Choosing a logo for your business is among the first steps of branding. You’ve probably heard terms like logotype, logomark and combination logo thrown around like they’re the same thing. They’re not. And if you don’t know the difference, you might end up with something that doesn’t work for your brand at all.
I’m telling you this because the type of logo you choose affects how people recognise your business, how flexible your brand assets are and how clearly you stand out from others in your space.
In fact, 75% of people recognise a brand by its logo more than any other brand element.
Source: Fiverr
In this blog, I’ll break down the difference between Logotype vs Logomark, where combination logos come in and how to pick the right one for your business.
Logotype Definition: What is it?
A logotype is your business name designed in a stylised, distinctive way. There’s no icon, no symbol, just text! I’m telling you this because if your business name is short, strong and easy to remember, a logotype can do the job on its own. It makes your brand clear from the first glance without needing extra visuals.
Best Logotype Examples
You’ve already seen some of the biggest brands using logotypes without realising it. Like:
- Google: Simple, colourful and built entirely from the brand name
- Coca-Cola: Iconic script that’s recognised everywhere
- Visa: Clean and direct, using just the name
These brands rely on typography and consistency, not icons.
Where Logotypes Work Best
Logotype branding is great when:
- You’re just starting and want to build name recognition.
- Your business name is memorable and not too long.
- You need your logo to work across signage, packaging or digital channels with minimal complexity.
Pros and Cons of Logotypes
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy to read and instantly recognisable | Doesn’t work well if your name is long or hard to read |
| Strong for name-based branding | Lacks visual symbol for recognition at a glance |
| Simple to scale across formats |
Logomark Meaning: What is it?
Moving further to Logotype vs Logomark, when it comes to logmark meaning, you’ll find no generic definition, as it can be a symbol, icon or image that represents your brand but without using words. I have seen so many businesses that prefer to keep their branding visual. In those cases, a logomark is often the better choice. It captures the essence of your business in a single shape or graphic.
Examples of Logomarks
The only fact that makes logomarks unique is that you’ll recognise them instantly, even without any text. Some pictorial logo examples are:
- Apple: The bitten apple is globally known so no words needed.
- Nike: The swoosh speaks for itself; no need for a name.
- X (Twitter): Just the “X,” no business name. Earlier, it was just a bird.
These logomarks are powerful because they’ve been used consistently, and people now associate the symbol with the brand.
Where Logomarks Work Best
Logomarks are a strong choice when:
- You want a visual that’s easy to recognise even at small sizes.
- You’re aiming for a clean, minimalist look.
- Your business already has strong name recognition and doesn’t always need text.
Pros and Cons of Logomarks
| Pros | Cons |
| Works well in small spaces like favicons | Doesn’t communicate your business name directly |
| Can feel premium and refined | Can be hard to build recognition without heavy consistency |
| More flexibility in visual branding |
Combination Marks – Combination of Logotype & Logomark
A combination mark ends the debate for Logotype vs Logomark as it brings together the best of both worlds: your business name and a visual symbol. I recommend this for most businesses, especially those that are growing or want to build recognition faster. You get the clarity of a logotype with the visual impact of a logomark, all in one.
Examples of Combination Marks
You see these all the time:
- Lacoste: The name paired with the crocodile.
- Adidas: The brand name “Adidas” is placed under the iconic three-stripe mark.
- Mastercard: Overlapping red and yellow circles next to the wordmark.
These logos give you the option to use both elements together or separately, depending on where they’re applied.
Top Combination Logo Benefits
Combination logos are ideal when:
- You want strong branding but also want your name visible.
- Your business is new and you’re building recognition.
- You plan to use the logo across packaging, signage or uniforms where both visual and verbal clarity matter.
Pros and Cons of Combination Marks
| Pros | Cons |
| Builds recognition faster by combining name and icon | More complex to design and scale in small spaces |
| Gives flexibility as you can use the icon or name alone | Requires clear rules for when to use each part |
| Stronger for long-term branding |
Logotype vs. Logomark: Key Differences
To understand the difference between Logotype and Logomark, you can go through this table below:
| Feature | Logotype (Text-Based) | Logomark (Symbol-Based) |
| Customisation | You can easily add a tagline below the business name | You can use it on tags, stickers or favicons without any text |
| Recognition use case | You help people remember the actual name through repetition | You create quick recognition using a shape or symbol |
| Multi-language use | You can keep your brand name clear across any written format | You make it easier for people to recognise you visually |
| Start-up branding | You make your name the focus while building reputation | You let the symbol speak when your name is less known |
| Brand extension | You may struggle with space when branding sub-products | You can apply the mark across multiple offerings with ease |
| Print application | You keep things clear on business cards and documents | You keep designs clean on packaging and merchandise |
What is a Logo?
