Colors

You know the U’s color is red, but what Pantone, CMYK, RGB, and HEX red should you use?

For decades, various shades and tones of the color red were used in association with the University of Utah brand. Around 2012, there was a standardization of what specific color red to use in all publications and messaging. Using the Pantone color system, PMS 187 was then designated. In subsequent years, we have found that the color red available in athletic uniforms is closer to PMS 185. In collaboration with our Athletics department, and in an effort to standardize the official color red, we are now using PMS 185 as the official red color for all University communications and marketing. We realize that this may take a “phase in” period, as many materials using PMS 187 are still in print. We encourage every college, department or other entity to now use PMS 185 as the official red color for the University of Utah.

Primary University Colors

Prominent use of U of U Red further reinforces the University brand. University red is defined as Pantone® 185 when printing spot color. However, do not use the Pantone CMYK formula for U red. Instead, please use the custom U mix as specified.

Avoid using a screen tint of the red ink when printing. Screening red turns the color to pink.

Accent colors, when used, should be complementary and subordinate to red and black. It is strongly recommended that designers avoid using blue or purple as stand-alone colors to avoid creating confusion with other regional universities’ school colors.

Secondary University Colors

These colors are always subordinate to the University’s primary colors and are only used as accents. Such accents include border treatments, spot illustrations and colors on typography.