Aside from our logo, Beaver Orange is the most identifiable element of our university.

It should always be reproduced in its original form — meaning no tints or shades may be derived from it, nor may multiply or overlay effects be applied to it. When possible, it should be printed using the Pantone Matching System value (PMS 1665). If spot colors are not available, only the CMYK values listed on this page should be used.

Primary Colors

 

BEAVER ORANGE
Pantone: 1665
CMYK: 0-79-100-0
rgb(215 63 9)
HEX: #D73F09

 

PADDLETAIL BLACK
Pantone: BLACK
CMYK: 0-0-0-100
rgb(0 0 0)
HEX: #000000

 

BUCKTOOTH WHITE
Pantone: WHITE
CMYK: 0-0-0-0
rgb(255 255 255)
HEX: #FFFFFF


Secondary Colors

Although our color system relies heavily on Beaver Orange, black and white, we understand the need to complement that palette with a robust set of additional colors. To meet that need, we’ve developed a full set of colors to help tailor our pieces to a variety of audiences and messages.

Our secondary palette represents our four grant designations — land, sea, sun and space — as well as the dynamic and vibrant environments found throughout our state.

Use these colors sparingly

Under no circumstances should any of them become the predominant color for a school, department, institute or center. 

Never Green and Yellow

Never use Pine Stand and Luminance together in large fields or in close proximity in any instance.

Tints and Shades

No values other than those listed on this page may be used. Tints and shades of these colors are not permitted. The only exceptions to this rule are Paddletail Black and Bucktooth White for readability over photos.


 

PINE STAND
Pantone: 7742
CMYK: 71-8-100-50
rgb(74 119 60)
HEX: #4A773C

 

HIGH TIDE
Pantone: 7712
CMYK: 100-0-28-20
rgb(0 133 155)
HEX: #00859B

 

LUMINANCE
Pantone: 7549
CMYK: 0-22-100-2
rgb(255 181 0)
HEX: #FFB500  

 

STRATOSPHERE
Pantone: 7706
CMYK: 100-16-10-44
rgb(0 106 142)
HEX: #006A8E

 

REINDEER MOSS
Pantone: 580
CMYK: 20-0-36-0
rgb(196 214 164)
HEX: #C4D6A4

 

SEAFOAM
Pantone: 628
CMYK: 20-0-7-0
rgb(184 221 225)
HEX: #B8DDE1

 

CANDELA
Pantone: 134
CMYK: 0-12-60-0
rgb(253 210 110)
HEX: #FDD26E

 

MOONDUST
Pantone: 545
CMYK: 21-2-0-1
rgb(198 218 231)
HEX: #C6DAE7

 

HOP BINE
Pantone: 7767
CMYK: 14-12-100-34
rgb(170 157 46)
HEX: #AA9D2E

 

ROGUE WAVE
Pantone: 7476
CMYK: 89-22-34-65
rgb(13 82 87)
HEX: #0D5257

 

SOLAR FLARE
Pantone: 7570
CMYK: 0-48-98-10
rgb(211 131 43)
HEX: #D3832B

 

STAR CANVAS
Pantone: 302
CMYK: 100-48-12-58
rgb(0 59 92)
HEX: #003B5C

 

TILL
Pantone: 7529
CMYK: 7-14-20-22
rgb(183 169 154)
HEX: #B7A99A

 

COASTLINE
Pantone: 7537
CMYK: 18-8-20-24
rgb(167 172 162)
HEX: #A7ACA2

 

HIGH DESERT
Pantone: 7531
CMYK: 16-29-38-53
rgb(122 104 85)
HEX: #7A6855

 

CRATER
Pantone: 7539
CMYK: 24-13-18-38
rgb(142 144 137)
HEX: #8E9089


 

ELECTRIC BEAV
SPOT COLOR ONLY

We have added a color from the Pantone Matching System Neons. Its primary role is to be used in small doses in print as a spot color only, serving to catch the viewer's eye.

Using Color in Print

When you send your print projects through Printing & Mailing Services, prepare your files using either Pantone colors or CMYK. Printing & Mailing Services will work with you to determine whether your piece is best suited for digital or off-set printing. If need be, they can make the necessary file changes for you.

TIPS FOR OFFICE PRINTERS

Because office printers can vary widely in their color output, we strongly recommend working with your laser or ink jet printer and software to reproduce the BEAVER ORANGE and secondary colors accurately.

Please contact Oregon State University Printing & Mailing Services for all printing inquiries: 541-737-4941 or printmail.oregonstate.edu.

Using Color on Websites and Electronic Displays

Our audiences usually meet us digitally first, way before they ever experience us in person. To translate our brand thoughtfully for our digital communications, we’ve created web-specific values for our color palette, using the HEX and RGB variations listed. These have been optimized for digital use and should not be altered in any way.

For Drupal websites, there are additional colors for use on the web to accommodate the specific needs for different elements that aren't in print.

 

Dark background
Dark background color for white copy
rgb(33 37 41)
HEX: #212529

 

Off white background
Default background color for websites
rgb(247 245 245)
HEX: #f7f5f5

 

Copy
Body copy and dark headings
rgb(66 62 60)
HEX: #423e3c

 

Main navigation background
rgb(233 229 228)
HEX: #e9e5e4

Design for Accessibility

We want our communications to resonate with all audiences, so be thoughtful when choosing color combinations for digital communications. Our digital color palette has been optimized for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) — an equal-opportunity law for people with disabilities — so that it’s visually effective and functionally useful for everyone.

Provide adequate contrast

Check your color choices for adequate contrast or consult the Color Palette Accessibility chart PDF to see which color combinations meet contrast standards.

Do not use pure black (#000) as the background for white text. The stark contrast causes readability issues for those with astigmatism. Most dark themes use a dark color close to black, but never true black.

Don’t Rely on Color Alone

Since some users may override page colors, color should not be the only way information is conveyed. Make sure information is available even if colors are altered. This can mean adding another cue, such as an underline to show a link or an icon to reinforce the meaning.