Official university color usage
The official Virginia Tech colors are PMS 208 (Chicago maroon) and PMS 158 (burnt orange).
The use of color creates a strong visual impact that reinforces the university brand identity.
Four-color process and two-color printing
The preferred version of the university logo includes the maroon shield symbol in PMS 208 or the four-color process equivalent with solid black logotype.
One-color printing
When two-color or four-color process reproduction is not an option, solid black or solid maroon logos are acceptable.
Only in one-color printing may the logo appear in other colors.
It is recommended, however, that the logo be reversed in these instances.
To give a two-color effect when printing using black, the shield may be printed in a 60-percent screen of black, while the logotype remains in solid black.
Printing on color backgrounds
When printing the logo on light back-grounds, use the primary logo.
When reproducing on a darker background, use a reversed, white version of the logo.
Two reversed versions of the primary university logo are available for use on dark backgrounds and photos.
Other color usage
The logo can be produced in copper, gold, or silver inks or foils. In special cases, the logotype may be printed in maroon and the shield in copper or silver, embossed foil. The logo may also be blind embossed.
Process color build, RGB, and hex equivalents
Substitute the following custom built tints and hex codes to approximate the official PMS colors for printing in four-color, process inks and Web use respectively:
| (Note: This is a custom CMYK build, not an automatic conversion from spot colors) | |
| Maroon: PMS 208 Cyan = 40%, Magenta = 100%, Yellow = 50%, Black = 15% (Pantone Process Color System: 136-2) R = 102, G = 0, and B = 0 hex code = 66000 | Orange: PMS 158 Magenta = 65%, Yellow = 90% R = 255, G = 102, and B = 0 hex code = FF6600 |
Exact color matching
For exact color matches for publications, specialty items, and other applications, use the color swatches available from branding@vt.edu or 540-231-3899. Note that the Pantone Matching System (PMS) is designed for printing inks. Screen-printing inks and textile, paint, and plastic colors may not accurately match the university logo colors. Obtain color samples for customer approval prior to production of items when using these materials.
Web color usage
Review the guidelines for Web color standards.
Updated Guide Now Available for Download
- Download a copy of the Identity Standards and Style Guide.
- To view an HTML version of the Identity Standards and Style Guide, visit branding.unirel.vt.edu.
- Print copies of this publication are available on-demand from Virginia Tech Printing Services for $20 per copy. Please e-mail with your request.
Logo Request Form
- Virginia Tech graduate and undergraduate students and external organizations can submit a request seeking permission to use the Virginia Tech logo.