Professional documents call for the use of professional ink colours — and there are hardly any exceptions here. Using the wrong ink colour can do a lot more harm than you think. Rejection is just one of the potential outcomes. The really unlucky ones may even be suspected of fraudulent activity.
Before starting, remember to read the entire document first and look for any instructions before filling it out. If there are any rules regarding the ink colour, there will be a clear directive about it.
The best option when filling out professional documents is to use black or blue ink. Stay far away from any reds, greens, or purples. Moreover, don’t even think about using a pencil. Any pencil marks can be easily erased (or changed), causing even more harm down the line.
But when faced with any professional documents, how do you choose between blue or black ink? Well — each colour fits a different scenario!
Go With Blue Ink for Financial Paperwork and Signatures
Financial paperwork (e.g., credit card applications) and some other types of legal documents (such as those requiring a signature) usually require using a blue ink pen. If you were to use any other kind of ink, especially black, it would be difficult to determine whether the documents are original or photocopied.
Blue ink colour also has a more positive effect on our minds. Unlike red ballpens, which may trigger stronger feelings and negativity (they’re often used to mark mistakes!), blue ink colour has a soothing effect and keeps you calm. Essentially, it won’t disrupt your thought process while filling out paperwork but instead let you concentrate on inputting the right, correct information.
Related content:
Promo Pens – Maximise the Potential of Different Ink Colours
Stick to Using Black Ink for Legal and Official Documents
Should you use black or blue ink for legal documents? The answer is simple. Black ink is still the best pen for signature on most legal documents.
Despite blue ink’s popularity, most professional documents and forms require us to use black ink. If you’re applying for a new job, for instance, you may have to use a black ink pen. Furthermore, you may run into trouble when applying for a visa or a new passport if you use blue (or any other type of ink) — black ink is often mandatory in that case.
In some situations, even the type of pen you’re using matters. For example, in the UK, you have to sign your passport with a black ballpoint pen instead of using a rollerball or a gel pen.
Black ink is also a good option for any other types of legal and official documents, and in general, you should use it unless told otherwise. Some governments, including that of China, are so serious about this that they may reject forms based on the type of ink used to fill them out.
The logic behind using black ink is simple — it allows for easier digitising and copying. Black ink shows up better in copies and scans, unlike blue, which may appear a bit faint. Of course, we have much better scanners and copiers nowadays that wouldn’t make using blue ink a problem. Still, the habit persists.
Aside from black being the best pen for signature on legal documents, it may be the most reasonable choice for business too. It simply seems more serious than using other colours, even blue. That could easily change the perception of certain documents and make them seem more important and, above all, professional.
You may also like:
Promote Your Business Effectively With Branded Pens
Check out our full collection of cheap pens which includes plastic pens, metal pens, eco pens, and highlighters. If you require further information or have any specific questions, don’t hesitate to give a member of our experienced team a call on 0800 0148 970 or simply email us today. You may also wish to consider complementing your order of pens with some branded notebooks or even some custom sticky notes which are sure to be well received by customers and employees alike!
