Letterhead vs. Letterheaded — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 14, 2024
A letterhead is a printed heading on stationery stating a person's or organization's name and address, while letterheaded paper refers to stationery already printed with a letterhead.
Difference Between Letterhead and Letterheaded
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Letterhead refers to the customized heading at the top of business or official stationery, which typically includes a name, logo, address, and contact information. Whereas, letterheaded paper is simply the physical paper that features this pre-printed letterhead.
While the term "letterhead" is used to describe the design aspect or the concept of including identifying information at the top of correspondence, "letterheaded" specifically implies that the paper is equipped with such a heading. On the other hand, any paper can become letterheaded once it is printed with a letterhead.
Letterhead is essential for branding, as it communicates professionalism and authenticity in business communications. In contrast, using letterheaded paper ensures consistency in business communications and saves time compared to adding a header to each document manually.
The design of a letterhead can vary widely depending on the brand's identity and aesthetic preferences; whereas, letterheaded paper is more about the practical application of the letterhead design in everyday correspondence.
Organizations often carefully design their letterheads to make a good first impression, whereas letterheaded paper must maintain quality to ensure that the impression is sustained throughout various communications.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
The printed heading on stationery
Stationery printed with a letterhead
Purpose
Branding and identification
Practical use in correspondence
Usage
Design concept
Specific type of stationery
Importance
Essential for professional presentation
Ensures consistency in communication
Customization
Can be highly customized
Usually a direct application of a design
Compare with Definitions
Letterhead
A design used for identification and branding.
Their new letterhead features a minimalist design.
Letterheaded
Used for consistency in professional documents.
Using letterheaded paper saves time in document preparation.
Letterhead
The top part of stationery with official markings.
The company's letterhead includes their logo and tagline.
Letterheaded
Stationery ready for formal correspondence.
The office stocks letterheaded paper for all its communications.
Letterhead
A branding tool on business correspondence.
All official documents must be printed on the letterhead.
Letterheaded
Paper that includes a pre-printed letterhead.
Please print the contract on letterheaded paper.
Letterhead
A custom design representing a business.
The letterhead was redesigned to reflect the updated brand image.
Letterheaded
Indicates stationery equipped with official branding.
Letterheaded envelopes were used for the invitations.
Letterhead
The header part of stationery indicating a business.
The letterhead must include the legal name and contact information.
Letterheaded
Reflects the application of a letterhead design.
The letterheaded stationery matches the company’s color scheme.
Letterhead
A letterhead is the heading at the top of a sheet of letter paper (stationery). That heading usually consists of a name and an address, and a logo or corporate design, and sometimes a background pattern.
Letterheaded
Printed with a letterhead.
We've run out of the company's letterheaded paper.
Letterhead
The heading at the top of a sheet of letter paper, usually consisting of a name and an address.
Letterhead
Stationery imprinted with such a heading.
Letterhead
A portion of text at the top of a letter, identifying the sender and often giving their address etc., used for formal correspondence.
We need to change our letterhead to use the new logo.
Letterhead
Paper marked with a letterhead.
Internal memos do not need to be printed on letterhead.
Letterhead
A sheet of stationery with name and address of the organization printed at the top
Common Curiosities
Why is a well-designed letterhead important?
It represents the professionalism and credibility of an organization.
What does letterheaded mean?
It refers to paper that already has a letterhead printed on it.
Can any paper be converted into letterheaded paper?
Yes, by printing the appropriate letterhead design onto it.
Can letterheaded paper be customized for different departments?
Yes, departments can have tailored letterheads for specific needs.
Is there a standard size for letterhead design?
It usually covers the top 1/3 of the page, but designs can vary.
Is letterheaded paper used for everyday office tasks?
Typically, it is reserved for official or external correspondence.
How often should a business update its letterhead?
Whenever there is a significant change in branding, contact information, or legal status.
What is the main function of a letterhead?
To establish and communicate a professional or corporate identity through stationery.
What types of organizations use letterheaded paper?
Businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, and personal brands.
What is the etiquette for using letterheaded paper in business settings?
It should be used for official communications, ensuring it's consistent with the brand's image.
How should letterheaded paper be stored to maintain quality?
It should be kept flat and away from moisture to prevent smudging or fading.
What should be included in a letterhead design?
Logo, company name, address, contact details, and sometimes a legal disclaimer.
Are there environmental concerns with using letterheaded paper?
Yes, it's important to use sustainably sourced paper to mitigate environmental impact.
Is it more cost-effective to use letterheaded paper?
It can be, by reducing the need for repeated printing of a letterhead for each document.
Can digital documents have a letterhead?
Yes, digital letterheads can be incorporated into PDFs and other document formats.
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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.
Edited 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.
