Banner vs. Masthead — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 12, 2024
A banner typically refers to a large strip of material bearing a slogan or design, displayed for decoration or advertising. A masthead refers to the top section of a newspaper or magazine layout, listing the publication's title and editors.
Difference Between Banner and Masthead
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A banner is often used as a promotional tool or as decoration in various events and contexts, displaying messages or designs on materials like fabric or vinyl; whereas a masthead serves as a formal element in publications, providing essential information about the newspaper or magazine.
Banners can be hung or attached in a variety of settings, both indoors and outdoors, to attract attention or celebrate occasions; on the other hand, mastheads are a fixed design element, typically found on the front page of periodicals, reflecting the identity and the editorial board.
The design of banners is usually vibrant and eye-catching to maximize visibility and impact; whereas, mastheads adhere to a consistent layout and typography to maintain brand recognition and professionalism.
Banners are temporary and can be created for specific events, promotions, or protests; while mastheads are a permanent fixture of a publication's design, evolving only with significant redesigns or rebranding efforts.
In terms of production, banners can be produced quickly and cost-effectively using a range of materials; in contrast, mastheads require careful design consideration and are an integral part of a publication's branding strategy.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Advertising, decoration, celebration
Displaying publication information
Placement
Various locations, both indoor and outdoor
Top of the front page of newspapers or magazines
Design Focus
Eye-catching, promotional
Consistency, branding, information
Duration of Use
Temporary, event-specific
Permanent, evolves with publication redesign
Material
Fabric, vinyl, other flexible materials
Part of printed or digital publication layout
Compare with Definitions
Banner
A banner can be a flag or other piece of cloth bearing a symbol, logo, slogan or other message. A flag whose design is the same as the shield in a coat of arms (but usually in a square or rectangular shape) is called a banner of arms.
Masthead
The title block at the top of a newspaper or magazine page, including the publication's name and other details.
The newspaper's masthead was redesigned to include the new editor’s name.
Banner
A long strip of cloth bearing a slogan or design, carried in a demonstration or procession or hung in a public place
Students waved banners and chanted slogans
A nuclear disarmament banner was carried round the war memorial
Masthead
Located at a prominent position, usually on the front page of periodicals.
The masthead's placement makes it one of the first things a reader sees.
Banner
A heading or advertisement appearing on a web page in the form of a bar, column, or box
A banner ad
Masthead
A part of a publication that lists its headquarters, ownership, and staff.
She checked the masthead to find out who the managing editor was.
Banner
Excellent; outstanding
The company was having a banner year
Masthead
Reflects the branding and identity of the publication.
The magazine’s masthead uses a distinctive font that has become synonymous with the brand.
Banner
A piece of cloth attached to a staff and used as a standard by a monarch, military commander, or knight.
Masthead
Typically more static and changes only with major redesigns.
The publication updated its masthead as part of a comprehensive rebranding effort.
Banner
The flag of a nation, state, or army.
Masthead
(Nautical) The top of a mast.
Banner
A piece of cloth bearing a motto or legend, as of a club.
Masthead
The listing in a newspaper or periodical of information about its staff, operation, and circulation.
Banner
A headline spanning the width of a newspaper page.
Masthead
The title of a newspaper or periodical as it appears across the first page, front cover, or title page. Also called nameplate.
Banner
A rectangular space with text or graphics, especially an advertisement, running across the top of a webpage or other online document.
Masthead
(nautical) The top of a mast.
Banner
(Botany) See standard.
Masthead
(US) A list of a newspaper or other periodical's main staff, contributing writers, publisher, circulation, advertising rates etc.
Banner
Unusually good; outstanding
A banner year for the company.
Masthead
The title (normally in a large and distinctive font) of a newspaper or other periodical at the top of the front page; (by extension) the publication itself or the rights to it.
Banner
To supply with banners.
Masthead
The logo of a broadcaster used in an ident.
Banner
To give a banner headline to (a story or item) in a newspaper.
