Use of the Penn State Mark
Visit the University Mark and Shield page for more information on the mark.
Visual Identity
The most important element of our visual identity is our University mark, which is made up of our Nittany Lion shield and logotype.
Leveraging the Lion, shield, and Penn State blues, the Nittany Lion Shield is a contemporary and forward-looking representation of our visual heritage. The shield works well in both large and small sizes, and it reproduces well in the digital environment.
In general, the shield should not be used without the logotype.
Never redraw or try to recreate our shield. Any modification of our shield diminishes its impact and weakens our legal protection. Only authorized artwork may be used.
Typography and Logotype
Typography is an essential component of our brand identity. Used consistently and effectively, typography distinguishes and adds personality to our communications, in addition to ensuring legibility. For most print applications, we will continue to use Proxima Nova and Serifa type families.
The name of the University is represented by a text treatment called a logotype, and is one of the core components of our Campus mark. Our custom-drawn logotype is a clear and strong expression of our name inspired by slab serif typefaces. “Penn” and “State” are together as a single expression, and the use of the capital “P” and “S” ensures legibility. This design provides a useful distinction from the convention of using all capital classic serif typefaces for universities.
Visit our Downloads page to download official versions of the mark.
Our Campus mark is composed of our shield and logotype. The mark is used to identify everything we communicate through our website, print communications, presentations, social media sites, and signs. At Penn State, we refer to the academic mark as “our” mark. Our mark is comprised of the shield and logotype.
Which file to use?
PNG files are recommended for using the mark on flyers or the web. They are similar to JPGs but can have a transparent background. EPS files are available for use in graphic design software (RGB) and for providing a file to a printing company for high-resolution printing (CMYK).
Examples:
The color versions shown here are the primary ways our mark will be seen. Note that placing the mark on another color or photographic background is acceptable as long as it adheres to our visual identity standards.
Our reverse-use marks are not simply the positive marks with a white logotype. The scale, position, and weights have been optically adjusted. Use the reverse-use marks for reverse applications.
Our two-color marks are the preferred versions, as they provide the most effective presentation of our mark. These two-color marks should be used whenever possible. For more information, please view the University's Brand Book.
The two-color mark shown here is the preferred color version and should be used wherever possible.
The two-color reverse mark shown here is the preferred color version and should be used for dark/black backgrounds.
The one-color blue mark can be used as a cost-effective alternative and the one-color black mark is permitted where printing in black is required, such as a newspaper ad.
The two-color black mark shown here is the alternative color version.
The two-color black reverse mark shown here is the alternative color version and should be used for dark/black backgrounds.
Please check with Strategic Planning and Communications if you have any questions as to the proper use of the other colors, as some color usage is not permissible.
Strict University guidelines govern the use of the Penn State and Penn State Greater Allegheny Mark (Logo). Deviation from these rules is not permissible. For complete information about the Penn State logo guidelines, please visit the Visual Identity Standards website.
The mark must be used on all publications, Web pages, advertisements, and any other written materials that will be seen by our external constituencies.