Short answer: you can make a logo in three ways: with a free online logo maker, on your own in design software, or with a designer. For a test project, Canva is enough. For a brand you will use for years, the work should be done in vector format: first you define what the company says and to whom, then come sketches, colour and type, and finally the logo is tested at small sizes and in black and white.
Three ways to make a logo
| Way | Best for | Weak point |
|---|---|---|
| Online logo maker or generator | Tests, small projects, urgent needs | Others use the same templates; a vector file is not always included |
| Design software, on your own | People with design skills | Takes time; without experience the result looks amateur |
| Designer or agency | A long-term brand, print, signage, packaging | Costs more and takes several rounds of work |
Which software can you use to design a logo?
- Canva works in the browser and on the phone; templates make it the easiest start.
- Adobe Express is an online tool for quick ready-made variants.
- Figma lets you draw vectors in the browser and is widely used by designers.
- Inkscape is a free vector program you install on your computer.
- Adobe Illustrator is one of the standard programs for professional logo design; it is paid.
Read the tool's terms. With some services a template-based logo may not be registrable as a trademark, because the same elements are open to everyone.
How a designer creates a logo: 7 steps
- Brief: what the company does, who it sells to, how it wants to look.
- Competitor review: which colours and shapes are common in the sector and how to stand out.
- Concept: the logo type is chosen: wordmark, symbol or both together.
- Sketches: several ideas are tried on paper or on screen.
- Colour and type: colour suits the sector and audience, the typeface suits the character.
- Vector work: the chosen option is drawn with exact proportions.
- Testing and hand-over: the logo is checked on real media and all files are prepared.
If your company name is in Azerbaijani, check the typeface early: many ready-made fonts have no «ə» or draw it in a different style. Finding this at the end forces you to change the whole option.
How do you know a logo is good?
- Small-size test: is it readable as a favicon and on a phone?
- Black-and-white test: is it recognisable without colour? Stamps and receipts will not be in colour.
- Dark background test: does it disappear on black or coloured backgrounds?
- Memory test: can someone describe it after looking for a minute?
- Similarity test: does it resemble a well-known mark?
Too many details, more than three or four colours and shadow effects weaken a logo in print and at small sizes. Simplicity here is a practical requirement more than a matter of taste.
Which logo files do you need?
| Format | Used for |
|---|---|
| SVG | Websites and apps; no quality loss when resized |
| PDF or AI | Print, signage, printing houses |
| PNG (transparent background) | Documents, presentations, social media |
Always get the vector file from the designer. If you only have a PNG, you will have to redraw the logo when you order a large sign. Colour, white and black versions and horizontal and vertical layouts are useful too.
Next step
A logo is not a brand on its own: it works together with colours, typefaces and usage rules. To get all of this done in one place, see our UI/UX design, logo and branding service or get in touch: we reply within 24 hours and offer a free 30-minute online consultation. If you are starting a new company, our guide how to create a website shows the next step. You can see our work on our home page.
Frequently asked questions
How can I make a logo for free?
Pick a template in a tool like Canva, type the name, change the colour and font, and download the file. It is a good way to test an idea. Because the template may be used by others, turn it into your own mark or work with a designer for a brand you will keep for years.
What is the best logo maker or software?
Canva for beginners, free Inkscape or Figma if you want to learn vector work, Adobe Illustrator for professional design. The choice depends on the goal: for print and signage, having the logo in vector format matters more than the name of the program.
Can I make a logo on my phone?
Yes. Canva and similar apps work on phones and are enough for a simple wordmark. For precise lines and vector work a computer is better. Always open a logo made on the phone at a large size and check it.
Can I make a logo with AI?
It is good for ideas and sketches, but rarely for a finished logo. AI usually produces a raster image and can distort letters. Copyright can also be unclear, so the result should be redrawn as a vector.
What makes a good logo?
A good logo is simple, readable at small sizes, recognisable without colour, right for the sector and unlike competitors. A logo that does not follow fashion too closely lasts longer. Judge it by how your customers perceive it, not by personal taste.
What colour should a logo be?
There is no universal colour. Look at your sector, audience and competitors: if everyone uses blue, a different colour can make you stand out. One or two main colours are enough; more colours make printing more expensive. Write down the colour codes so the logo looks the same everywhere.
Do I need to register my logo?
It is not mandatory, but it is recommended to protect your brand. In Azerbaijan, trademarks are registered by the Intellectual Property Agency (copat.gov.az). Check whether a similar mark already exists before applying, and confirm the conditions with the agency itself.
Conclusion
Making a logo starts not with software but with being clear about what the company says. Canva is enough for a test; a long-term brand needs a vector file and a simple shape. Running the five tests above shows a weak option early. If you would like to create your logo together, write to us.
Last checked: 1 November 2026.