letterheads

Letterheads are the heading and identifying information displayed at the top of official documents. They serve to authenticate the sender and project an organization's identity. Historically produced as pre-printed stationery, letterheads are now commonly generated as digital templates used in word processors and email clients, allowing consistent appearance across written communication.

A typical letterhead includes the organization’s name, logo, and contact details such as physical address, phone number, email, and website. Depending on local regulations and branding, it may also display the registered office or company registration number, tax identifiers, and a tagline or motto. Design choices—logo size, typography, color, and spacing—should reflect corporate branding while maintaining legibility on various media and paper sizes.

Layout conventions vary: most letterheads place key information in a header spanning the page width, with alignment ranging from centered to left-aligned. Light, unobtrusive backgrounds and adequate white space help readability; vector logos ensure scalable quality. Some organizations use watermarks or subtle color accents to reinforce branding without overpowering the text.

Legal and ethical considerations differ by jurisdiction. In some regions, displaying official registration details on formal documents is required; in others it is optional. Unauthorized use of logos or branding can mislead recipients and is generally discouraged.

Formats and usage: letterheads are employed on printed letters, invoices, and notices, as well as on digital documents and email templates. Brands maintain these templates through style guides and version control to ensure consistency across communications.