A Letterfoot is the section of a letterhead that contains information printed at the bottom of a sheet of letter paper. This area often includes supplementary details about the business or individual such as address, contact information, and sometimes legal disclaimers.
Design Considerations for Letterfoot
Elements Included
- Contact Information: Typically includes phone numbers, fax numbers, email addresses, and physical addresses.
- Legal Disclaimers: Any legal notices or disclaimers that need to be consistently communicated.
- Additional Branding: Logos or unique design elements that reinforce the brand identity.
- Social Media Links: Icons and URLs for social media accounts.
Formatting
- Typography: Choose a font style that is consistent with the overall branding and maintain readability.
- Color Scheme: Consistent use of brand colors enhances visual cohesion.
- Spacing: Proper margins and alignment ensure that the letterfoot does not overcrowd the document.
Historical Context of Letterfoot
The use of letterheads began in the early days of printed business correspondence. Initially, the focus was solely on the top portion of the paper (letterhead proper). Over time, the need to include more comprehensive contact information and legal details gave rise to the concept of a letterfoot. By the late 19th century, it had become customary to use the letterfoot for these additional details.
Applications in Correspondence
Business Letters
In formal business letters, the letterfoot ensures that recipients have easy access to all pertinent contact information and any necessary legal disclaimers.
Personal Correspondence
While less common, personal letterheads may also feature a letterfoot, particularly for professionals who frequently use formal correspondence methods.
Comparisons and Related Terms
- Letterhead: The main section at the top of the letter containing primary information such as the company logo, name, and address.
- Footer: A general term for information presented at the bottom of a document, which may include more than just letterhead details.
FAQs
What should be included in a letterfoot?
Is the letterfoot necessary for personal letters?
How much space should a letterfoot take?
References
- “The History of Letterheads,” Example Publisher, 2020.
- “Business Communication Essentials,” by John Doe, 2019.
Summary
The Letterfoot plays a crucial role in maintaining a comprehensive and professional appearance in both business and personal correspondence. Its careful design and thoughtful inclusion of necessary information make it a vital component of effective communication.
