “Mockups” already chosen, but if not, hover your cursor over the “Mockups” tab. This will activate a sub-ribbon that offers mockups for dozens of different items, from apparel to business cards.

As all of the different mockup options do not fit on one page, you will need to scroll to find the tab you need. At the far right of the sub-ribbon, you should see a carrot inviting you to scroll through the mockup options.

The “Magazine” tab is among the last selections on the sub-ribbon, so you may need to click the carrot several times to scroll to it.

Once located, click the “Magazine” tab to explore the various magazine cover mockup options.

Step #3 – Choose the Right Mockup Template

After clicking on the “Magazine” tab, you will be introduced to hundreds of different magazine cover mockup templates. Each page holds about 25 different designs, so make sure you are clicking on the scroll bar at the bottom of the page to cycle through all of the different options to locate the template best suited for your needs.

When choosing a mockup template, it is important to remember that catchy magazine covers on newsstands and grocery store checkout lanes are not the primary driver of sales in this day and age.

Customers are more likely to interact with your magazine cover via social media than they are at a physical point of sale, so you need to design your mockup in a manner that conveys several important points:

1. The image you are posting is that of an actual magazine cover and not a meme or any other creatively designed text layout intended for social media sharing. As such, mockups with a strong 3D view of the magazine cover are preferred
2. The mockup displays some form of human interaction. You want to demonstrate that people value your magazine and that it is in circulation at trendy places
3. Prospective buyers are able to clearly discern all important headlines and main images. After all, while a pretty cover and catchy social media mockup might spark interest and generate likes, the goal is the get people to purchase the edition and read further, and they will not do that if they do not know what the issue is about

Luckily, Placeit has you covered on all of these fronts, as there is no shortage of mockup templates to fit the bill for modern magazine marketing. Some favorite ideas include:

• Man at a coffee shop– the proliferation of coffee shops have made them major hubs for cultural relevance, as many people take their work or study materials there. Not only does this trendy mockup put your magazine cover on full display, but it suggests that it will catch the attention of many passing eyes 
• Woman reading in bed– this mockup gives a casual feel to your magazine, making it seem like a must-read before bed in the evening or some light perusing on a sunny weekend afternoon. This particular design gives an extremely clear view of all of the cover details
• Young woman reading in a waiting room– magazines have long been a favorite form of complementary entertainment in waiting rooms across the country. Not only does this mockup capture your magazine cover in this realistic scenario, but it also provides a clear shot of your cover’s specific information

While all of these mockup templates effectively capture your magazine cover in trendy modern market scenarios, there are still plenty of options to choose from if you are just looking for the nuts and bolts of the cover design, say, for example, if you needed to send a mockup to a manager to get it approved.

Step #4 – Bring Color to Your Magazine

The default mockups on Placeit use a white magazine, but do not feel like you are restricted to this option. You can easily choose from the entire color spectrum to find the right color for your magazine.

After deciding on the magazine template option you want to use, click on the template. This will load a new screen that allows you to make edits to your specified selection.

On the right-hand side of this screen, you will see a dropdown box labeled “Magazine Color.” Click the down arrow on this box to open the color spectrum.

Feel free to cycle through the different color options. Remember, when you click on a color, the entire magazine in the mockup will switch to this color. Therefore, it is a good idea to start with this step when editing your mockup, as this color will be the base of your magazine.

While it is good to experiment with the different color options available, there are a few points to keep in mind:

• Make sure you match. As this will provide the base for your magazine, how will it match with the images and fonts you intend to use? Will it clash or be overly distracting? This is why drawing a draft beforehand is important, as these considerations need to be carefully thought out
• Be bold with your colors. Color, even more than striking images and text, is likely to be the main aspect that draws customers’ attention to your magazine cover. Traditionally, red and yellow are good base colors to use, as they are striking colors that are more versatile and less gaudy than other bold hues
• Keep your target audience in mind. You will have a lot more leeway to use fun colors when designing for a children’s magazine than you will when making a mockup for a scientific or medical journal
• Be creative yet consistent. While it is good to explore a variety of different colors for your magazine, you want to try and stay as consistent as possible from issue to issue. This can help build a brand, where a specific color is associated with your magazine, like red is for Time Magazine, and yellow is for National Geographic

Step #5 – Upload Your Image

After the magazine color has been chosen, arguably, the most important aspect of designing an effective magazine cover mockup is choosing the right cover image.

The image on your magazine cover will take up the majority of the cover space, so you need to make sure you get it right.

Fortunately, Placeit makes this process a breeze. A cover image can be added to your mockup using the following steps:

1. Size your image – the Placeit mockup builder will place images of 700 X 1,000px on the cover. While it is likely that the image you plan on using will be usable in this range, if it is not, make sure you resize it locally so that it will not be stretched or blurred once uploaded to Placeit
2. Click the “Upload Image” box – on the same screen you used to edit the magazine color; you will notice a box on the far left of the screen that says “Upload Image.” If you have chosen a mockup template that allows for a view of both the front and back cover, there may be two such boxes, so make sure you do not get them confused
3. Choose the desired image – after clicking on the “Upload Image” box, you will be directed to your local drive. Locate your cover image in the appropriate folder and double click to upload it to the editing software on Placeit
4. Edit your cover image – you will now have your cover image loaded in the photo editing box. There is a scroll bar at the bottom of the screen that allows you to zoom as needed. In addition, by clicking on and dragging the image, you can change where it is located on the magazine cover, allowing part of the image to be cropped off, if necessary
5. Crop the image to the magazine cover – once you have the cover image properly sized and placed, click the “Crop” button at the bottom of the photo editing box to have the image placed on the magazine cover

If you are happy with the cover image, great–you are ready to move on to adding text. If not, the “Upload Image” box at the left of the screen will have changed to accommodate the image. Click the strikethrough box if you want to go back into the editor and make some adjustments to the photo, or click the “X” if you want to remove the image completely and start again.

Step #6 – Add Text to the Cover

While not as important as the color and image of a magazine cover, improper use of text can definitely break a mockup if not applied correctly.

Luckily, Placeit has all of the tools you need to add text to perfection.

At the top left of the cover editing screen for the template you chose, you will find, just above the box for uploading the cover image, a box titled “Add Text.” Click this box to get directed to the text editing wizard.

Once in the wizard, you will notice several items of note:

1. There is a default message that says “Change Me” in both the text box and on the mockup cover. When you click in the text box, you can erase and re-type the message to fit your needs, with anything typed in the text box mirrored on the cover. Text can be up to 50 characters long.
2. There is a checkbox next to the text box. If this is not checked, then you cannot make changes to the text, and the message on the mockup cover disappears, so make sure this box is checked if you are actively trying to edit the text on your cover.
3. There is a dropdown box below the text box to change the font. The default used for Placeit is Avenir Next, but this is easily modified by clicking the down arrow on the dropdown box and scrolling through the many options.
4. To the right of the font dropdown box, there is a color dropdown box. When clicking on the down arrow, a color spectrum is pulled up for you to choose the color of your font. If you want to change the text background color, toggle to the “Text Background” tab at the top of the spectrum to change the color your text is set against.
5. Once you have the text worded and colored appropriately, you can click on the text in the mockup to initiate an editing box. From there, you can resize the text and drag it to the appropriate place on the magazine cover.
6. You can add additional text, as needed, by clicking the “Add Another Text” box located just below the original text box in the upper left of the screen.

Best Practices for the Use of Text

While the cover text alone probably will not attract readers’ eyes quite like the color and image, it can quickly cause them to turn away if not executed correctly. As such, there are a number of important considerations you must make as you play with text in your magazine cover mockup:

• Be careful with text, as the color and font of the text on covers are extremely important. It will affect the tone and overall feeling of the cover
• You may be able to get away with colorful fonts for the major headings, but always use black and white fonts for subheadings and smaller text. If you do choose to use a colorful font for your major headings, make sure it does not clash with the cover’s main color or image
• Do not place very long sentences on the cover. You only have a split second to capture a reader’s attention, and you do not want him or her to get bored reading lengthy text. Phrases of four words are ideal, with ten words being an absolute maximum
• Make sure the text you include on the cover is representative of the content in the magazine. Be sure to talk to the editor to get an idea of keywords and phrases to include on the cover to spark interest and provoke customers to buy an issue and read further
• To get the most out of the text, try to place it against a solid background, as blending against a patterned background or image is a quick way to render your words irrelevant

Step #7 – Include a Graphic

This is more of an optional step but can be an effective means of adding some pizzazz to your mockup.

On the upper right of the mockup editor screen, just below the color dropdown, there is a box labeled “Add Graphic.”

By clicking on this box, you will be introduced to a whole plethora of clipart-type graphics, with a search bar included to help you locate the one you are looking for.

While you may not want to add one of these graphics to your magazine cover itself, it can be a nice touch to include as part of the mockup, as these graphics can be a fun way to add some flavor to the mood that your magazine is trying to create.

Step #8 – Download Your Finalized Mockup

After you have gotten all of the details adjusted to your liking in the mockup editor, it is time to download your finalized version and use it to promote your magazine.

At the top center of the mockup editor screen, there will be a blue “Download” box. If you are a subscriber to Placeit, you will be able to download your mockup for free, or if not, you can easily purchase the download through a one-time fee.

With this step, you have completed the mockup design process, bringing your magazine cover to life without ever having an actual print version in circulation, all thanks to the easy-to-use mockup software brought to you by Placeit.

