What are fields of use?

Fields of use are the ways in which a work – in this case a visual identity – is distributed. A field of use may be, for example, magnetic recording, digital distribution, print, rental and lending, public performance, broadcasting in electronic media and so on. The documentation produced as part of a visual identity should set out the rules for using the logo in the specific fields of use the company relies on. For example, it specifies how the logo should be placed on letterheads or posters, and how it should not be used if it is to remain legible. Without such guidelines, even an attractive, well-designed mark can lose much of its impact simply because it is poorly displayed or clashes with other graphic marks shown in the same place.