Brand Guide Template

How to Use This Template

This is your brand's single source of truth. Fill it in once, keep it somewhere easy to find, and share it with anyone who designs, writes, or prints for you.

1. Work through each section in order. If you've taken the DIY Brand Identity course, you'll already have most answers.

2. Replace every blank and [bracket] with your details. Delete any section that doesn't apply.

3. Add images where marked (logo files, color swatches, example photos). In a doc or design tool, simply paste them in.

4. Keep it short. Aim for one to three pages. Clarity beats completeness.

5. Date it and review it yearly.

[Brand Name] Brand Guide

Version: ______ Last updated: ______ Owner / contact: ______

1. Brand Snapshot

Brand brief (2–3 sentences): ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

2. Logo

Versions

Rules

• Clear space: keep empty space around the logo at least equal to ______ (e.g. the height of the first letter).

• Minimum size: ______ px wide on screen / ______ mm wide in print.

• Approved backgrounds: ______________________________

Please don't

• [ ] Stretch, squash, or rotate the logo

• [ ] Change its colors outside the palette

• [ ] Add shadows, outlines, or effects

• [ ] Place it on busy backgrounds without enough contrast

• [ ] Rearrange or re-type the elements

• [ ] Other: ______________________________

3. Colors

Approximate balance: primary ____% · secondary ____% · accent ____% · neutrals ____%

Approved text/background combinations (checked for readable contrast):

4. Typography

• Where to get the fonts: ______________________________

• License covers: ☐ Web ☐ Print ☐ Logo ☐ Products for sale

• Fallback fonts (if ours aren't available): ______________________________

• Text rules (e.g. sentence case for headings, left-aligned body, no all-caps paragraphs): ______________________________

5. Imagery

Our photo / illustration style in a few words: ______________________________________________________________

Example images: [Paste 3–4 images that capture the style]

Photo checklist: ☐ Lighting ______ ☐ Backgrounds ______ ☐ Editing / filters ______ ☐ People (yes/no, how) ______

Image rights: only use photos we've taken, commissioned, or properly licensed.

6. Graphic Elements (Optional)

7. Voice & Tone

• Words we love: ______________________________

• Words we avoid: ______________________________

• Emojis: ☐ Never ☐ Sometimes ☐ Often — favorites: ______

• We call customers: ______________________________

Example sentences in our voice:

1. Welcome message: ______________________________

2. Product description line: ______________________________

3. Apology or delay message: ______________________________

8. Applications Checklist

9. Files & Contacts

• Brand folder link: ______________________________

• Folder structure: Logos / Colors / Fonts / Templates / Photos / Guide

• Who to ask about the brand: ______________________________

• Printer / supplier contacts: ______________________________

Sample product from a Fora-made demo creator page.