Having a strong Universitywide identity adds to each unit’s value while reinforcing the overall value of The University of Alabama as a whole.
Through our visual identity program, all portions of our diverse community can convey a clear, powerful identity. When our communications present a unified visual appearance, they establish an immediate connection between the message and the University. Our brand standards offer many design solutions that allow for flexibility and versatility within each college, school, division, department or program.
All UA word marks and logos should carry the appropriate registration mark.
NOTE: All logos for sponsorships must include The University of Alabama. You can use the official logo that includes the word mark, or if you use the Capstone A version, it must include the nameplate. Contact Strategic Communications’ Department of Design & Production for an identifier that includes the nameplate so you can send one file to the organization. All sponsorships with a logo must be submitted for approval at ua.edu/brandapproval.
Primary Word Mark
The stacked version of the word mark is considered the primary logo of the institution. These versions cannot be modified in any way, including adding additional wording underneath.
Official Nameplate
The official nameplate comes in three versions, each of which has been created using type kerned to specific proportional measurements. To ensure that all of our uses of these marks will be consistent in quality, do not attempt to recreate them, to use photocopies or scans, or to manipulate or change the marks in any way. The horizontal nameplate is a flexible yet solid tool that works well in many publication applications and is an excellent choice for merchandise and equipment.
This nameplate must accompany the Capstone A logo when used on materials designed for or provided to an external audience such as prospective students or the general public.
Capstone A Logo
The Capstone A logo is a secondary mark of the University and includes the Script A along with the registration mark inside the square. The Department of Design & Production can supply you with the needed formats and colors for your specific needs. If the Capstone A is used externally, it must be accompanied by The University of Alabama nameplate somewhere on the page.
Application Guidelines: Area of Isolation and Minimum Size
The University of Alabama’s official logo is a word mark that features the words “The University of Alabama” in a specific font.
The space around the word mark or logo must be at least one-half the height of the tallest letter.
Shown here are examples of how the word mark system should be used in relation to other objects on the page. This is to prevent competing elements that might take away from the strong brand associated with these systems.
Incorrect Usage
Examples of what NOT to do when using our word mark system: Do NOT manipulate the word mark in any way. You should not try to type it in a different font, space it out, place a drop shadow behind it, stretch it, put it on a distracting background, use a low-resolution version or web version on print (pixelated), put anything around it, make any of the words or letters larger or smaller than the rest of the word mark, tilt it or use it with another symbol incorporated. The logo must always be accompanied by ®.
Identifiers
The Alabama word mark system allows for individual recognition of all colleges and departments without sacrificing the brand established in the primary system. You have a choice of using the “Official UA Word Mark” with Identifier or the “Capstone A” with Identifier on all communications pieces (print, video, web, etc.).
If the “Capstone A” with Identifier is used externally, it must be accompanied by The University of Alabama nameplate somewhere on the page.
Department Identifiers
To ensure your department is represented, the Alabama word mark system allows for individual recognition of all colleges and departments without sacrificing the brand established in the primary system. You have a choice of using the “Official UA with Word Mark” with Department Identifier or the “Capstone A” with Department Identifier on all communications pieces (print, video, web, etc.). The Capstone A is for less formal use and is more flexible. If the “Capstone A” with Identifier is used externally, it must be accompanied by The University of Alabama nameplate somewhere on the page. To request your departmental identifier, fill out the Department Identifier Request form.
Law School Logo
The Law School branding includes a horizontal and stacked version. The horizontal version is the primary mark and should be used in most cases. The stacked version is allowed when the promotional item it is being placed on requires a vertical or square format. Both versions are designed to also include a departmental identifier.
Capstone A Guidelines
Shown here are examples of how the Capstone A should be used in relation to other objects on the page. This is to prevent competing elements that might take away from the strong brand associated with these systems. If the “Capstone A” with Identifier is used externally, it must be accompanied by The University of Alabama nameplate somewhere on the page, including within .25″ of the logo. Nameplate cannot exceed 1.5x the width of the identifier. The Capstone A is a registered trademark and must always be used with the circle R designation.
The Capstone A allows for more flexibility when used internally. Examples are shown below. Versions that exclude the College/Division identifier cannot be used externally.
Script A Guidelines
The University of Alabama Trademark Licensing office and the Division of Strategic Communications have come together to establish guidelines for the use of the Script A to effectively and efficiently help all University entities understand, and put into practice a set of standards that best help the University manage the consistency of its brand. To learn more about the usage of the Script A, please contact Cole Price at 205-348-9691.
Colors
Only the colors below will be permitted for inside the “A,” outline of the “A,” and background.
- Crimson – PMS 201C
- Silver – PMS 428 or PMS 430
- White
- Black
Any other colors desired to be used require prior approval. Outlining the Script A is permitted based on correct sizing and rule.
Spacing
There needs to be ¼ inch of clear space surrounding all sides of the “A” for all uses.
The “A” cannot be used within the middle or at the end of any words or acronyms.
The “A” can be used as the first letter in words or acronyms.
- ¼ inch spacing still applies
The “A” must be to the left or above any departmental or organizational verbiage.
- It cannot be used to the right or below any verbiage
Modifications
There are no modifications allowed to the “A,” including but not limited to use within:
- Print: Beveling, Shadowing, Ghosting
- Digital version
- 3D version
No overlaying anything on top of the “A”
- The “A” cannot be on top of any other words or designs
The “A” cannot be combined with any other logos to make a new logo.
Any shading, internal or external, requires prior approval.
No verbiage or designs can be used within the “A”.
The “A” can be used within a single circle or square.
- If the “A” is used in a square, the Capstone A must be used.
- Circle with band around outside is reserved for Athletics only.
- Any uses of the “A” inside other shapes requires prior approval
Promotional Products
If the “A”, alone or within the Capstone mark, is used on promotional products, it must be accompanied by the department or organization name.
The “A” cannot be used in conjunction with any third-party logos for any products for sale.
A licensee must be used for all orders that include University indicia, where appropriate.
- If a licensee cannot be found, then a one-time approval will be available if project/product is approved.
The “A” is a federally registered mark of The University of Alabama, and requires a circle R designation next to it for all uses.
- Permanent Structures are not included, which pertains to:
- External branding of buildings on campus
- Branded signage for buildings, directional signage
- Other considerations will require prior approval