PDF Stamps: A Hidden Branding Tool

PDF Stamps is a feature in Adobe Acrobat that allows you to apply an image to a PDF document. It was created so users could easily accomplish tasks like ‘stamping’ a seal right onto a digital document or add a signature to a letter.

However, when it comes to implementing a corporate identity they can be even more useful. The hidden benefit of this feature is its utility in branding applications. PDF Stamps provide a great way to add logos and other visual elements onto any document. A PDF Stamp is simply a miniature PDF that can be inserted onto other PDFs.

So why are PDF Stamps valuable to marketing professionals?

After the rollout of a new corporate identity, all too often companies are saddled with immeasurable legacy documents and forms with outdated or no branding at all. Typically, there isn’t any room in the budget to update these documents and even if the funds exist redesigning them is never a priority. That means that for months or even years companies are sending out documents that are off brand.

That’s where PDF Stamps come in. They provide an alternative way to apply basic branding to almost any document. Any professional with basic desktop computing skills can use Adobe Acrobat to add a PDF stamp into a document. An example would be adding a logo to the footer of an order form.

If you’re in the process of commissioning a corporate identity, or even if you have an existing identity you can simply ask your design agency to include PDF Stamps as part of the engagement. In a sense, they’re really no different than any other file formats that they’ll make available for you. Ask them to assemble the most important visual elements from your identity, such as assorted logo lock-ups, address blocks, etc., as part of your PDF Stamps toolbox

Using PDF Stamps for branding applications is not without its flaws. Brand management issues can crop us since PDF Stamps can be too easy to use and subsequently misuse. It’s difficult to ensure any kind of adherence to brand identity standards because of their free form nature. However since they are really nothing more than an alternative file format, there is usually next to no cost associated with creating them.

Again the real strength of PDF Stamps is in the ease of their application. Any office professional with Adobe Acrobat can use them to brand documents in-house. Most office workers and even some marketing professionals don’t have tools or knowledge to utilize other design file formats such as EPSs.

Numerous tutorials on the web provide step-by-step instructions on how to use PDF Stamps. For designers PDF Stamps provide one more way to add value to their branding engagements and for their clients they can be an invaluable addition to their branding toolbox.