A logo is judged in a second, often at the size of a fingertip on a phone screen. Many logos look good on a designer's screen and then fall apart on a cup, a sign or a profile picture. These seven tests take a few minutes and show whether your logo will hold up in real life, whether you are choosing a new one or checking the one you have.
The seven tests
- The fingertip test. Shrink the logo to the size of an Instagram profile picture or a browser tab icon. If you can no longer tell what it is, it has too much detail.
- The one colour test. Put it in black on white, then white on black. A strong logo works without colour, gradients or shadows.
- The two language test. Place the Arabic and English versions side by side. They should look like one family, with matching weight and height.
- The memory test. Show it to someone for five seconds, then ask them to sketch it. If they can draw the main shape, people will remember it.
- The real life test. See it on a cup, a bag, a sign and a profile. Our logo try-on does this in seconds, without uploading your file anywhere.
- The competitor test. Put it next to five competitors. If it blends in, customers will mix you up.
- The rules test. It should be distinctive enough to register as a trademark, and it must not use national or religious symbols.
Saudi rules to know before you design
The Ministry of Commerce bans the Saudi flag, the national emblem and the names and pictures of the country's leaders in commercial use, and since late 2024 the ban covers national and religious symbols in general. Keep them out of your logo. Then register your logo and name as a trademark with the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property before you print anything. A logo that only describes what you sell, such as a coffee cup with the word coffee, is harder to protect than a distinctive one.
Mistakes we see often
- Too many details. Fine lines and small shapes disappear at small sizes.
- Trendy effects. Gradients, glows and 3D look dated quickly and print badly.
- The obvious icon. A coffee bean for every café and a tooth for every dental clinic makes you look like everyone else.
- Thin Arabic letters. Arabic dots and details are the first thing to vanish on a sign seen from the street.
- Borrowing a famous look. Being close to a big brand invites legal trouble and makes you look like a copy.
The files you should receive
- Vector files (SVG, PDF or AI) for print and large signs.
- PNG files with transparent backgrounds for screens.
- Full colour, one colour black and one colour white versions.
- An icon version for profile pictures and app icons.
- The colour codes and the typefaces used.
- A short guide on spacing, minimum size and what not to do.
Not sure where to start?
Take our brand personality quiz, then see your name come together on the brand board in Arabic and English. When you are ready, our branding and design service builds the full identity, from research to the guidelines file.
Frequently asked questions
What makes a good logo?
It is simple enough to recognise at a tiny size, works in one colour, is easy to remember, stands apart from competitors and can be registered as a trademark.
Should my logo have Arabic and English versions?
For most Saudi businesses, yes. Design them together so they match in weight, height and character.
Can I use the Saudi flag or a mosque in my logo?
No. The Ministry of Commerce bans the flag and national and religious symbols in commercial use, and such logos are also hard to register.
Which logo files do I need?
Vector files for print, PNG files for screens, colour and one colour versions, an icon version, and the colour codes and typefaces.
Want a logo that works everywhere, in both languages? Book a free call.