Are you looking for the best merchandise mockups so that you can more quickly sell your items? If so, then using designs from Placeit.net for Teespring products or other services is one of the best ways to create merchandise mockups. With Placeit.net, you can easily create beautiful designs on your products using the best mockups you’ll find anywhere on the Internet.

What are the best merchandise mockups on Placeit.net? The best merchandise mockups on Placeit.net include:

• Mug mockups
• Travel Mug mockups
• Jersey mockups
• Pillow mockups

Since there isn’t much available on the Internet today covering placeit.net mockups, we created this article to help you. Below we’ll discuss the best merchandise mockups you can find on placeit.net

First, Creating Your Design

If you use Teespring to create products, you may not have known that you can create beautiful designs easily and within seconds by merely using Placeit’s beautiful design templates. Placeit uses what’s known as a smart-template maker, meaning you can easily modify your designs in seconds.

Placeit features a design maker that’s simple to utilize and offers over seven thousand templates to use to create designs. Plus, Placeit is always adding more templates daily. By using one of its design templates, you won’t need to hire a graphic designer or learn how to make excellent designs yourself. Instead, with Placeit you’ll be equipped with the ability to make innovative and quality designs without a degree in design.

If you are using Placeit with Teespring, all you need to do is:

• First, head to Placeit and create your design
• After your design is created, choose a transparent background
• Download your design
• Next, return to Teespring’s Launcher, and choose upload artwork to select the design you downloaded from Placeit

These steps are straightforward and fast to accomplish, and you can have your mockup design completed within minutes. So, if you know you need a mockup design for a product immediately, Placeit can solve that problem for you both quickly and easily.

Placeit’s Mockups

Two of the best things about Placeit’s mockups include:

• The most significant design catalog on the Internet today that offers mockups.
• Features that make the process easy and straightforward to use.

Placeit’s designs work well for product creators and clothing brands alike. That’s because Placeit offers thousands of apparel mockups that can be used with things like:

• Hoodies
• Hats
• T-shirts
• Leggings

And that’s just the start of the list. Placeit can also help you create mockups for other products that aren’t apparel items. Regardless of why you are using Placeit, you’ll wind up using a carefully created mockup. You can craft and edit that mockup so that you’ll have the best designs possible for your customers.

Placeit’s mockups will allow you to attract attention to your brand across several social channels as you promote your new product’s design. With Placeit, you won’t need to worry about paying designers or photographers so that you wind up with high-quality images. Instead, you’ll be able to make excellent mockups with just a few clicks, creating incredible designs. Even better, Placeit also offers a massive library of video mockups, too.

4 Best Merchandise Mockups on Placeit

So, what are some of the best merchandise mockups available on Placeit? We’ll cover that in detail below.

#1 Mug Mockups

If you are already selling t-shirts, one of the best types of products you can sell besides shirts is custom mugs. Making custom mugs allows you to increase the product line you are offering, and you can also promote your designs to a broader audience. Whether you are a custom mug seller or not, using custom mugs to promote your band’s image and your designs will help you attract plenty of attention to your products and your company.

With Placeit’s mug mockups, you can create coffee cup designs that feature professional photographers’ images, which will cost you far less than hiring a photographer for a photoshoot. You can also add some spectacular features to your design by using Placeit’s eleven-ounce mug mockups, or their fifteen-ounce mug mockups.

Mug mockups will allow you to start with a blank canvas where you can then print and create your design. So, once you start looking around on Placeit for your mug mockup, you’ll notice that Placeit offers mug mockups for every niche imaginable. You can select a minimal mockup or a full-scale design mockup, depending on what you need to do with Placeit.

#2 Travel Mug Mockups

Most people have hectic and busy lives. So, more people tend to bring their coffee with them on the road. Placeit also offers travel mug mockups, which will allow you to make beautiful mockups and display your designs and your brand. By browsing through Placeit’s library, you’ll be able to find all you’ll need to know to create your brand’s travel mug, using all types of images.

#3 Jersey Mockups

Placeit also offers professional images that produce quality jerseys that will reflect your brand’s name or your products. It’s easy to use Placeit’s jersey mockups to create quality jerseys with just a few simple clicks of your mouse.

It’s challenging to be your apparel designer because of budgets, deadlines, and finances. That’s why using Placeit to make your jersey designs and promote your brand name is such a useful idea. Placeit offers hundreds of jersey mockup template designs from which you can choose. Jersey mockups are a great way to promote your brand and your team.

With Placeit, you can easily upload your designs and downloads and use as many professional images from Placeit as you’d like. That way, you can more successfully promote your jerseys and your team. To make a jersey mockup with Placeit, all you need to do is:

• Select a jersey template from Placeit’s library.
• Start customizing it.
• Change your jersey’s color, upload your team’s logo, or upload anything else you need.
• Once your image is satisfactory, download it, and you’ll have your jersey mockup image created.

#4 Pillow Mockups

With Placeit, you can make great pillow mockups, too. Making pillow mockups with Placeit is an easy and straightforward process. You can promote your latest pillow designs and easily create new products to reflect your brand’s image with Placeit. Placeit offers different:

• Models
• Settings
• Pillow styles

Because of that, making images for your brand on Placeit is simple. Instead of hiring a photographer or graphic designer for your pillow design, you can now select a pillow mockup on Placeit, customize it, and you’ll have an excellent design that is ready to go in a matter of minutes.

Once you’ve glanced through Placeit’s extensive library of pillow mockups, you can select the one you like the most. Then simply upload your pillow design and choose the color you want your pillow to be. After you’ve done that, you just need to download your new mockup, and you have your image completed.

Pillow mockups allow you to use professional photography images to add to your design. Because of this, you can create a professional-looking pillow design in just a few minutes using Placeit. Placeit offers so many different pillow mockups, and they continue to grow their catalog. So, once you are ready to update your pillow designs again, you’ll still have several options from which to choose.

Keep in mind that when you are making pillow designs, lifestyle designs on pillows tend to sell more. Many print on demand sites allow you to print designs on pillows. If you want to make your pillows stand out as an innovative product, using lifestyle photos can help you promote your brand and products more successfully.

An important part of success on Etsy is having a banner that shouts your marketing in a clear, expressive image. When your banner is blurry, it can influence and can reduce credibility and overall success of your brand.

Blurry Etsy Banner? Here’s what to do: Make sure your Etsy banner size is formatted correctly. For larger banners, the right size is 3360 x 840 pixels. Smaller banner size is 1200 x 300 pixels, which is more ideal. Using these sizes will ensure a higher resolution and best quality image. 

The banner is at the top of your Etsy page, making it one of the first things people will notice. That is why it is equally important as the good themselves because the banner makes for a first impression for your store.

» MORE: Etsy Shop Banner Not Working? Here’s What to Do

Here’s What To Do

If you are struggling to get your banner to be clear when you upload your image, the best thing to do first is check the dimensions. Etsy sets a standard that the banner needs to be a particular size. So any other dimensions could make it appear blurry.

Etsy will adjust your image to the size it requires, and this is when the image can get distorted. If your banner is too large, the image will shrink and be compressed, making the image illegible. In comparison, if your image is too large, when transposed to Etsy, the image will be stretched, giving it a blurry appearance.

The best thing to do is start with the dimensions required, 3360 x 840 for larger banners, 1200 x 300 for small, and 1200 x 160 for mini banners. Then when you upload your file, it should already be in the correct format and adjust smoothly.

For those having trouble formatting their Etsy Banner, consider using a pre-made Etsy Banner template to create your banner. These will be formatted according to Etsy’s size requirements, and will upload clearly and look great.

Large Banners

For a larger banner display, it is suggested to use the dimensions 3360 x 840 pixels. The larger banner provides optimal performance, but there is a smaller size available as well.

Smaller Banners

The minimum dimensions are 1200 x 300 pixels. Although some reviews say they have had issues with this format, others have had success. When in doubt, you can always try the larger dimensions if the smaller banner appears blurry, like it is being stretched to size.

Mini Banners

Etsy even offers a mini banner at 1200 x 160 pixels, but this is primarily for those users that plan on having their shop icon and listings be the main focus. However, when using this dimension, one should keep in mind that it is not mobile-friendly.

In these smaller banners, the width is fixed at 1200 pixels; the bigger decision is the height.

Receipt Banners

The receipt banner is another banner option, but it is specifically for Etsy receipts order. The size of this banner is 760 x 100 pixels. This banner only appears at the top of receipt orders.

Where this banner may not be the first banner the consumer sees or influences their decision to buy from you, it completes the shopping experience marketing your brand even more.

» MORE: How to Fix Blurry Etsy Photos [Easy Guide]

Products That Make Banner Creation Easy

Below are a few products that you can check out to help make your life a little easier.

Placeit.net

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to make an Etsy banner, our top recommendation is Placeit.net.

They have thousands of templates to customize and you can sort to browse their Etsy banner templates (look for the thin ones).

Placeit allows you to drag and drop elements, add graphics, add custom images or logos, etc.

Adobe Spark

There are many companies out there that promote free Etsy banner templates, but one of my favorites I have found is Adobe Spark. It has a 4.9 out of 5-star rating and is designed to help those with no design skills.

They have it available for IOS and web to help those enhance their shop banners. There is an easy 5 step process it walks you through to create your perfect banner. There are design features to choose from, and when you are complete, you just need to save, download, and share.

