Using Logos and Lockups
On This Page: Color | Placement and Spacing | Sizing and Scale | Incorrect Usage | Using Multiple Logos | When to Use Office Logos | Office Logo Configurations and Naming Conventions | New Logos and Lockups
Proper and consistent usage of the logo not only reinforces the University’s collective reputation but lends communications added credibility when used in an appropriate manner. Here, we offer guidance on how to properly use our logos and lockups, common design mistakes to avoid, and specific guidance for offices, departments, and units. If you have any questions, check out our FAQ or reach out to NYU Marketing Communications (MarComm) at brand@nyu.edu. Refer to our logo, lockup, and identity support section for more information on third-party usage rights.
All logos and lockups come in three color variations:
- NYU Violet (PMS 2597): All logos and lockups should primarily be used in our principal brand color, NYU Violet, on white and light backgrounds.
- White: Logos and lockups can also be used in white on NYU Violet and darker backgrounds.
- Black: Logos and lockups can appear in black only for black-and-white and gray scale instances.
Accessibility Note:
Always make sure there is enough color contrast between the logo or lockup and the background to maintain legibility, especially when using photography.
Logo in NYU Violet on a full-color image background.
Logo in NYU Violet on a white background.
Logo in white on an NYU Violet background.
Logo in white on a full-color image background.
Logo in black on a gray scale image background.
Logo in black on a white background.
For print applications like posters and documents, position the logo or lockup along one of the composition’s edges at an appropriate size relative to the rest of the content.
Digital
In digital applications we recommend placing logos and lockups at the top of the screen. Studies show this placement maintains a brand’s recognition and recall. Avoid placing logos at the bottom of the screen.
Place a logo or lockup at the top of digital applications like emails.
Do not place logos or lockups at the bottom of digital applications.
“X” equals half the height or width of the torch box.
Long logo clear space.
Short logo clear space.
Stacked logo clear space.
Clear Space Example
Adequate Amount of Clear Space
The logo has plenty of room on the page and does not compete for attention with other elements. By maintaining an ample amount of space around the logo, this composition feels balanced.
Inadequate Amount of Clear Space
The logo is compressed into the corner of the page with little room between it and other elements. The document’s title is flush with the logo, making the overall composition feel crowded.
When using the all-university logos, degree-granting campus lockups, and school lockups in print, the torch box should measure at least .25 inches wide (for the stacked version) or high (for the short and long versions).
When using lockups for offices, departments, units, and global academic centers or programs, the torch box should measure at least .25 inches high.
Digital
When using the all-university logos, degree-granting campus lockups, and school lockups in digital applications, the torch box should measure at least 30 pixels wide (for the stacked version) or high (for the short and long versions).
When using lockups for offices, departments, units, and global academic centers or programs, the torch box should measure at least 30 pixels high.
Approproate Logo Scale
Scale the logo or lockup in proportion with the rest of the content.
Inappropriate logo scale
The logo or lockup should never be the dominant element in communications—but it also should not be too small.
Using logos and lockups in a consistent way is important to maintain the integrity of the brand. Do not alter the logo or lockup in any way. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.
Do not separate the different parts of the logo.
Do not stretch the logo.
Do not remove the torch from the box.
Do not create other logos using the torch.
Do not crop the torch in a different way.
Do not make the torch a different color.
Instead of using multiple versions of a logo or lockup in the same communication...
…use one version of a logo or lockup.
Joint Programs and Sponsorships
To represent multiple schools participating in a single initiative, use NYU’s all-university (all-u) logo once alongside a list of the participating units.
Instead of using multiple school lockups...
…use the NYU logo alongside participant names.
Office lockups are used in instances when it is important for your audience to know which part of NYU is responsible for a communication. For example, an email newsletter sent out by Human Resources (displayed here).
Questions?
Reach out to NYU Marketing Communications at brand@nyu.edu.
NYU Human Resources lockup used in an email header.
Lockups are structured to communicate central administration affiliation with the University. Therefore, it isn’t necessary to add “Office” in the name that appears in the lockup. For example, instead of “Office of Sustainability,” we use “Sustainability”; instead of “Office of University Events,” we use “University Events.”
Instead of “Office of Sustainability”...
…we use “Sustainability.”
What to Do If You Think You Need a New Logo
Step 1:
Check if a logo already exists for your office, department, center, institute, or initiative.
Step 2:
If you can’t find one, contact NYU Marketing Communications through the MarComm Service Request Form.
How to Request a New Logo or Lockup
NYU Marketing Communications manages our central brand identity and is available on a consulting basis for visual identity projects and requests. Services include but are not limited to:
- Lockup kit creation for all degree-granting campuses, schools, global academic centers and programs, offices and departments
- Campaign, initiative, and event identities
For questions concerning all-university logos, lockups, and identities, contact NYU Marketing Communications through the MarComm Service Request Form.
