Graphic Design
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Animated Logos
We animate logos for video intros, social media and websites. This guide is for business owners who want an animated version of their logo. It covers planning, the creation process and the file formats you need. Use it before you brief a designer, so your animated logo works everywhere you plan to use it.
How to plan an animated logo
An animated logo should feel like a natural extension of your brand. The movement should reflect your personality rather than show off effects. Short, simple animations usually work best. Settle these points before design starts.
- Where it will appear, such as video intros, social media or your website.
- The length, usually a few seconds for most uses.
- The personality of the movement, such as smooth, energetic or precise.
- Whether it needs sound and, if so, what kind.
- The versions needed, such as full colour, white and square crops.
Your animation should end on the standard static logo. That keeps it consistent with every other material. Our guide to branding explains how your logo fits into your wider identity.
How an animated logo is created
The process starts with your existing logo file and builds movement around its parts. Vector files make this much easier. Each stage needs approval before the next. These are the usual steps.
- Prepare the logo as a layered vector file, separating each element.
- Sketch or describe two or three movement ideas.
- Create a rough animation of the chosen idea.
- Refine timing, easing and details based on feedback.
- Add sound, if required, and test it with and without audio.
- Export final files for each place the logo will appear.
Watch the animation on a phone and a large screen before approving it. Movement that feels right on one size can feel rushed on another. Our motion graphics guide covers wider animation projects.
File formats for animated logos
Different channels need different file formats. The right format keeps quality high and file sizes small. Ask for every format you need at the start. These are the common options.
| Format | Best used for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MP4 | Video intros, social media and presentations | Widely supported and compact |
| MOV with transparency | Video editing over other footage | Larger files, used by editors |
| GIF | Email signatures and simple web use | Limited colours and larger file sizes |
| Lottie (JSON) | Websites and apps | Small, sharp at any size, needs developer support |
| Animated SVG | Simple website animations | Lightweight and scalable |
Keep the master animation project files with your brand assets. They make future edits quick. Our website development team can add Lottie or SVG animations to your site.
Animated logo checklist
Use this checklist before you approve an animated logo. Each item helps it work across every channel. Tick every line before final export.
- Uses and channels listed
- Length agreed
- Movement matches brand personality
- Animation ends on the standard static logo
- Tested on phone and large screens
- Sound version and silent version supplied, if needed
- All required file formats exported
- Master project files stored with brand assets
Good to know
Animated logo FAQs
How long should an animated logo be?+
Most animated logos last a few seconds. Short animations suit social media and video intros. Longer versions work for event screens or presentations. Keep the movement simple whatever the length.
Do I need a vector logo to animate it?+
A vector file makes animation much easier and gives sharper results. Designers separate each part of the logo into layers for movement. Raster logos often need redrawing first. Ask your designer for the original vector files.
Can I use an animated logo on my website?+
Yes, formats such as Lottie and animated SVG work well on websites. They stay sharp and keep file sizes small. Avoid large video files that slow page loading. Ask your developer to test speed after adding it.
Keep this checklist with your brand assets and animation files. Share it with anyone who uses your logo in video or online. So you can use an animated logo that feels on brand and works everywhere it appears.
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