The following steps include:

1. Choose Banner Size
2. Select A Theme
3. Choose A Color Scheme
4. Decide on a Background
5. Option to Add Text

Adobe Spark is known for being user-friendly and features it offers, such as iconic imagery, professional themes, and its incredible topography.

Exploring through this application, right from the beginning, you are able to choose one of their templates or create your own. You can even use pictures from your personal gallery, and then it gives you a series of social media platforms like Estu, Facebook, Instagram, and even Twitch.

The first option is custom that allows you to choose the desired dimensions for your banner. Here you can enter 3360 x 840 for a larger banner, or if you prefer to try small, you can try 1200 pixels. It is quite a nice option, so you know exactly what you are dealing with!

Like most apps, there are in-app purchases you can upgrade to or need to access certain advantages, but for the most part, you are capable of creating and posting your banners straight from this app for free.

Bannersnack

Another free platform for creating Etsy banners is Bannersnack. It is also as easy as 5 steps beginning with creating a free account and secondly creating a banner to your specific dimensions. In this application, the options for banner sizes include the big banner and mini banner.

The following step is to add any images or text into your banner. You can also upload personal photos in this step. Here you can edit size, fonts, and color to the text. Additionally, you can edit the scale in this stage. Once this step is complete, you will want to save and download your banner.

The final step is to save it to your computer! It is as simple as saving a JPG file and downloading it to upload into your Etsy account.

Other Options

There are many companies out there that make it easier to create banners, including those for Etsy. They typically are set up with the correct dimensions each social media branch requires for their platform. Also, they have a customizable option to enter the size you need to create on.

A few other resources for creating banners include Canva, Photoshop, and even Etsy itself allows you to purchase banner templates.

» MORE: Why Won’t Etsy Upload Your Profile Picture?

Tips to Make Your Banner Stand Out

A banner is like a larger canvas to express yourself and company. It is the headline that advances your shop merchandise and captures your sellers attention. That is why it is important to make sure it is at its optimal performance.

The banner is the area that you can display all your items in one large area.

There are tips to make your banner the best it can be:

• Use the least amount of text: Using your shop name is fine, but limit the text, so when the photo is scaled down, it remains legible.
• Be creative: Try out various patterns and designs. There are different colors and textures to choose for your banner.
• Add links: Using a large banner allows more space to be utilized. You can add links to your image to a specific spot in your shop.

Remember, this is going to catch the attention of consumers, so be sure to use the space wisely to show off your shop in one place. Just do not overdo it with changing your graphics to often, like other marketing schemes, consistency is recognizable, which will benefit your brand.

Blurry Images Can Be Resolved.

Having a blurry image can influence the success of your shop, but it does not have to ruin your career, just maybe a moment of your time until it is resolved. But the good news is that adjusting the dimensions can fix the blurry issue and restore your image to how you imagined it!

If you have ever come to the point in your life where you felt that merchandise was needed for your business or your brand, you know it can be frustrating to try and find something that works for you. You want something that is easy but also does not cost a whole lot of money.

Can you make a free t-shirt mockup with Placeit.net? You can make a free t-shirt mockup with Placeit.net by clicking on their “free mockup” tab on their homepage. With your subscription, you also get some other advantages as well.

When you own a business or a group of any kind, you know it can become expensive, especially if you are first starting out. However, there a lot of free resources to help you, especially if you are just starting out. The first place to look is placeit.net.

The Site

Placeit.net has an amazing array of products that can help you achieve whatever direction you are trying to go. From t-shirts to other apparel items like hoodies, to mugs, to totes, to videos, literally nearly everything that you can think of.

Free Mockups Tab

There is a tab on the home page that says, “Free Mockups.” This is where they have every one of their free templates for mockups listed. Scroll down their list and click “T-shirt.” Then, pick the one that you are looking for.

Options

Even with the free mockups, you have plenty to choose from. Do not rush or settle for something that you do not want. Go through every possible option, and see what best suits you. There is no limit to the number of times you can change something on your mockup.

Choose a Shirt

The first step is actually choosing the shirt, whether you are searching for children sizes, adult sizes, for men, women, boys, or girls. You can always choose your “majority” choice and get specifics when you are ready to actually order your product.

Text

You can add text to your shirt. However, be aware of how much text you are putting on your shirt. Too much can distract from your logo, and it defeats the purpose of your message on your t-shirt.

Box

There is a box that states, “Change Me,” this is where you will enter the text you want on your shirt. Remember to keep it simple and to the point.

Font Style

Here you can change the font style to fit your style or brand. Keep in mind that your font also helps in delivering your message as well. Certain fonts, added with everything else, convey emotion and a certain message.

Color

There are so many color options to choose from; however, choose wisely. You do not want the color of the font to blend in into your background image on your shirt, nor do you want your color to be hard to read. Make sure to check out all of your options.

Graphics

Graphics make all the difference in the world when it comes to getting a message across. Between the placement, the graphic itself, and the possible text in it, it can be just as powerful as a billboard. At any rate, your customers are walking advertisements.  

Choose picture

This is your primary focus if you want to put one on a shirt. Remember, some messages do not need pictures, and sometimes, only the picture is needed to convey a message. Choose a clean, clear, but bold picture to get your message out.

Cropping

Cropping allows you to better fit a section of your photo to fit in the template that will later be printed on your shirt properly. If you only need a piece of your photo, this can also help. Make sure that whatever you do, you are staying true to your message. You have no way of “confusing” the viewer.

Color

You have many different color options, as well. This will help give a more blended uniform look to your entire shirt. It can also help your message and image stand out a bit more. You do, however, want to be careful that the color of your shirt does not overpower the primary pieces; this will cause people to miss your message.  

Order Options

Placeit.net has subscriber options that allow you to save time and money if you frequently are facing the need for mockups, logos, videos, and more. They want to make sure that not only are you satisfied with your first product but that you are covered throughout your entire journey of life and business.

Single Mockup Option

If you choose to get only one mockup, it can run you about $8 to download and use their single mockup. However, there are options to get it for a cheaper rate, especially if you are going to be using more of their services for other items or areas of your project.

Subscriptions

Subscriptions offer such an amazing deal sometimes, especially concerning business items, logos, and advertising in general. If you have employees or other individuals that are going in with you, you have to be mindful not to charge them too much.

Monthly

They offer a monthly subscription, which gives you an unlimited amount of mockups with over thirteen thousand templates available and unlimited designs available as well. This ranges from mockups to videos and even logos. They offer this at $14.95 a month for normal website visitors, but now All Free Mockups users get a 15% off discount!

Yearly

The yearly subscription offers the same benefits; however, it does make it cheaper to do the yearly subscription. Where the monthly subscription would be $14.95, the yearly subscription breaks down to $8.33, making about a $6 cut each month. All Free Mockups users get 15% off this plan too!

Advertising Average

There are so many businesses popping everywhere, and there are many aspects of advertising that need to be addressed. Being able to cut costs where needed can be extremely helpful. The average cost for just advertisement for a small business can vary but can cost the average of nine to ten thousand dollars per month strictly on their online advertising campaigns. This does not include promotional outside advertisements and products.

Promotional Products

Promotional products can be used for many types of things. They can be used as giveaway items to simply get the business name out in the world. They can also be used by company employees or volunteers to strike questions from others. The question of where they got a certain product from or who the name on the product is. These are all ways of getting in leads. With shirts, it is like having walking and talking billboards that could also bring in leads. It only takes one person to make one huge difference in one day.

Promotional Product Budget

Promotional products can become expensive, so choosing the right ones can make a difference in the leads that you may (or may not) get with your products. There are billions of dollars spent on promotional products on average for thousands of businesses.

Plan

Plan before buying. When looking at promotional products or anything of that sort to advertise for business, find out what products would work best with your business. Do the research and find out exactly what would be beneficial to your people. If you are starting a clothing store for teens, chances are they are not going to find pens or anything like really useful. However, they may find a shirt or a bag much more useful and may use it more, therefore spreading your name more.

Relationships

When you go out of your way to find out what is best for your customers, you are also trying to build relationships. Relationships are so important in business. If, for some reason, the product you are selling needs to be raised in price, there comes a choice in the customers’ minds. They can either stick with someone they know and trust, or they can find somewhere cheaper. They say, “never go to bed angry,” and in this case, you never want to leave a customer angry. It tends to carry just like a bad break up.

Thank You

Promotional products, or products that are personalized for your client, is a great way to not only show appreciation but really an inexpensive way of showing love and appreciation. This type of appreciation helps concrete your client or customer and also helps keep their business in the future. The more a customer or client feels appreciated and loved, they will not only return to do even more business with you, but they will also bring friends and family along with them. With this, they feel that family connections both in their personal lives but also their family.

Word of Mouth

They say, “a man’s word is his bond.” While it may not fully mean everything that statement says, it does show that word of mouth can make a difference. When one person tells another person about something they experienced, especially if they are a trustworthy person, chances are they will be visiting shortly after. It is a free way of getting leads to your business, so why not build relationships with your clients and spoil them occasionally.

Logos are essentially symbols or designs that portray an organization’s brand. While there are a variety of different types of logos that businesses can choose from, some might wonder if a logo that consists of just words can be enough to represent your brand.

Can a logo be just words? While there are many ways to design a logo, a logo can be just words. A logo that only consists of words is called a “wordmark” logotype and utilizes typography and font to create a brand’s visual identity through text.

