The Oregon State Brand

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

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.

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.

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.