The Yale logo
The Yale logo embodies Yale’s “identity” and assures audiences of a publication’s strong connection to its originator. The Yale logo features a direct and confident “Yale” set in a modified version of the Yale typeface. It is carefully proportioned to work at small and moderate sizes in all publications—Web and print. Please follow guidelines for use to ensure that the mark retains its impact as the signature of the University.
Uses
Placement
Scale
Alignment
Clearance
Color & background
Uses
1. The Yale logo should be included on all publications of the University—Web and print—to affirm the publication’s status as emanating from Yale.
2. The Yale logo should be used in all situations that call for the official mark of the University. For example, it should be used as the mark of the University in publications and at public events that visually represent Yale as a sponsor.
Download ready-to-use images of the Yale logo.
Placement
When used in a Yale publication, the Yale logo does not need to be a prominent display element. It can function at small to moderate sizes to “brand” a publication as a Yale product. The Yale logo functions best when placed on the back cover of a print document, or at the foot of a print or Web page.
Scale
In print, the Yale logo should be large enough to ensure legibility and a proper hierarchical relationship to other typographic elements. On the Web, the Yale logo should be no smaller than shown on the bottom of this page.
Do not horizontally or vertically scale the Yale logo.
Alignment
When appearing below text, the Yale logo is most comfortable aligned so that the left arm of the “Y” aligns with the left edge of the text.
When appearing above text, the Yale logo is most comfortable aligned so that the lower left serif of the “Y” aligns with the left edge of the text.
Clearance
Always reserve a cushion of open space around the Yale logo. The height of the “Y” is approximately the minimum amount of clearance to provide.
The Yale logo should not be used as a foundation from which to construct new logos. Departments and programs interested in developing new marks should contact the Office of the Yale University Printer. For more information, please see the logos page of this site.
Color & background
The Yale logo may only be shown in black, white, Yale Blue, or gray. Specifications for Yale Blue can be found on the color page of this site.
The preferred background colors for a white “drop-out” Yale logo are black and Yale Blue. Gray is also permitted.
If using a background color other than black or Yale Blue, the Yale logo should appear in white on a dark background or black against a light background.
The logo may be printed against or dropped out of a photographic image only if it remains highly visible and legible.
Maintain contrast between the background and the logo to ensure legibility. Never print it against or dropped out of a “busy” background that compromises its visibility.