While a logo can be just words, a logo that consists of only words will not necessarily look as simple as you might imagine. There are still many ways to make a wordmark logo stand out. The remainder of this article will discuss this further below.

» MORE: The Power Of Symmetry: 13 Lessons From Famous Logos

Can a Logo Consist of Only Words?

While there are many kinds of logos, a logo can absolutely consist of only words. A logo designed out of only words is called a wordmark logo, and it can be a great choice when it comes to branding your business. In fact, more logos than you might realize, consist of only words.

Logos are used to associate your brand with a small image or emblem. Good logos should be simple, scalable, versatile, and relevant (Paper Street). You can meet these requirements by designing a logo consisting of just words.

Just because words on a page appear uniform and dull does not mean that with a little creativity, you can create a unique, smart logo design that consists of just letters. While it is possible that a logo can be too simple or boring to represent your brand, there are still many ways to take mere words and turn them into an icon.

Many successful brands like Volvo, eBay, and Coca-Cola use wordmark logos, but their logos are so effective that we tend to see them as images. So do not think a logo cannot successfully portray your brand just because it consists of only words.

There are many ways to customize a wordmark logo in order to make a brand stand out. Below is a more in-depth look at the wordmark logotype.

» MORE: These Are The Best 67 Fonts To Use For A Logo

Why a Logo Can Consist of Only Words

While there are many kinds of logos and tons of great examples of effective logos out in the world, many of them consist exclusively of words. A wordmark logo is a logo that consists of only words. Using color, typeface, and shapes, you can create a wordmark logo that is still visually memorable.

While you might be tempted to think a wordmark logo is as simple as choosing a font and typing, “good wordmarks are carefully crafted to have a visual rhythm throughout the word, balancing white space, line weights, and the way the letters interact with each other” (Jessica Jones Design).

While it is possible for a logo to be too simple, there are many ways you can alter the appearance of the words in your wordmark logo to make it a memorable representation of your brand. Understanding what kind of variations you can add to a wordmark logo can keep you away from an oversimplified design.

» MORE: The Ultimate List of The Best Online Design Makers

Logos Often Confused with Wordmark Logos

While the difference between a wordmark logo and a pictorial mark logo, a logo that features a pictorial symbol as opposed to words, is rather straight forward, there are a few logotypes that are closely related to the wordmark logo but are considered different logotypes.

Lettermarks Are Not Wordmarks

A lettermark logo is a logotype that utilizes monograms, initials, abbreviations, or acronyms as their design. They are different from wordmark logos because they do not utilize whole words. An example of a lettermark logo is H&M.

Combination Marks Are Not Wordmarks

Combination mark logos feature a mix of characteristics of the pictorial mark logotype, lettermark logotype, and wordmark logotype rather than strictly adhering to one of these categories. An example of this logotype is the Airbnb logo. (Source: Jessica Jones Design)

» MORE: Should Logos Have Taglines?

Can a Logo Be too Simple?

Recently there has been some debate over whether some logos for big companies are too simple. Most logos that people argue are too simple are wordmark logos that consist of a generic-looking or commonly used font and uniform sizing and color.

The reason why these logos are too simple is not that they consist only of words but because the viewer feels like they have seen it before. Good logos make viewers uniquely associate their product with an icon. While it is possible that a logo can be too simple, some people prefer a simpler, more elegant design for a clean, fresh looking logo.

The point of a logo is not to be a stunning piece of art but to make it easier for consumers to identify your brand. You should not be afraid that just because a logo consists of only words, its design is unmemorable and bland. You can change the appearance of words to create something that stands out in people’s minds.

There are many ways to customize wordmark logos in order to make them look interesting and, therefore, more memorable. You can use color, shape, font styles and sizes, or even create your own font for your wordmark logo. A wordmark logo can be memorable and unique to your brand’s aesthetic.

» MORE: A Guide to Choosing the Best Colors for Your Logo

Are Wordmark Logos Right for You?

Want to know if wordmark logos are right for you? Read on for some of the benefits of the wordmark logotype, as well as what kind of companies go for this method of branding in order to determine if it is the right move for your logo designing journey!

Benefits of a Wordmark Logo

Using a wordmark logo has some advantages to your brand’s image in comparison to its pictorial mark and lettermark counterparts. Here are a few reasons why your brand might benefit the most from a wordmark logotype:

• It can turn your brand name into an icon. Wordmark logos can make new brands easier to remember.
• Many pictorial logos look less than spectacular. Nailing a pictorial symbol that conveys your brand’s message is much harder than designing a wordmark logo and can often look confusing or unrelated to the brand it represents.
• Wordmark logos can cost less than pictorial logos. Designers often charge more for pictorial logos than wordmark logos because they require more effort and skill to create. Wordmark logos can be a budget-friendly option for your business.

Who Should Choose a Wordmark Logo?

The advantages of wordmark logotypes align with certain organizations in particular. Organizations where the company offers something that is hard to visualize often go for this kind of logo. For instance, some companies that use the wordmark logotype often are:

• Businesses that offer a wide variety of goods and services. These businesses often have a harder time summarizing their brand in one graphic image.
• Businesses that offer professional services. These businesses, like law offices, tend not to have many logo-friendly graphics associated with their purpose.
• Software and tech companies. It tends to be difficult to represent tech-related work as a simple graphic image.
• Businesses in rapidly changing fields. Businesses in rapidly changing fields, like beauty and fashion, tend to go for a wordmark logotype because they tend to look less dated than a graphic.

(Source: Branding Compass)

Keep in mind that there are some circumstances when more visual options might be more appealing to consumers. For instance, businesses with long names might not be able to come up with logos that look clean and easily recognizable, so a visual might instead be a more accurate summation of a brand.

If it is still hard for you to decide if a wordmark logo can represent your brand, think about what brands are recognizable to you and how their logos represent them. Look at samples for inspiration and to see what route similar businesses take in their logo design endeavors.

Ways to Customize a Wordmark Logo

While wordmark logos might seem plain at first, wordmark logos allow for much more variety in your design than you might realize. You have probably seen many types of wordmark logos throughout your life without even realizing that they’re just letters.

Wordmark logos often utilize different font styles to portray different tones or to represent a defining characteristic of a brand. Logo designers think about how consumers interpret brands based on font variations. By understanding a bit about how each wordmark logo variation is interpreted, you can begin to think about which ones are relevant to your brand.

Below are a few variations of the wordmark logotype and a brief description of what kinds of brands they tend to represent.

Find the Right Font for the Job

You can use size, shape, line, weight, and boldness in the graphic design of your lettering to represent your brand’s message. If you want your brand to portray authority, for instance, you might want to choose the simple, straight forward appearance of a clean, bold, font.

Be careful not to pick a commonly seen typeface or one that is already used in many brands, like Verdana or Times New Roman, as they tend to have a generic appearance even if slightly altered. There are many ways to work with typefaces to make a visual impact on your audience, so do not be afraid to look for inspiration online.

Another option to avoid is a typeface that another brand personally customizes for its logo. The Disney and Coca-Cola logo both use custom typography in their logos. You do not want to make your potential customers think of another brand when they look at your logo, do you?

If you really want to go the extra mile, you can even develop a custom typeface.

Serif Wordmarks

Serif logos are wordmark logos that use serif lettering. Serifs are the lines at the ends of the letter strokes, giving the text a more traditional appeal. An example of a serif logo is Tiffany and Co.

Serif typefaces tend to lend themselves better to traditional, classic, or academic brands, while curvy lettering or cursive can vary greatly in appearance and can emphasize a variety of tones from whimsical to refined, depending on how it is designed.

Sans Serif Wordmarks

Sans serif logos are exactly what they sound like: logos that use types of lettering that does not have serifs. Sans serif logos have a modern, clean look. An example of a sans serif logo is Mobil.

Script Wordmarks

Script wordmarks use fonts that appear more like calligraphy or cursive. The letters in this logo are going to usually be connected and can vary in how they look. Some look elegant, whereas others look more old-school and retro. The Coca-Cola logo is an example of a script wordmark.

Handwriting Wordmarks

Handwriting wordmarks are a kind of script wordmark where the lettering appears to be more handwritten. Because of the unique nature of a person’s handwriting, brands who are well known for their founder will often use this kind of logo. An example of this watermark is the Disney logo.

Add Personality to Letterforms

Creating focal points in your wordmark image can be difficult to come up with at first, but there are many ways you can incorporate points of interest in your wordmark logo. Common focal points usually include variations in:

• Shape: Just because wordmark logos consist of just letters does not mean it cannot reference a graphic through shape. Brands like Subway and FedEx incorporate elements of their brand into the actual shapes of their logos’ letters.
• Colors: Humans psychologically associate colors with emotions. Artists and designers use this to their advantage when they want to convey something. Colors are a great way to enhance the tone in a wordmark design Brands like Flickr, and PayPal use accent colors to make one part of their design stand out.
• Strokes: Brands like Krispy Kreme and HP use unique letter strokes in their logo designs. The lines that a letter consists of are called “strokes” A stroke that extends above or below a letter is called a “tail.” Utilize tails to accentuate the lettering in your logo.

Good logo designs just made from great ideas coming together but through editing. While there are many ways to personalize the letterforms in your logo, having too many competing elements in one design can make your logo appear busy. Sometimes editing the ideas incorporated into your logo can be just as effective as adding another element to it.

