Usage Guidelines
Protecting our identity.
We’ve created these simple rules to help maintain the integrity of the identity system. See common mistakes or view specific guidelines below.
Color
Our wordmarks can appear in three colors: Northwestern Purple, white and black.
![purple wordmark](../../../../images/wordmark/guideline-sm7.gif)
Information on the Northwestern Purple can be found in our Visual Identity section.
![black and white wordmark](../../../../images/wordmark/guideline-sm6.gif)
Black is reserved for when color is not an option (newspaper ads, for example).
![formal wordmark](../../../../images/wordmark/guideline-sm1.gif)
The formal lockup can appear in Northwestern Purple, white and black.
![alternate formal wordmark](../../../../images/wordmark/guideline-sm4.gif)
Use white when the lockup appears on a dark background.
![formal black and white wordmark](../../../../images/wordmark/guideline-sm2.gif)
Special care should be taken to ensure that the University seal reproduces accurately and legibly.
![wordmark over image](../../../../images/wordmark/guideline-sm8.jpg)
Do not place wordmarks or lockups directly over distracting images. If you need to use a photographic background, position the element in a calm or neutral area.
In most cases, use Northwestern Purple or white; black should be reserved for when color is not an option.
In some cases, our wordmark can be reproduced using special printing techniques. Be sure to have any alternative print techniques approved by Global Marketing.Size and Space
Find rules that ensure legibility and accurate reproduction in all sizes and applications.
Wordmark Size
When using our small-scale wordmarks, you will need to follow minimum/maximum size guidelines.
WORDMARK SIZE GUIDELINES
Exclusion Zones
An exclusion zone is a specific amount of empty space that must be maintained around our wordmarks.
EXCLUSION ZONE GUIDELINES