Begin with the approved template
Use the organization’s current letterhead file rather than redrawing its identity from a font specimen. Keep its contact block, logo and reserved writing area distinct from the letter’s body. A visual match alone does not establish that an unofficial template is appropriate for official correspondence.
Read a concrete correspondence example
The University of Texas stationery guidance recommends 12-point body text with 15-point leading, or 1.15 line spacing in Word. It distinguishes printed and digital letterhead and specifies its own family choices. These are that institution’s recommendations, not a universal letterhead rule.
Keep body copy separate from identity artwork
A compact address block and a sustained letter paragraph serve different roles. Use realistic content, including a date, addressee, paragraphs and closing, when planning the writing area. Do not shrink the full letter merely to avoid an additional page when the organization’s format permits continuation.
Record the correspondence settings
Keep the approved template source, family, size and spacing with the working file. For Word’s general default behavior, use the Word guide; for visual comparisons in stationery, use the business-card collection without treating its specimens as an official letterhead template.
Your questions, answered.
Is 12 point mandatory for every letterhead?
No. It is the recommendation in the cited university example; the applicable organization’s template governs its correspondence.
Should the body copy and logo use identical sizes?
They serve different roles. Preserve the approved identity layout while formatting the letter’s reading text.
Sources & background
Sources supporting this page’s explanations. Practical examples are our editorial suggestions.