University Logos & Marks

Our logo is the most recognizable and eminent component of our visual identity. It stands as a powerful embodiment of our institution in its entirety, including our mission and values, and the careful design encapsulates our rich heritage, cutting-edge education, and unwavering dedication to shaping a brighter future.

The UC logo must appear prominently on all communication.

Maintaining our brand integrity is fundamental. The development and use of separate or unapproved logos to represent University of Cincinnati units or programs is prohibited.

Academic sub-brands of UC—individual campuses, colleges, schools, centers, offices, and departments—can distinguish their affiliation with the university via a lockup.

Our logo includes both the UC symbol and the words “University of Cincinnati” locked together, with a priority placed on “Cincinnati” to convey pride and a sense of place. 

Lockups must follow the prescribed template for font, type size, spacing and color

• On white or light backgrounds, the UC Monogram is to appear in UC red, the "University of Cincinnati" text in black and the college/unit name text in red.
• On red backgrounds, the UC monogram, "University of Cincinnati" text and college unit name text is to appear in white
• On black or dark backgrounds, the UC Monogram is to appear in UC red and the "University of Cincinnati" text and college/unit text is to appear in white
   

Proper incorporation of safe space protects the integrity of the UC logo.

A clear area or “safe space” free of copy, graphic elements, inset imagery, or color must be maintained around the UC logo. No visual elements may violate the safe space. 

An area around the UC logo equal to the height of the letter “C” is the minimum required safe space.

Maintaining the integrity of our mark is critical, and it must be legible in any instance of use.

The primary logo may not be scaled below 80 px width in digital applications or .75˝ width in print. The secondary logo may not be scaled below 80 px width in digital applications or 1˝ width in print.

This sizing applies to the UC logo portion of lockups and co-brand examples.

The monogram is an interlocking U and C symbol that is part of the UC logo and lockup designs. It provides a robust range of layering and depth, however, it is not approved to be used on its own. 

While the U and C symbol may be very familiar to the UC community, it does not have equity established with external audiences. Therefore, it is important to use the UC logo or digital logo with the words “University of Cincinnati” for clarity. 

The all-white, digital version of the UC logo on a red, black, or white gradient field is the only logo permitted on UC's website, and cannot be used outside of the uc.edu domain. Additionally, no College or Departmental lock-up will be used on the website.

No version of the University of Cincinnati logo (including lockups) may be used as a primary logo (in the header of a page) on any page or site that is not on the uc.edu domain.

• The digital logo is included at the top of each uc.edu page. 
• No other UC logo should appear on uc.edu.
• If more than one unit needs to be acknowledged in the communication, use the UC logo alone. Do not use two lockups in the same communication.
• On a scroll, the “Cincinnati” text will be removed, leaving the UC symbol in the top left corner, to the left of the College or Department name.