How to Choose the Right Ribbon Width for Your Logo

PrintOnline's ribbon comes in three widths: 1 cm, 0.5 inch and 1 inch. Pick the width on the custom printed ribbon page using the selector, after reading this. The logo examples below are illustrative rather than real customer jobs.

1 cm vs 0.5 inch vs 1 inch

1 cm and 0.5 inch are close, about 0.27 cm apart, so the jump that really changes your options is to 1 inch, which is roughly double the 0.5 inch width.

How width affects legibility

The printed line can never be taller than the ribbon is wide, and in practice it has to leave a margin at both edges. So a 1 cm ribbon holds letters well under 1 cm tall, while a 1 inch ribbon can carry letters more than twice that height.

PrintOnline does not publish a minimum font size or a maximum text length per width, which means the mockup is your real test. Ask for a proof of your exact wording at your chosen width and judge it there rather than guessing from the artwork on screen.

Short logos: width matters less

A short mark such as a brand symbol with a three-letter name can be repeated along the ribbon and stays readable even at 1 cm or 0.5 inch. Short, bold shapes survive narrow ribbons best, because there is nothing fine to lose.

Longer brand names: choose wider

A longer name of three or four words has to be printed small to fit one repeat. On 1 cm the letters become very small; on 1 inch there is room for larger lettering or a two-line layout. Wider is the safer choice when the name is long.

Websites and handles

A web address is the hardest case, because it is long and has no spaces or natural break. It generally needs 1 inch, or a shortened version with the "www." dropped. Print the part people will actually type.

Text length and repeat spacing

Ribbon printing repeats the design along the length, so longer text means fewer repeats per metre and a longer gap between them. Repeat spacing is not something the product page lets you set, so raise it when you submit artwork and check it on the mockup. See artwork preparation.

Packaging appearance

Narrow ribbons suit small boxes, favours and jars. Wider ribbons suit larger gift boxes, hampers and bakery boxes, where the ribbon is a visible feature rather than a tie. Packaging ideas: retail packaging and corporate gifts.

Quick decision guide

• Symbol or short name, small items: 1 cm or 0.5 inch.
• Name of 2 to 3 words: 0.5 inch, or 1 inch if the lettering must be easy to read.
• Long name or website: 1 inch.

Whichever width you pick, only one side is printed and the choice is one or two colours. Details: one vs two colours.

Select your ribbon width on PrintOnline.

Related: complete ribbon buying guide.