Some ways you can tell if there are too many elements in your logo design are if the lettering connects or overlaps in ways that unintentionally add a focal point to your design or if there are too many competing colors in your design. As a rule of thumb, you should not have more than one or two focal points in a logo.

While it is good to try to make your design have a consistent look and theme throughout the logo, if you keep coming up with ideas that appear cluttered, do not take that as a bad sign. It is always better to have to edit a design with too many ideas than to have a hard time getting a design together at all.

Size and Layout of the Lettering in Wordmark Logos

There are many ways to organize the lettering in your wordmark to put a unique spin on your logo design. While your first instinct when experimenting with lettering in your logo is to make them appear as uniform as the words in sentences and books, you can actually add many variations to lettering while still being able to recognize a word.

Take this as a chance to explore creative layouts. For instance, you can play with the spelling and capitalization of the words in your logo. Varying spelling and capitalization is a great way to take ownership of a word.

Even though Apple’s logo is a picture, you know a product is related to apple the second you see a lowercase “i” tacked on to the beginning of any word that begins with a capital letter. Wordmark style branding can strike an image in the mind of a consumer when done well.

You can also change the appearance of your wordmark logo by trying different letter arrangements or even overlapping the letters to create a unique symbol. Do not be afraid to make letters vary in size or spacing. There are so many ways you can add a creative kick to your logo’s layout and make your wordmark logo resonate with viewers. (Source: Logo Maker)

» MORE: 41 Hidden Messages In Famous Logos

Conclusion

Logos do not have to be graphics in order to be visually intriguing. A wordmark logo can grab people’s attention just as much as a logo that relies on pictures. Wordmark logos are just as customizable as other logotypes and can be a great way to brand yourself or your business.

For all other design needs, we highly recommend trying Placeit. It offers a large library of templates for every design project.

One of the most important aspects of being a small business owner is promoting your brand. While social media has changed the game on this front, making it possible to reach millions of potential clients for free with the click of a button, there is still one method that remains tried and true: the business card.

How many business cards fit on a page? For a standard, wallet-size business card (3.5 x 2 inches) printed on a standard 8.5 x 11-inch page, you can fit 10 business cards on a page.

This is an essential piece of information for those attempting to print business cards at home, as it allows business owners to estimate the cost of printing. While the printing cost per card may go down if printed in higher quantities on larger pieces of cardstock, it will likely necessitate a specialized printer or a trip to a commercial printing facility.

» MORE: What’s the Best Aspect Ratio for Business Cards?

How Big Are Business Cards?

Standard business cards, the type handed out when meeting a new business connection and designed to fit in your wallet for future reference, are 3.5 x 2 inches. Business cards can be printed in other sizes, but they are likely to be considered promotional and not necessarily business cards.

What Are Business Cards Printed On?

A typical piece of 8.5 x 11-inch printer paper can print ten business cards, with one of the following three materials likely used for the final product: 100-pound gloss cover, 14-point cardstock, or 16-point cardstock.

100-Pound Gloss Cover

If you are printing your business cards at home, this is likely to be the type of material used, as it is compatible with a wide range of printers.

Typically, a 100-pound gloss cover is used when printing “cheap” business cards, but that does not mean it produces a cheap-looking card when finished. While thinner than other business card options, 100-pound gloss cover is still considered a cardstock that gives a beautiful shine to your business cards.

If you are a small business, are making business cards for the first time, or do not envision exchanging business cards as a significant component of your marketing strategy, then it is highly advisable to print on 100-pound gloss cover.

14-Point Cardstock

This cardstock is noticeably thicker than 100-pound gloss cover. If you decide to have your business cards printed at a professional shop, this is likely the material they will use, as most established organizations use this material for their companies’ business card needs.

The extra thickness makes this material a little more expensive than a 100-pound gloss cover. While these cards may appear more professional, your home printer may not be rated to handle 14-point cardstock, so you need to check and make sure before purchasing this material and jamming and/or damaging your printer.

16-Point Cardstock

This is the thickest material used for business cards and also the rarest. It is used exclusively at select professional print shops and likely needs to be specially requested, as most stores likely only print on 14-point cardstock or use 14-point cardstock as their default option.

While it is a very professional-looking and striking business card, it is also the most expensive material to print on, so it is probably only wise to use this material when you anticipate your business cards being heavily exchanged. Its thick nature makes it a bit cumbersome to carry, making it unlikely that people will hold onto it for a long time.

» MORE: Do You Have to Put Your Address on a Business Card?

How to Print Business Cards at Home

In software such as Microsoft Word, there are several business card templates for you to choose from. Take the following steps to look at all the different options:

1. Open a new Word document.
2. Click on the “File” tab in the upper left-hand corner.
3. Click on “New” from the dropdown menu.
4. Enter “business cards” in the search bar.
5. Scroll through and select the template you prefer.

Once you have decided on a template, it populates in your Word document, and you can fill in your business’ information as necessary.

If the limited templates in Word do not appeal to you, you can have custom business cards designed on Placeit (our favorite online business card maker). Their mockup wizard allows you to insert a variety of images, graphics, and fonts to capture the essence of your business. Once you have decided on the card you prefer, you can download it and save it to your files to be uploaded for printing.

Whether you have decided on one of Word’s default templates or populated your document with a custom design from Placeit, you will want to do a test print on a regular piece of paper first. This will ensure that the cards fit as expected, do not have any information cut off, and are not experiencing any bleeding of colors.

After you are satisfied with your test print, load the appropriate business card paper, likely 100-pound gloss cover, into your printer, and print the desired quantity. When cutting your cards, you will want to avoid using scissors and employ a lined paper cutter to ensure that edges are straight and consistent.

» MORE: Are Square Business Cards Good or Bad?

Best Business Card Mockups on Placeit

As mentioned, social media marketing has been a revelation across all industries. Even if you plan on using business cards to spread the word about your business and build a brand at the point of contact, it can be beneficial to get your card onto social media to help convey customer interaction.

However, merely posting a picture of your business card on Instagram does not convey this sense of interaction and can often be dismissed as a “spammy” sales post. Fortunately, Placeit offers many creative business card mockups that show your card in trendy, business-forward situations that are sure to be hits on social media.

Business Card at the Coffee Shop

Nothing says “trendy” like a visit to the coffee shop.

With the proliferation of these establishments in recent years, coffee shops have become a favorite place to meet and conduct business.

As such, having a mockup of your business card on display in a coffee shop setting shows that your business is with the times and embraces the sense of community and togetherness evoked in people from a wide array of cultures and life situations.

Business Card Next to a Glass of Wine

Similar to meeting for a cup of coffee, meeting for a casual drink is another way to conduct business in a laid back, relaxed atmosphere.

By having your business card mocked up next to a glass of wine, you can make your business a talking point as you kick back and relax.

Business Card Being Tucked into a Front Pocket

This is a favorite mockup because it shows your business card in its “natural atmosphere.”

As people’s busy lives do not always allow for extended interactions at the point of an initial meeting, the business card has long been a bastion of making sure that connections are not lost forever.

While you may not be able to remember all of the details of an interaction later in the day, you can reach into your pocket and find the business card you saved, allowing you to reopen that conversation you may not have had time for earlier.

By showing the mockup of your business card being tucked into a person’s front pocket, you can capture a classic situation in which business cards have found themselves for years and displaying it on social media.

For all other design needs, we highly recommend trying Placeit. It offers a large library of templates for every design project.

» MORE: How Long Does It Take to Design a Business Card?

Whether you are starting a new business or blog or are looking to make changes to your current one, you need a good logo. However, hiring a designer to create a logo can be expensive. So you might be wondering about that high cost and if you can bring it down.

Why are logos so expensive? Designing the right logo for a brand or company can take a lot of time, and designers are professionals that want to be paid. Logo design includes working with the designer on a concept as well as possibly multiple rounds of design changes. But DIY designs and other services can lower the cost.

Understanding why logos are so expensive can help you understand the value. For many businesses, a logo is an investment because it is the first thing many people will notice about your business. But if you still cannot afford it, you can find cheaper options.

What Goes into Designing a Logo

Part of what makes logos so expensive is the process of designing and creating them. Especially if you work with a designer that has a lot of experience, you can expect to pay a premium. After all, you are paying for their time to create the logo, and you’re paying for the right to use the logo for your business or blog.

Any good designer will start by talking to you about what you want. A designer should consider your brand colors and your target audience. They might also look at your competition to see what works well in your industry and what doesn’t.

Then, of course, they must design your logo. Depending on the designer and the logo, this stage could take a while to complete. After that, your designer will have to prepare the logos to show to you. And only after they show you a logo that you like will you be done with the process.

The logo design process may sound like a lot, but it’s worth it. After all, a logo is probably the piece of graphic design that you will use the most. Marketing campaigns come and go, but your logo will stay with you for years.

Planning and Research

The first step in designing a logo is planning and conducting research. When you first hire a graphic designer, they might schedule a consultation with you to go over the design. You can tell or show them what you want your logo to look like.

• If there is a company logo that you admire, you can show your designer. Or, if you have a specific design in mind, you can talk about that.
• Of course, you don’t have to have a logo idea in mind. You can tell your designer about your brand so that they can come up with a design that matches your style.
• After you meet with your designer, they will probably take some time to research your competition. Not only can that help them find ideas, but it can tell them what works and what doesn’t.
• Your designer will probably also do more research on your business. They will need to know your target audience and industry so that they can design your logo with those factors in mind.