I want you to forget about Logotype vs Logomark for a while and focus on something generic – a logo! A logo is a visual identifier for your business. It’s the first thing people notice and often the one thing they remember. A good logo sets the tone for your brand and it tells people who you are without needing an explanation. It could be just your business name (logotype), a symbol (logomark) or both combined, your logo helps build recognition across every channel.
Your logo shows up everywhere your brand exists, like on business cards, websites and packaging. That’s why getting it right matters so it can connect with your target audience.
Choosing the Right Logo Type for Your Brand
Even if you figure out the best deal after going through Logotype vs. Logomark, there’s no single rule that says you must go with a specific type. What matters is what makes sense for your business. You’ll find many examples where brands started with just a logotype and added a mark later. Others jumped straight into combination logos from day one.
Here’s what you need to think about:
- If your business is new and you want to build name recognition, going for a logotype is better.
- If your brand name is long or tricky to remember, a logomark can give you visual simplicity.
- If you want the flexibility to use your name and symbol together or apart, go for a combination mark.
- If you’re rebranding, review how your current logo performs, look at what people actually remember.
Choose the logo type that fits your brand’s message, looks good across all formats and is easy for people to connect with.
Logo Design Tips and Best Practices
No matter what type of logo you choose, the design needs to work hard. A logo isn’t just about how it looks, it’s about what it says without words. Here’s how to get it right:
- You need to keep it simple. The best logos are the ones people can describe in a few words.
- You must test it in different sizes. Your logo should be clear on a billboard and still recognisable as a favicon.
- You should stay away from trends that fade quickly. A logo should feel timeless, not temporary.
- You need to make sure it works in black and white as well as colour.
- You should get feedback. That would not necessarily come from a designer but from people who might buy from you. If they don’t get it, rethink it.
Your goal should always be creating a logo that lasts, works everywhere and helps your brand stand out for the right reasons.
Quick Answers to Common Logotype vs Logomark Questions
How to design a logomark?
If you’re planning to design a logomark, start by understanding the values and personality of your business. To create a strong logomark, all you need is a simple, memorable symbol. Keep the design clear, avoid extra details and test it across different sizes. For inspiration, look at well-known logomark logo examples like Twitter or Apple. These show how a single shape can become a recognisable identity over time.
Can a business shift from logotype to logomark over time?
Yes, and many brands do exactl that. It’s common to start with a logotype to build name recognition, then shift toward a symbol once people know who you are. You’ll find this often in logotype and logomark examples from brands like Starbucks or Nike. This shift supports flexibility in branding while keeping the core message strong.
What’s the benefit of using a combination logo instead of choosing one?
A combination logo brings the best of both worlds, you get the clarity of a logotype and the visual strength of a logomark. One of the biggest combination logo benefits is flexibility. You can use the full logo when space allows or just the icon when you need something simpler. This works well across packaging, merchandise and digital platforms.
What’s the difference between a wordmark and a logomark?
This is a common question. A wordmark (or logotype) is made entirely of text, your business name styled in a specific font. A logomark is purely visual, using an icon or symbol instead of words. If you’re comparing wordmark vs logomark, think of it this way: a wordmark helps people learn your name, while a logomark helps them remember your brand visually.
Logotype vs Logomark: Clearing Up the Last Bits
No matter how much thought you put into colours or fonts, the wrong type of logo can hold your business back. What you choose needs to match how your business shows up in the real world, on packaging, screens, uniforms or even a social profile picture. Remember, your logo is something people remember when they need what you offer.
If you’re not sure what will work best, don’t guess. At PrintVideoWeb, we provide logo design services in Melbourne that make sense for your business and perform across every format you’ll ever need. Whether you want a clean logotype, a bold logomark or a flexible combination logo, we’ll help you build a brand people recognise and trust.
