Logo vs. Crest — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 3, 2024
A logo is a symbol or design adopted by an organization, while a crest is a heraldic symbol representing family or individual heritage.
Difference Between Logo and Crest
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A logo is a visual representation designed to signify a company's brand, ethos, and identity. On the other hand, a crest has its roots in heraldry, serving as a symbolic representation often passed down through generations of families or granted to individuals.
While both logos and crests serve as forms of identification, their applications, origins, and meanings differ markedly. Logos are used by organizations, companies, and brands to market and represent themselves in the commercial world. Crests, however, are tied to heraldry and convey historical significance, representing families, individuals, or entities in a more personal and traditional manner.
Logos are modern symbols designed with the intent of being easily recognizable and versatile across different mediums. Logos are essential in building brand identity and loyalty among consumers. Crests are more complex in design, often following strict heraldic rules.
Comparison Chart
Purpose
Represents a company or brand
Represents family or individual heritage
Origin
Modern, related to branding
Historical, related to heraldry
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Design Complexity
Simpler, aimed at easy recognition and versatility
More complex, with detailed symbolism
Usage
Commercial, marketing
Personal, traditional
Key Elements
Company name, symbols, colors
Shield, helmet, motto, heraldic figures
Compare with Definitions
Logo
A logo with a non-representational form.
The Adidas logo features three abstract stripes.
Crest
A modern take, blending traditional crest elements with corporate identity.
Some luxury brands use crests to signify heritage and quality.
Logo
A logo consisting of initials or abbreviations.
IBM's logo is an iconic lettermark design.
Crest
A symbol representing the heritage and values of an institution.
Universities often have crests that feature books or torches.
Logo
A text-only typographic treatment of a company's name.
The Google logo is a famous example of a wordmark logo.
Crest
A symbol used by a country to represent its heritage and values.
The Royal Coat of Arms is a crest used by the United Kingdom.
Logo
A logo that includes text inside a symbol.
The Starbucks logo is a well-known emblem.
Crest
A heraldic design representing a family's heritage.
The Smith family crest may feature a blacksmith anvil symbolizing hard work.
Logo
A visual symbol representing a brand.
The Nike swoosh is a globally recognized graphic logo.
Crest
A personal emblem designed to reflect individual achievements.
A knight's crest might include symbols of valor and chivalry.
Logo
A logo (abbreviation of logotype, from Greek: λόγος, romanized: logos, lit. 'word' and Greek: τύπος, romanized: typos, lit. 'imprint') is a graphic mark, emblem, or symbol used to aid and promote public identification and recognition. It may be of an abstract or figurative design or include the text of the name it represents as in a wordmark.
Crest
A usually ornamental tuft, ridge, or similar projection on the head of a bird or other animal.
Logo
A symbol or other small design adopted by an organization to identify its products, uniform, vehicles, etc.
The Olympic logo was emblazoned across the tracksuits
Crest
An elevated, irregularly toothed ridge on the stigmas of certain flowers.
Logo
A symbol or design that identifies a brand.
Crest
A ridge or an appendage on a plant part, such as on a leaf or petal.
Logo
A visual symbol or emblem that acts as a trademark or a means of identification of a company or organization.
Crest
A plume used as decoration on top of a helmet.
Logo
(by extension) An audio recording for the same purpose; a jingle.
Crest
A helmet.
Logo
(science) A single graphic which contains one or more separate elements.
Crest
(Heraldry) A device placed above the shield on a coat of arms.
Logo
An ensign, a badge of office, rank, or power.
Crest
A representation of such a device.
Logo
A company emblem or device
Crest
The top, as of a hill or wave.
Crest
The highest or culminating point; the peak
The crest of a flood.
At the crest of her career.
Crest
The ridge on a roof.
Crest
To decorate or furnish with a crest.
Crest
To reach the crest of
Crested the ridge.
Crest
To form into a crest or crests
Waves cresting over the seawall.
Crest
To reach a crest
The swollen river crested at 9:15.
Crest
The summit of a hill or mountain ridge.
Crest
A tuft, or other natural ornament, growing on an animal's head, for example the comb of a cockerel, the swelling on the head of a snake, the lengthened feathers of the crown or nape of bird, etc.
Crest
The plume of feathers, or other decoration, worn on or displayed on a helmet; the distinctive ornament of a helmet.
Crest
(heraldry) A bearing worn, not upon the shield, but usually on a helmet above it, sometimes (as for clerics) separately above the shield or separately as a mark for plate, in letterheads, and the like.