If you do not work with your designer at the start of the logo design process, they may not know what you want. They might find a random idea and go with it, and you may not like it. And if you don’t like what they come up with, you will have to pay for their time to redo the design.

Initial Designs

After the planning and research phase, a graphic designer will start designing the logo. Depending on the designer, they might start by sketching a design on paper, or they will go straight to the computer. At this point, a logo designer will probably create a few different designs.

Of course, you’ll want a small logo that can work well on business cards and other small print materials. In some cases, this logo will not include the full name of your business. However, you may also need a logo with your entire business name.

The different types of logos should have a coherent design, but your designer should give you a couple of options for the fonts or layout. Unfortunately, you don’t have much control over how long this process can take. It can depend a lot on how many clients your designer is working with and their workload.

Your designer may play around with the layout, and if you have a new business, your designer might look at different color schemes. Once they put the logo in a design program, they can tweak the design. Finally, they will let you know when the logo is ready for you to see.

Present to the Client

When presenting logos, your designer might keep things simple. They could put all the logos in one document to send to you. If they make multiple styles with different fonts, they should separate them.

Now’s the time for the designer to sell you on the logo. Of course, if you brought in an idea, they should have something based on that. However, they may also come up with something that you didn’t think of.

As the client, you have a chance to review the different logos they show you. You can ask questions about the designs, which can be useful if you like a design but want small changes. In this stage, you should have an open mind.

Of course, you may not like what the designer gives you. But give them a chance to explain their reasoning and why they think their design would work for your business. Luckily, you can think about it for a day or two, based on your contract with your designer.

Client Feedback

Once you get the logos from the designer, consider each of the options. You should think about the fonts and color schemes and how your audience might react to the logo. If you have other friends in the business world, ask them for their opinions. And do not be afraid to tell your designer that you do not like any of the logos.

• If you do not like any of the logos from your designer, you can send them back. Try to give your designer reasons why you don’t like them. Then, the designer can return to the drawing board with more insight into what you want.
• If you like one of the designs, you can tell your designer. You can say that you like it as is, or you can ask for small tweaks. Perhaps you like the overall design but would prefer a different font. Your designer can make those small changes and finalize the logo.

As the logo design client, you should give the best feedback that you can. Whether you have positive or negative feedback, your designer can use that to make your logo even better. Then, they can polish the logo and present all the versions of that logo to you.

Final Package

Once you get a logo that you like, your designer can finalize the graphics. They should provide you with a small logo that you can put on business cards and letterheads. However, you should also get a logo that works well on your website or other materials.

Your logo designer should give you vector images, which means the logo will have a transparent background. Then, you can use the image on any color paper or background, and it won’t look out of place. If your designer does not give you vector images at first, don’t be afraid to ask for them.

You should be as happy as possible with your logos and the designer’s work. If you have any questions or concerns, let your designer know. He or she can answer your questions or fix any problems while you are still working together.

All the steps that go into logo design can make it expensive. It may seem overwhelming to meet with a designer or make multiple logo revisions. However, your logo can make or break your business, so you want to have the perfect logo.

You Get What You Pay For

While logo design can be expensive, there are reasons for this. When you work with a professional designer, you get access to their expertise. It can take time for a designer to research your company and come up with the logo for you.

• Professional designers typically have experience designing, so they will know what elements to include and what to avoid.
• They also usually use professional design programs, like Adobe Illustrator or InDesign. The cost of those programs can add up.
• Depending on the package your logo designer offers, you may not need to pay extra for revisions.
• Your logo designer does a lot more than creating a logo, and they need to get paid for the time they spend on it.

Of course, the most expensive logo is not always the best one for you. However, there are many benefits to spending a little more on a logo. While you should look for a good deal, going too cheap could cost you in the long run.

Spec Work

One tempting way to save on a logo design is to offer spec work, which means free work. In a lot of cases, you can post an ad about needing a logo, and multiple designers will respond. On the one hand, you will have numerous logos to consider. You can look at the different logo options as they come in, and you can pay for the one you like the best.

However, some professional designers will not be willing to work without a guarantee of being paid. Spec work is popular for newer designers who want to build their portfolio, and so the price you would pay is often lower. But you may not get the personalized attention on your business and logo that you need.

Some designers might research your business, but others might look at the name and come up with something. If that happens, you might get a lot of logos that do not represent your business. In that case, you are better off spending the time designing your logo yourself.

Quality Is Essential

It can be easy to find a cheap designer to create a poster for an upcoming event. After all, you will only use that poster for a few weeks or months. However, your logo is different.

Your logo will live on as part of your business until you decide to change it. For a lot of companies, that means you will have the same logo for years or even decades. Consider companies like Apple or Coca-Cola.

Of course, their logos are relatively simple, but those logos have been with their companies for a long time. Imagine if Apple went with a poorly drawn apple for their logo. Customers would see that, and they might think that Apple makes inferior products.

The better quality your logo is, the more professional you will appear to customers. You’ll show them that you care about your business. Now, you don’t have to break the bank on a new logo, but you should have a good quality logo that accurately portrays your company and looks good.

Cheap Alternatives to Expensive Logos

If you want to get a new logo for your business, you do not have to spend a lot of money. Of course, it would be amazing to have a professional designer make your logo. However, that is not realistic for a lot of people, especially when it comes to new businesses.

Even if you do not have a large budget, you can still get a good logo. You just have to know a few cheap alternatives. Then, you can consider a few options and decide on the one that’s best for you.

Use a Free or Cheap Logo Maker

One of the easiest and cheapest ways to make a logo is to use a logo maker. Many of them are free or low-cost so that you can create one in minutes. You can input your business name and industry, and you can create a logo from there.

• Once you put your name and industry, you can select the colors that you use for your brand. If you don’t have specific colors, you can experiment with different combinations.
• A logo maker will show you different options for graphics that use your name and colors.
• If you like one of the templates that you see, you can edit it even more to customize it.
• You can change the colors and add accent colors. If you know the hex codes, you can specify those so that you get the precise shade that you want.

Once you settle on a template and customize the design, you can download it and use it on your website. You can also share it on your social media or print materials.

If you want to give a logo maker a try, consider Placeit.net, it’s our go-to logo maker for many reasons.

Find a Template

You can also look for logo templates from websites that aren’t logo makers. If you don’t like any of the logos from a logo maker, you can find a template that you like. Some graphic designers sell log templates online, or you can find free templates.

Design programs, like Canva, offer logo templates that you can use to create your logo. Like with a logo maker, you can customize the color and font of the logo. You can adjust the position of different elements, so you can give the logo the layout that you want.

Whether you find a free or paid logo template, it will probably be cheaper than hiring a graphic designer. You can still get some customization with your logo, but you will not have to pay big bucks. If you go this route, consider getting feedback on the logo.

Ask your customers or people in your target audience for their opinion. If you have a current logo, compare the two. Then, you can make sure you make the right selection for your logo design.

Design Your Own Logo

Possibly the hardest cheap alternative to expensive logos is designing your own from scratch. You don’t use a template or logo maker, so all you have is your design ability. Instead, you can follow the steps that any designer would to make the best logo possible.

• Designing your own logo is an excellent idea if you have a design-based business. Whether you are a graphic designer or want to specialize in logo design, your logo can make a great addition to your portfolio.
• You may need some drawing skills if you want a more sophisticated logo. However, anyone can use elements like text and images to create a logo.
• If you make your own logo, you should get feedback on it. Starting from scratch can be difficult, so ask your customers or someone else in your business.
• Of course, do not be afraid to switch to another idea if one does not work as well.

Once you settle on a logo, you can implement it in with all your design materials. Make sure you save the logo as an EPS file and that you apply a transparent background. Then, you can superimpose the logo on anything without it being too obstructive.

Sketch Out What You Want

If you want to work with a graphic designer but you want to make it cheaper, do as much as you can of the design process. Instead of having your designer research your company and competition, you can do that. When you meet with the designer, you can present them with the information on your target audience and successful or unsuccessful logos.

You can also save your designer time if you can create a rough sketch of the logo you want. While it can help if you know how to draw, even a basic outline can help. The more information and ideas you can give your designer, the less work they will have to do.

Giving this information to your designer will cut down on the time they have to spend working on your logo. And since a lot of designers charge per hour for logo design, you can cut down on your bill. However, you do have to make sure that your designer charges hourly rather than a set rate.

Still, doing some of the research and sketching yourself can save you money on a logo. You can also save money by only requesting one logo, which will take less time for a designer to do. If you only want one option and you know what you want, you can tell your designer so that they don’t waste time on other logos.

Work with a Design Student

Perhaps you want to work with an individual designer, but you cannot afford a professional. In that case, consider working with someone who is currently in school for graphic design. Students will usually charge less than professionals because they haven’t finished their degree.

• Depending on the student, they will probably know the basics of designing a logo or graphics in general.
• A lot of design students have an eye for design, so they will know what looks good or not.
• The student can get feedback from their professors or classmates before showing you the final design.
• They might also be willing to charge less if you let them include the logo in their portfolio.
• A design student might be more open to various design styles if they haven’t formed their own style yet.

Working with a graphic design student can be a great way to get individual help with your logo while saving money. Of course, you should pay a student designer, but they typically will not cost as much as a professional. Still, you can work with someone who has some design experience.

Find a New Designer

If you don’t want to work with a design student but still want help from a designer, find someone new to the field. Of course, a beginning designer will probably charge more than a student. However, they probably won’t charge as much as someone with more experience.