Masthead
To send to the masthead as a punishment.
Banner
A flag or standard used by a military commander, monarch or nation.
Masthead
(transitive) To furnish (a newspaper) with a masthead.
Banner
(by extension) The military unit under such a flag or standard.
Masthead
The top or head of a mast; the part of a mast above the hounds.
Banner
(by extension) A military or administrative subdivision.
Masthead
To cause to go to the masthead as a punishment.
Banner
Any large sign, especially when made of soft material or fabric.
The mayor hung a banner across Main Street to commemorate the town's 100th anniversary.
Masthead
A listing printed in all issues of a newspaper or magazine (usually on the editorial page) that gives the name of the publication and the names of the editorial staff, etc.
Banner
A large piece of cloth with a slogan, motto, or emblem carried in a demonstration or other procession or suspended in some conspicuous place.
Masthead
The title of a newspaper or magazine; usually printed on the front page and on the editorial page
Banner
A cause or purpose; a campaign or movement.
They usually make their case under the banner of environmentalism.
Masthead
The head or top of a mast
Banner
(journalism) The title of a newspaper as printed on its front page; the nameplate; masthead.
Banner
A type of advertisement on a web page or on television, usually taking the form of a graphic or animation above or alongside the content.
Banner
(heraldry) The principal standard of a knight.
Banner
A type of administrative division in Inner Mongolia and Tuva, made during the Qing dynasty; at that time, Outer Mongolia and part of Xinjiang were also divided into banners.
Banner
One who bans something.
Banner
Exceptional; very good.
Banner
(transitive) To adorn with a banner.
Banner
To display as a banner headline.
Banner
A kind of flag attached to a spear or pike by a crosspiece, and used by a chief as his standard in battle.
Hang out our banners on the outward walls.
Banner
A large piece of silk or other cloth, with a device or motto, extended on a crosspiece, and borne in a procession, or suspended in some conspicuous place.
Banner
Any flag or standard; as, the star-spangled banner.
Banner
Long strip of cloth for decoration or advertising
Banner
A newspaper headline that runs across the full page
Banner
Unusually good; outstanding;
A banner year for the company
Banner
A large piece of cloth or other material displaying a message or design, used especially for advertising or as a decoration.
The team hung a banner across the main street to celebrate the festival.
Banner
A promotional or celebratory sign that is typically portable and flexible.
The protesters carried banners that expressed their demands for change.
Banner
Often made of durable materials suitable for outdoor use.
The store displayed a weather-resistant banner announcing the grand opening.
Banner
Used in a variety of settings from commercial promotions to personal celebrations.
We put up colorful banners for the birthday party.
Banner
Designed to be eye-catching and convey a concise message.
The conference featured banners with inspirational quotes from notable speakers.
Common Curiosities
Why is the masthead important for a publication?
The masthead is important as it establishes the publication's identity and provides essential information about its management and operation.
How often do mastheads change?
Mastheads usually change infrequently, often only during major redesigns or updates to the publication's branding.
What does a masthead include?
A masthead includes the publication’s title, and may also list the key editors, location, and contact information.
Are banners considered effective for marketing?
Yes, banners are considered effective for marketing because they are highly visible and can be strategically placed to attract attention.
Can banners have any shape?
Yes, while banners are typically rectangular, they can be made in various shapes and sizes to suit specific needs.
What is a banner typically used for?
Banners are typically used for advertising, decoration, or to convey messages at events and protests.
How do publications decide on masthead design?
Publications carefully consider their target audience, brand identity, and design consistency when deciding on a masthead.
Can banners be used indoors?
Yes, banners can be designed for both indoor and outdoor use, depending on the material.
Is the masthead the same as the logo?
The masthead often includes the logo, but it encompasses more than just the logo, providing additional publication details.
What materials are used to make banners?
Banners are often made from materials like vinyl, fabric, and other durable, flexible materials suited for printing and long-term display.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
