How to Make Logo Variations with Graphic Design Software

Your brand’s logo is like your business’s fingerprint—unique, recognizable, and hopefully not smudged across too many surfaces. It’s the single most important visual element that identifies your small business, so it needs to stand out.

And with a little strategic planning (because we all love adulting), your logo will always be ready to jump into action. Whether you’re posting on social media, creating a website, printing business cards, or just slapping it on a coffee mug because, well, why not?

Keep reading to learn about the different types of logo variations you need for your business, plus how to easily create them using graphic design software and logo templates.

What Are Logo Variations, and Why Should You Care?

Think of your logo variations as your wardrobe—one design just won’t fit every occasion. A logo variation is a modified version of your primary logo, designed to fit different spaces, backgrounds, and uses.

For example, your primary logo might look great on your website header, but have you ever tried stuffing it into a tiny Instagram profile? It’s like trying to fit into those jeans from five years ago—not happening. This is where logo variations save the day.

5 Essential Logo Variations You Need

Let’s talk variations—because you need options! Most professional brands use three to five logo variations. Here’s what you should have in your branding toolkit.

1. The Primary Logo

This is your brand’s main logo—the one you’ll use the most (and the one you spent way too much time picking colors for). It belongs on big things like your website header, brand materials, and social media cover photos.

• Includes the full brand name
• May have a tagline or slogan
• Usually includes a graphic/icon
• Works in large spaces but not always in small ones

2. The Secondary Logo

This is your original logo’s sidekick—kind of like Robin to Batman (but without the spandex). It’s a simplified version of your primary logo, used when your primary logo doesn’t fit.

• May reformat text or remove unnecessary details
• Works well on invoices, business cards, and social media
• Keeps brand consistency without taking up too much space

3. The Submark (or Brandmark) Logo

This is your tiny but mighty logo variation! It’s a compact and simplified version of your brand—ideal for social media profile images, watermarks, stickers, and footers.

• Usually consists of initials, a small icon, or a graphic mark
• Looks great in circular profile images (hello, Instagram!)
• Often used as a favicon for your website

4. Primary Logo Variation

Sometimes, your primary logo needs a quick wardrobe change—like wearing a white version on a dark background or a black version on light backgrounds.

• Ensures your logo is visible on all backgrounds
• Creates a cohesive look no matter where it’s placed
• Includes color variations (because nobody likes a clashing logo)

5. Secondary Logo Variation

The same idea as your primary logo variation, but applied to your secondary logos. Because you never know when you’ll need a slightly different version to fit a tight space or different colored background.

• Might include an outline for better visibility
• Ensures flexibility for various marketing channels
• Prevents unnecessary headaches when designing print or digital media

How to Make Logo Variations with Graphic Design Software

Now that you know the logo variations you need, let’s talk about how to create them without pulling your hair out. Luckily, tools like The Graphics Creator make it easy to design stunning logos and their variations!

Step 1: Start with Your Primary Logo

Your primary logo is your brand’s foundation, so nail that first. Choose fonts, colors, and a logo icon that represent your business and create a balanced design.

Step 2: Adjust for Secondary Logos

Remove non-essential elements and resize your logo to fit smaller spaces, like business cards and invoices.

Step 3: Create a Submark

Keep it simple—use your initials, a minimal design, or your main logo icon to create a compact version for social media and favicon use.

Step 4: Make Necessary Color Variations

Test your logo in black, white, and on different backgrounds to ensure readability.

FAQs

Do I really need all these logo variations?

Absolutely! It keeps your branding flexible across platforms.

Can I create my own logo variations?

Yes—easy-to-use tools like The Graphics Creator make the process simple.

And with that, you’re ready to design stunning logo variations like a pro. Happy branding!