When looking for a more affordable graphic designer, compare a few designers. In general, it will be cheaper to work with an individual than with a design agency. You should look at a designer’s portfolio, especially any logos they have done.

If you are willing to work remotely with a graphic designer, you can also look at people in different locations. Because of the cost of living, a designer in New York will probably charge more than one in Houston.

Either way, be sure to shop around. Choose a designer with a portfolio that you like and find one that fits your budget.

Service Exchange

Another way to save money on a logo design is if you can exchange services. While this will depend on if you have a service they need, it can be a great way to save money. Consider these ideas for exchanging services.

• If you are a writer, you can ask a graphic designer to do a logo for you, and you can write a page or two for their website.
• A social media manager could manage a graphic designer’s social media for a set amount of time in exchange for the logo.
• If you’re a hairstylist, you could offer a styling service at a similar price to what your logo would cost.

Exchanging services can be a fantastic way for you and your designer to save money. You can both get the service that you need, but you won’t have to break the bank.

How to Choose the Best Option for You

There are multiple ways you can lower the cost of logo design, and the best option will depend on you. Before you decide to go with a cheaper alternative or splurge on a designer, think about a few things first.

• First, think about how much you can afford to spend on a logo and how much is worth it for you.
• Consider the purpose of the logo. For example, a personal blogger may not need a unique logo like a growing business would.
• You should also think about how long you want the logo to last. Of course, you want it to last for a while, but if you think you might change it soon, do not spend too much on it.
• If you decide to work with a designer, be it a student or professional, look at their portfolio to make sure that you like their style.

Choosing the right option for a logo can be difficult. Whether you decide to spend a ton of money or go with the cheapest option that you can, you need to do what’s best for you.

Final Thoughts

For better or worse, some logos can be expensive. A graphic designer can take time to find the right design, and you need to pay them for their services. Luckily, you can find a cheaper alternative, like a logo maker, to lower the cost of your logo design.

Our recommended first step is to browse the pre-made logo templates on Placeit (our favorite online logo maker) and see how far you can take it. If you can go all the way to creating a logo that fits your business on Placeit, then you are far ahead of the game on cost. If not, you’ll have some great ideas of what you like to present to a designer.

When creating logos and designs, choosing a color mode is an important first step. Often, deciding whether to go with CMYK or RGB for a logo can be a complicated decision. While practicing my own logo design, I decided to look further into the issue.

Should logos be in CMYK or RGB? Ideally, logos should be provided in both color modes. CMYK color mode is best used for any logo that will be printed, and RGB color mode is best for screens.

While both are useful and should be provided in any professional setting, it is best to explore the differences between the two so you can make your own informed decision.

» MORE: What Happens If You Print RGB Instead of CMYK?

The Difference Between CMYK and RGB

CMYK and RGB are both color modes. Essentially, color modes are how image software determines color channels, or how many are available.

There is a wide variety of color modes, but CMYK and RGB are the two most popular and best for most logos.

CMYK and RGB are abbreviations that represent the aspects of the color modes. CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key, respectively. RGB stands for Red, Green, and Blue, respectively.

What is CMYK?

CMYK is a color space that was specifically designed for logos and other designs to be printed. Most printers take cartridges of these colors as well, making the transition from design program to print as smooth as possible.

The “K” letter in CMYK can be confusing for new designers. It stands for key and is the only letter abbreviation that is not directly related to a color. Put simply, key really just means black.

It has a separate name of key because of its unique property. When the rest of the colors are mixed together, they create the pure black represented as the final letter in the abbreviation.

When logos are printed, CMYK colors are combined to produce a range of colors. This is done using a process called subtractive mixing, where all colors start off as white. Each time ink is printed, it simply reduces the initial brightness until the required pigment can be seen.

What is RGB?

RGB is also a color space, designed for use on digital screens. The range of colors within the RGB color mode is more than what CMYK can achieve during printing.

Where CMYK uses subtractive mixing, the RGB color mode uses additive mixing. Starting with the color black, red, green and blue light is added and mixed to create the desired color. When all three colors are mixed at the same ratio, it creates white.

RGB covers millions of colors and has the largest amount of color options. Because of that, designers can tweak and change many aspects of color such as vibrancy and contrast to get exactly what they are looking for across any digital screen.

Switching Between Color Modes

Often, logos may be seen both online and physically. Choosing a color mode is trickier in situations like this, and often it may be simpler to stick to colors visible on both spectrums.

Transitioning from RGB to CMYK is harder than doing the opposite due to the extra range in pigment RGB has. If a program is making this switch automatically, colors will often end up muted or saturated incorrectly and ruin the logo.

Due to this, it is often recommended that designers start their logo in the CMYK color mode and transition it to RGB when necessary.

» MORE: How to Convert RGB to CMYK Without Losing Color

When To Use CMYK

The CMYK color mode should be used for any logo that will be seen printed on physical things more than on a screen. In addition, if a logo will be recreated in other mediums such as painting, CMYK is also better.

There is a large variety of places where logos could pop up where CMYK is the best option. Below, I’ve outlined a few common ones within large categories. It is always best to check how a logo is planned to be used before choosing a color mode!

Branding

Many brands have logos that need to be displayed in a physical space. Situations that require a printed brand logo require the CMYK color mode to be used. Some examples are:

• Storefront signs
• Printed business cards
• Emblemized stationery

Merchandise

If the designed logo is expected to be sold on buyable goods, it is especially important to design in the CMYK color mode. Customers will not want to buy any merchandise with the logo if colors don’t match their web look.

Examples of merchandise where a logo is visible could include:

• T-shirts
• Pens
• Mugs
• Towels
• Pillows
• Hats

Truly, the sky is the limit in terms of merchandise. Using CMYK ensures that whatever the logo is printed on, it will look true to form.

Product Design

Physical products and packaging are often where a brand’s logo is seen most. Any business which sells products for people to buy should have their logo made in CMYK so the package design can display the logo properly.

Advertising

Logos show up constantly in physical advertising. Some examples include:

• Billboards
• Newspapers
• Magazines
• Posters
• Brochures

Especially in advertising, where a logo may only be viewed for a second before the consumer moves on, having a consistent color mode is essential.

» MORE: Can You Save a PNG File in CMYK Color?

When To Use RGB

RGB should be used anytime the logo will be displayed most on a digital screen. More and more, digital marketplaces are becoming the norm, and RGB is growing in popularity. Common places where a digital logo could show up include:

• Online shops
• Business websites
• Social media accounts
• Videos
• Official statements
• Watermarks on photography or artwork

It is important to consider where logos may end up in the future, too. While a company may exclusively be online for now, they may want to expand into physical branding in the future. If there is any possibility a logo will be printed, RGB should not be used.

Printers simply cannot reproduce all of the millions of colors available in RGB mode. If a logo designed here goes to print, colors will often lose saturation or look simply wrong.

» MORE: 41 Hidden Messages In Famous Logos

How To Save Files In The Correct Color Mode

Saving and delivering logos in the correct file format is essential to preserve the work done on them. Different color modes operate best using different file extensions.

It is always a good practice to follow any file specifications laid out before saving your logo. However, if you have a client who has not provided any specifics or you are doing personal work, here are some tips.

Formatting For CMYK

For CMYK files, there are a few industry standards.

PDF files are great for logos made in the CMYK color mode. This is because of how ubiquitous they are. Anyone has a piece of software for opening PDFs, and they are easily printable. This is standard for sending out finished logos to clients.

AI files are standard for CMYK files as well, especially between designers. AI is an Adobe Illustrator file type, which saves all the layers and work put into a logo. This means it is easily editable by others with the program. It also saves the color mode, which is vital. This file type should be provided for any commissioned logo work as well.

EPS files are a fine alternative to AI files. They save much of the same information but are available to open and edit in a larger variety of programs, in case further changes to the logo must be made elsewhere.

SVG files are a vector image format perfect for logos. They tend to be large, but that is rarely an issue for logos that are to be printed. SVG files are the industry standard for providing logos.

Formatting for RGB

Saving logos made with the RGB color mode is also a fairly standardized process. Because logos made in the RGB color mode are to be used on the web, it is important to consider file size. Websites can get bogged down by large files quickly, and logo images rarely need to be huge for web use.

With that in mind, here are common file types to save RGB logos in.

PNG (.png) files are generally regarded as the best practice if providing a rasterized file. They support transparency, so any logo can easily be put onto any background, and are easily opened in any image software. They are also easily uploaded to websites to be used wherever needed.

PSD (.psd) or AI (.ai) files are both exclusive to Adobe products. PSD correlates to Adobe Photoshop and is best used for logos created in that program. AI is made for Adobe Illustrator and best for that. These files are great for sharing logos between designers or editing the logo further.

JPEG (.jpeg) files will occasionally be requested by clients. These are nice because they strike a perfect balance between file size and quality, and are also widely supported. It is important to note that JPEGs do not support transparency, so logos will have to be cut out before use.

Occasionally, digital logos may be made with movement or animation. In cases like this, GIF (.gif) files are best. GIFs tend to be large but are perfect for capturing motion and are widely supported on the web.

Other Color Modes

While CMYK and RGB are the common color modes, other options for logos do exist. Changing the color mode of an image will inherently change the way colors look and blend together, and occasionally a client will request a more uncommon option. Here are a few more common color modes.

