How to Create a Business Logo Using Microsoft Windows

A business logo is a critical component in the visual identity of a company or business. A good logo should communicate the vision and message of the business in a clear and attractive format. Often, companies pay advertising firms large amounts of money to create a business logo for them. You can save money if you design the logo yourself. Learn how to create a business logo using Microsoft Windows and its built-in software programs so that you can start incorporating your business logo into your business cards, stationery and other corporate communications.

Instructions

1. Brainstorm what you want your business logo to look like. Focus on a single object, image or symbol that embodies the purpose, vision or ideals of your business. This element can often become the centerpiece around which the rest of the logo is built. For example, a freelance writer may create a logo focused around a representation of a pen or pencil.

2. Sketch a rough copy of what you want your business logo to look like. It is a good idea to create a rough draft on a piece of paper before transitioning to a digital medium. This allows you to interact with the logo on a variety of sensory levels so you can get a better feel of its balance, shape and holistic design.

3. Start up the Microsoft Windows operating system. Click "Start" in the lower left-hand corner of the screen. In Windows XP, click "Programs," then select "Accessories" from the pop-up menu. Click "Paint." In Windows Vista, click "Start" and select "All Programs." Click "Accessories," and then select "Paint" from the menu. This launches Microsoft Paint, a robust and free software program included in all versions of the Windows operating system. Microsoft Paint allows you to manipulate images, insert text and create graphic files from within the Microsoft Windows system.

4. Click the square-shaped icon on the top right-hand side of the screen to maximize the Microsoft Paint window.

5. Insert an image by selecting "Edit" in the top menu and clicking "Paste From." Click the file that you would like to insert and press "Open." This will insert the file or image into Microsoft Paint. You may wish to use this if you want to include an image or photograph, such as a picture of your storefront or a head shot of your business's founder.

6. Click the "Pencil" tool to hand draw a line. You can click the "Color Palette" to change the font. If you would like to incorporate shapes, such as squares, polygons or triangles, click the "Polygon" tool in the toolbox on the left. Many logos like to incorporate simple shapes to add balance and color to a logo.

7. Add text by clicking the capital "T" button in the toolbox. Change the font, font size and color so that the text blends well with the overall shape of your logo. Remember that logos are often center balanced, and that objects should be adjusted accordingly. A business logo does not need to be symmetrical, but it should appear balanced so that one side does not have all of the graphical elements.

8. Save the image so that you may begin using it as a business logo. Click "File" in the top menu bar, and select "Save." Choose the type of file format you wish to use. If you plan to distribute the file so that others may use your business logo, choose a widely used format such as JPEG or GIF. Name the file, and click "Save."

9. Insert the business logo into your letters, business cards and other office documents. You can easily insert the business logo into any Microsoft Office product, such as Microsoft Word or Microsoft Powerpoint. Open the program with which you edit documents and click "Insert" in the top menu bar. From the drop-down menu, click "Picture," and then select "From File." Choose the file and click "Insert" to insert your new business logo into the Microsoft Windows program.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your business logo simple and clean. A logo with too many images or text looks busy and unprofessional.