A good letterhead identifies the sender immediately, leaves comfortable space for the message and reproduces reliably on office printers. It should feel like part of the same system as your business cards, invoices and complimentary slips—not like a separate design.
What should a business letterhead include?
- Business or organisation name and logo.
- Postal address and the contact details customers should use.
- Website and email address where helpful.
- Relevant company registration and legal details.
- Enough clear space for the date, recipient address, reference, letter and signature.
A letterhead is working stationery. Decorative elements should not make letters difficult to read, interfere with folding or compete with the message.
Plan the layout around real letters
Place the logo and primary details in a clear header or restrained side area. Secondary legal information often works well in the footer. Test the design with a realistic one-page letter, a two-page letter and a window envelope if your business uses one.
Use one or two typefaces with good legibility, keep strong contrast and avoid placing pale body text over photographs. A simple grid makes the letterhead easier to use in Word or another office template after the printed stock arrives.
Choose paper that works in the office
Letterheads are commonly printed on uncoated paper because it accepts writing and works well through office printers. The available stock and quantities are listed on the letterhead product page. If the sheet will be overprinted on a laser printer, tell the print team so the paper and production method are suitable.
Very heavy or highly textured stock can look attractive but may not feed reliably through every desktop printer. Ask for advice when compatibility is more important than appearance alone.
Check the details required for your business
Irish registered companies may need to show specific company information on business letters and order forms. Requirements depend on the business structure, so confirm current obligations through the Companies Registration Office letterhead guidance or with a professional adviser.
Check registered name, company number, registered office and any director details that apply before printing a large quantity. Do not copy legal wording from another business.
Preparing A4 letterhead artwork
An A4 letterhead finishes at 210 × 297 mm. If colour reaches an edge, add 3 mm bleed and export a 216 × 303 mm PDF. Keep text and logos safely inside the trim, use CMYK colour where possible and embed fonts.
Print a test at 100% scale. Check that the top margin leaves room for dates and addresses, footer details remain legible and the design still works in black-and-white photocopies. Our artwork guide covers the core PDF checks.
Build a consistent stationery set
Reuse the same logo treatment, colours, typography and contact wording across business cards, complimentary slips and business stationery packs. Consistency helps recipients recognise the business and reduces errors when details are updated.
Review every item together before ordering. One shared master list of approved contact and legal details is more reliable than retyping them into each design.