No. 091
Design Systems
Style Guide
A style guide is a reference that documents the visual and content rules of a brand or product — colors, typography, tone, and usage.
Why it matters
It keeps everyone aligned on how things should look and sound, so the product feels cohesive even when many people contribute.
In depth
Style guides can cover visual identity, typography, imagery, and content/voice. They are often one part of a larger design system. By writing the rules down, teams reduce ambiguity and preserve consistency as they grow.
Real-world example
A style guide specifying the exact brand colors, approved logos, heading fonts, and voice ('friendly, never jargon') keeps work consistent.
Principle
Style Guide
The written rules that keep a product looking like itself.
Related terms