Crest
The upper curve of a horse's neck.
Crest
The ridge or top of a wave.
Crest
The helm or head, as typical of a high spirit; pride; courage.
Crest
The ornamental finishing which surmounts the ridge of a roof, canopy, etc.
Crest
The top line of a slope or embankment.
Crest
(anatomy) A ridge along the surface of a bone.
Crest
(informal) A design or logo, especially one of an institution, sports club, association or high-class family.
Crest
Any of several birds in the family Regulidae, including the goldcrests and firecrests.
Crest
(intransitive) Particularly with reference to waves, to reach a peak.
Crest
(transitive) To reach the crest of (a hill or mountain)
Crest
To furnish with, or surmount as, a crest; to serve as a crest for.
Crest
To mark with lines or streaks like waving plumes.
Crest
A tuft, or other excrescence or natural ornament, growing on an animal's head; the comb of a cock; the swelling on the head of a serpent; the lengthened feathers of the crown or nape of bird, etc.
[Attack] his rising crest, and drive the serpent back.
Crest
The plume of feathers, or other decoration, worn on a helmet; the distinctive ornament of a helmet, indicating the rank of the wearer; hence, also, the helmet.
Stooping low his lofty crest.
And on his head there stood uprightA crest, in token of a knight.
Crest
A bearing worn, not upon the shield, but usually above it, or separately as an ornament for plate, liveries, and the like. It is a relic of the ancient cognizance. See Cognizance, 4.
Crest
The upper curve of a horse's neck.
Throwing the base thong from his bending crest.
Crest
The ridge or top of a wave.
Like wave with crest of sparkling foam.
Crest
The summit of a hill or mountain ridge.
Crest
The helm or head, as typical of a high spirit; pride; courage.
Now the time is comeThat France must vail her lofty plumed crest.
Crest
The ornamental finishing which surmounts the ridge of a roof, canopy, etc.
The finials of gables and pinnacles are sometimes called crests.
Crest
The top line of a slope or embankment.
Crest
To furnish with, or surmount as, a crest; to serve as a crest for.
His legs bestrid the ocean, his reared armCrested the world.
Mid groves of clouds that crest the mountain's brow.
Crest
To mark with lines or streaks, like, or regarded as like, waving plumes.
Like as the shining sky in summer's night, . . . Is crested with lines of fiery light.
Crest
To form a crest.
Crest
The top line of a hill, mountain, or wave
Crest
The top point of a mountain or hill;
The view from the peak was magnificent
They clambered to the summit of Monadnock
Crest
The center of a cambered road
Crest
(heraldry) in medieval times, an emblem used to decorate a helmet
Crest
A showy growth of e.g. feathers or skin on the head of a bird or other animal
Crest
Lie at the top of;
Snow capped the mountains
Crest
Reach a high point;
The river crested last night
Common Curiosities
How are logos and crests designed?
Logos are designed with a focus on simplicity and brand identity, while crests follow heraldic rules with complex symbolism.
Can a logo also be a crest?
Rarely, some organizations may use a crest as part of their logo, especially if they wish to emphasize heritage or tradition.
Where are logos commonly used?
Logos are used on products, websites, marketing materials, and corporate communications.
What does a crest symbolize?
A crest symbolizes family heritage, individual achievements, or institutional values.
Do logos change over time?
Yes, many companies update their logos to stay modern and relevant.
Are crests still relevant today?
Yes, especially within families with a strong sense of heritage, in certain professions, and in institutions like universities.
Can anyone create a crest?
While anyone can create a symbol with personal significance, traditional crests are often based on heraldic traditions and history.
Is it easier to recognize a logo or a crest?
Logos are generally designed to be more easily recognizable than crests.
How do I find out if my family has a crest?
Researching your family history through genealogical and heraldic records can reveal if your family has a crest.
Can a logo or crest be copyrighted?
Yes, logos can be copyrighted or trademarked, while crests can be registered under certain conditions.
Why are crests complex in design?
Crests are complex to accurately reflect the history, achievements, and values they symbolize.
How do companies choose their logos?
Companies often choose logos through a design process that reflects their brand identity, values, and target market.
Can crests be used commercially?
Crests can be used commercially if they are part of a brand's identity, especially in luxury goods.
What makes a successful logo?
A successful logo is memorable, timeless, versatile, and relevant to the brand it represents.
What is the biggest difference between a logo and a crest?
The biggest difference is their purpose: logos represent brands or companies, while crests signify personal or family heritage.
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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.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