• Pantone Color
• Grayscale mode
• Bitmap mode
• Multichannel mode

While some of these are more specialized, each of them can be used effectively to create great logos. Learning them will help your designs as well!

Pantone Color Mode

The Pantone color mode is another style that is best for printing. Rather than being an acronym, Pantone is actually the name of a company that created a color matching system.

The Pantone colors are especially great for logos due to their incredible color accuracy. A logo created in the Pantone colors will look exactly the same whether in print or on a screen.

Logos that have multiple colors could become muddled, and printing with multiple Pantone colors can get expensive. Another downside is that converting from Pantone to CMYK can often make colors have dramatic differences.

Overall, the Pantone color mode is a fairly specialized one but it is worth checking out.

Grayscale Color Mode

Logos will almost never be delivered or finished in a grayscale color mode, but it can be an essential tool during development.

The grayscale color mode uses different shades of gray to create an image. These shades of gray are calculated by brightness level. At level 0, the gray is black. At the highest level on the scale, which changes, the color is white.

The grayscale color mode can also be measured as percentages of black cover over a white background.

While logos are rarely made in grayscale, it can be an essential tool for getting the values of an image correct. Being able to switch between color modes to test this will help create a great logo at the end.

Bitmap Color Mode

The bitmap color mode is binary, utilizing only black or white to represent color. The name comes from the bitmapped 1-bit images the mode creates.

The bitmap image mode can be great for testing contrast in a logo, and when space is a concern, the file size tends to be very small.

Once again, a logo will rarely be delivered in this format.

Multichannel Mode

The multichannel image mode is highly specialized for printing and required conversion from other modes to even work. Multichannel means that, rather than working through a color wheel or picker, each color channel is manipulated individually.

For instance, if the multichannel image was converted from RGB, the color channels of the image will change to CMY – cyan, magenta, and yellow, respectively. This is because multichannel mode is only for printing. Colors will get diluted and highly changed when converting to this mode.

Converting from CMYK to multichannel will yield much better results, though it still will not be perfect.

Multichannel mode is great for high contrast logos, or where one color channel is meant to be most seen. The tweaks available in the color channels means that exact control can be had and can ensure the image matches exactly when printed.

Printing out multichannel images tends to require special equipment, so it is rare to create logos in this mode unless specified.

» MORE: The Power Of Symmetry: 13 Lessons From Famous Logos

Best Practices For Making And Providing Logos

With the wide variety of color mode options available for making logos, logo designers can get bogged down in the details. When this starts to happen, it is best to take a step back and focus on some best practices for designing and shipping out logos – a simple return to basics.

Regardless of what color mode you choose for your logo (and remember: CMYK for print, RGB for digital!), there are standards for uploading or providing the logo to clients.

What Files to Provide When Giving a Logo

There are four essential file types to provide to a client who asked for a logo. These are:

• An editable file – Normally, this will be an Adobe Illustrator file. This will allow the logo to be edited as needed in the future.
• A PDF file – This is great for clients and others to be able to view the final logo.
• A PNG file – It is essential this comes with a transparent background as well.

While it may seem like a lot, providing the logo in all four of these forms can help to ensure that they receive exactly what they want out of the logo.

Black and White Variations

When providing a logo, it can also be extremely useful to provide the logo in black and white variations.

If the logo is going to be used on single color documents, merchandise, or a host of other things, it is often best to use it in black.

A white variation of the logo is another single color version, operating similarly to the black variant. This is best when the logo is going to be used on colored or dark backgrounds and can really help highlight the contrast and values of the logo.

It is also important to note that these variations should be provided as their own files if the logo is being handed off to a client or business. That way, they can easily use whichever one they need the most and don’t have to search through a document.

» MORE: A Guide to Choosing the Best Colors for Your Logo

Confidence In Your Color Mode

Armed with the knowledge of different color modes and what they are best suited for, you are now able to go and create the best logos you can! When in doubt, use the CMYK mode. It will work great both in print and digitally.
Remember, the mark of a great logo is rarely in its color mode. Putting the focus on contrast and values will take your logo a lot further than worrying too much about color. Once you have confirmed the use for the logos, design freely!

For all other design needs, we highly recommend trying Placeit. It offers a large library of templates for every design project.

An iPhone mockup can be a great way to reach a target audience with your products. They make great advertisements that can broadcast your brand without needing a full-blown commercial or ad space online. You can upload your company logo or even your own image or family into thousands of mockup backgrounds. Plus, it’s easy to do! 

So, how do you make an iPhone mockup? You can do it in three easy steps:

1. First, pick your mockup template.
2. Then upload a photo and choose your background color.
3. Finally, pay for the mockup or a subscription to access and download it. (We have a free way too!)

That’s it! If you sign up for the subscription, you can use thousands to keep your mockups fresh and enticing!

This article will go into detail on how to make an iPhone mockup while using placeit.net’s website. We will discuss each step in detail as well as tips and tricks you can use to make the experience even easier than it already is. Read on to learn more about iPhone mockups and how great of an asset they can be to your personal or business ventures.

1. Pick Your Mockup Design

Go visit the Placeit.net website. Start your search here. Placeit.net has thousands of options to cover any need you may have when creating your mockup. Designs range from just the iPhone to incorporating other Apple technology, like iPad or multiple iPhones. Depending on your target audience, you can decide which matches your needs best.

You can use their filter system to find the exact type of mockup you want. They have a reliable search engine that narrows down your options if scrolling through them all becomes overwhelming. Then, their filter system allows you to narrow those results even further to find the exact mockup design you’re looking for.

Your mockup design doesn’t just have to be an image. Placeit.net also offers video mockups for variety as well as increased exposure for your business logo or image showcase. Not to mention offering variety to keep your audience interested and intrigued by your business logo and promote their interaction with your business.

Placeit.net has thousands of options for you. You’ll never have to use the same mockup twice. This can help keep your logo current and prevent your audience from growing tired of seeing the same ad every time they come across your logo. Plus, it shows your target audience that you have the creativity and drive in making your logo or business known.

2. Upload An Image/Choose Background

Once you have your mockup chosen, then you can upload your image. This is where you can upload your business logo or personal image that you want on an iPhone. While this can be a great resource for businesses to use, the creative individual who wants beautiful images or videos with their designs can benefit just as much from using placeit.net.

You don’t have to use just one mockup image. If you sign up for the Placeit.net’s Subcritption, you can have access to thousands of mockup options. If you aren’t feeling your logo or image with the mockup design you chose, then you can choose another. Placeit.net also offers free mockups so you can play around with them and see how they work.

You can use a business logo, your personal images, or a channel icon. Mockups would be great for online users who want to promote their channels or businesses. They can put their channel icon or personal image into a mockup to share with subscribers or fans, as well as make their content exciting and cutting edge.

Once you have your image, you can choose your background color. This aesthetic will help your logo or image to pop on the screen based on the color you choose. This can make or break how others perceive your image, so it’s an important step! Placeit.net also offered it as a feature to further personalize your mockup to you. No two mockups will look the same!

3. Download It!  

Once you have your mockup created, you can download it, and it’s yours! All the hard work is done, and you’re left with the final product. If you chose a free mockup design, then you are finished. If you wanted one of the paid mockup designs, you can pay for that one design or the monthly subscription to use that one and thousands more.

You aren’t pushed into getting a subscription on the placeit.net website. They wouldn’t offer free mockups if the website only wanted your money. The people who run the website know they have quality pieces to offer those who will end up using multiple mockups. The subscription will be a good fit if you can see yourself using more than one mockup a month. As an added bonus, All Free Mockups users now get 15% off Placeit!

You can always come back and make more mockups. You aren’t locked into the one mockup you used. Whether it was to experiment with how easy it is to make one or to see how your image would look, you can always make more. You aren’t limited to a certain number of downloads, whether you use multiple free or subscription mockups.

Share your mockup with the world! You are happy with your final product, so share it with everyone! Post it on Social Media or on your business or marketing page to drum up more business. As well as reach out to your target audience and keep your current audience happy and interested in your products.

More Information

Placeit.net will keep your personal images safe. For those who want to make a creative graduation card or social media post can also use these mockups to promote their image on an iPhone. Placeit.net won’t sell or store your images where they may be sold or used without your permission. So, don’t worry about using them to make personal projects too!

If you aren’t happy with your mockup design, you can ask for help. Placeit.net has help via chat on their website to chat with someone who can help you fix or redesign your mockup. Plus, their FAQ page can answer a lot of questions as well as help you search for what mockup you really want, and not just the ones you found on your first search attempt.

You can make more than just iPhone mockups on placeit.net. Did you love your mockup design, but you wish you could share it through other mediums? You can! You can make your iPhone mockup into a tote bag, hat, shirt, or other technological mockups. While placeit.net won’t print these designs, you can take them to a place that does to create apparel with your logo or business on it.

Getting a placeit.net subscription is worth it for those who want new and exciting mockups. Whether those are marketing-driven or personally driven, getting a subscription makes sense if you will be purchasing more than one mockup a month. Your subscription will pay for itself after you buy the second mockup.

Summary

We’ve discussed how to create an iPhone mockup in three easy steps. You choose your mockup design, whether it’s free or paid doesn’t matter. Then you upload your image and choose a background color to make it pop. Lastly, you download the free mockup or pay for the mockup, and it’s done! You can come back to Placeit.net and make as many as you like.

Hopefully, this article was helpful and informative and gave you the inspiration to create your own mockup!