U-M Logo Guidelines

Maintaining Clear Space

Always position the logo for maximum impact and give it plenty of room to help to ensure visibility and legibility.

The minimum clear space for the University of Michigan logo is defined as twice the height of the block serif. Understanding the clear-space rule is essential, as it is also the standard for logo position and scale on most printed communications. In that regard, the clear space rule should be maintained as the logo is proportionately enlarged or reduced in size.

x = internal breathing space based on the size of the serif
2x = external safe space to aid readability and ensure no other graphic becomes visually attached  to the official identity

2x = external safe space to ensure nothing comes close enough to make the Block M look like part of a larger graphic

Minimum Size

When reproducing the primary logo, be conscious of its size and legibility — a signature that is too small ceases to serve any useful communication function. The primary logo should never appear less than 3/4″ tall in printed materials, and no less than 75 px tall in the digital realm. A unit logo may be reduced 3/8″ tall in print, and 36 px digitally.

GUIDELINES: BRANDED LOGOS VS. GRAPHICAL MARKS

Most official schools, colleges and units of the University of Michigan are eligible for branded logo signatures.

On occasion, a school/college/unit will want to use a graphical mark, rather than one of its branded unit logos.

Using non-branded graphic marks is only allowable for limited-time purposes such as one-time conferences or other events, or for specific time-limited initiatives (eg the university’s Bicentennial mark).

It’s important to use your branded logos in all marketing communications materials, including but not limited to websites and other digital media, signage, ads and print collateral. Leveraging U-M’s trademarks strengthens your marketing outreach efforts, and helps ensure that our institutional messaging is cohesive.

The graphical mark should never replace the official logo.

GUIDELINES: CO-BRANDED LOGOS

Occasionally, the university partners with outside entities, creating a need for a “co-branded” logo presence.

The following guidelines have been developed for this situation.

For general use:

• The U-M primary logo should be positioned first, followed by the partner logo
• There must be clear space equaling the width of the logo between the U-M and partner logo
• There should not be any graphic elements in the clear space between the two logos

For use where space is limited:

• The Block M should be positioned first, followed by the partner logo
• There must be clear space equaling the width of the Block M between the Block M and the partner logo
• There should not be any graphic elements in the clear space between the two logos

Guidelines: Primary Logo

PLEASE NOTE: The U-M logo consists of three parts: the yellow Block M (aka the secondary mark), the white “University of Michigan” line and the blue box surrounding those elements. The blue box is an essential component of the logo and must appear wherever the logo is used.

You may not alter the logo in any way. Specifically:

DO NOT modify, redesign, redraw, animate, distort or alter the proportions of the logo

DO NOT add words, images, or other design elements or effects to the logo, or add the logo to another graphic

DO NOT modify the size or position relationship of any element within the logo

DO NOT rotate or render the logo three-dimensionally

DO NOT replace the official typeface with any other

Guidelines: Secondary Logo

You may not alter the mark in any way. Specifically:

DO NOT modify, redesign, redraw, distort or alter the proportions of the mark

DO NOT add words, images, or other design elements or effects to the mark, or add the mark to another graphic

DO NOT modify the size or position relationship of any element within the logo

DO NOT rotate or render the mark three-dimensionally

DO NOT use any part of the mark as part of another word*

BLUE BLOCK Ms
You may have noticed that there are no blue Block Ms on this website, or in any of the logo kits. That’s because the Block M should only be reproduced in black, yellow or white. Certain limited exceptions may be made from time to time to accommodate special circumstances; email idstandards for details.