FAQ: Design Guidelines

• Use the UCLA Marks to celebrate and spotlight UCLA achievements, contributions and programs.
   
• Refer to the UCLA Brand Guidelines for formatting and other options.
   
• Only use official campus logos and related graphics provided at the UCLA Brand Guidelines website.
   
• Highlight and emphasize UCLA Marks and graphics over any non-UCLA marks.

• Alterations to any of the UCLA Marks is strictly prohibited; any proposed variations to existing marks should be discussed with UCLA Strategic Communications.
   
• Avoid copying and downloading graphics and proxy logos from sources other than the UCLA Brand Guidelines website.
   
• Because UCLA cannot endorse ̶ or even appear to endorse ̶ a commercial product or company, do not provide a campus logo to a non-UCLA, third-party company or program to indicate UCLA supports their work or products.

First, it's good to know the rules for using the UCLA Marks that apply to registered student groups.

Next, be sure that your artwork follows the rules.  Here are a few examples of what to do and what to avoid.

At UCLA

Use "at UCLA” at the end of the group's name to indicate its affiliation to campus.

UCLA cannot be included before the group or program name or formatted differently than the group's name because registered student groups are not university entities.  

Trademarked Walking Bruin logo

Your design may include the walking bruin, which may be in-filled with a pattern or other design; however, the shape of the walking bruin cannot be altered.

Trademarked Bear Paw logo

Your design may include the bear paw logo.

Iconic Buildings and Landmarks

Although photographs of iconic buildings like Royce Hall are prohibited, illustrated depictions are permitted.

Yes, please use the official UCLA colors to represent the university.

Print publications and online media

Please follow the UCLA Brand Guidelines for both color and palette for all print and online materials. It's also important to use only the approved color combinations that meet current accessibility standards.  

Branded Consumer Products

On branded consumer products, you may use the following three colors only for the UCLA letters within the campus logo. Note that the product color (the "blank") cannot stand-in for the color of the UCLA lettering unless the blank is one of the three approved colors.

• PMS 2383 (Bruin blue)
• Black
• White

Please note that these colors may differ from the UCLA Brand Guidelines because adjustments must be made so that the final product is the right color (dyes on fabric are very different from ink and online colors).

Sample Graphic: On the product below, the UCLA lettering cannot be the same color as the label because the label is not Bruin blue, black or white; instead, the design includes the white box UCLA campus logo with Bruin blue lettering.

Sample Graphic: On this product, the background is Bruin blue and the UCLA lettering appears in the same color.

• First, you'll need written permission from the third-party to include their trademark logo on promotional materials and products. Many sponsorship agreements include this provision; an email from the company will also suffice.
   
• Include a tagline to introduce the sponsor logos (e.g., sponsors, thank you to our sponsors, proud sponsors, presenting sponsor, research provided by, presented in collaboration with, etc.)
   
• Use action words to describe UCLA's relationship to other institutions (e.g., UCLA is collaborating with Institution X, UCLA and Institution X are planning an event, Institution X is providing funding to UCLA, etc.) 
   
• Note that the word "partner" is reserved for formal, legal partnerships and should not be used to indicate sponsorships. 

• If permission is granted, a third-party may use a UCLA Mark to indicate sponsorship (financial or in-kind) of an event or program.
   
• An appropriate tagline should introduce the UCLA Marks, clearly stating how UCLA is involved with the event or projects (e.g., proud sponsor, presenting sponsor, research provided by, in collaboration with, etc.)
   
• Use action words to describe UCLA's relationship to other institutions (e.g., UCLA is collaborating with Institution X, UCLA and Institution X are planning an event, UCLA is providing funding to Institution X, etc.

Sample graphic: Sponsorship acknowledgements should include a tagline.

Sample graphic: For collaborations, it's ideal to have visual space between the third-party logo and the UCLA mark. Be sure to include a tagline so that it is clear how UCLA is involved.

Campus logos are reserved for campus units; co-branded logos may be approved if a campus unit has entered into a formal, legal partnership with a non-UCLA, third-party entity. In most cases, however, it is appropriate to use the official UCLA logo and acknowledge any third-party contribution elsewhere.

Only Strategic Communications is authorized to create new logos. If you propose to create a new logo that combines a UCLA Mark with that of a third-party, follow these steps:

1. Submit your request via the online portal. 
2. After you have obtained authorization, email Strategic Communications to request the new logo.

There are design limitations:

• The UCLA logo must be primary and appear to the left of the third-party logo.
• A vertical line should appear between the two logos, separating them.
• A tagline explaining the relationship between the two entities is required. The tagline may appear above or below the third-party logo or may appear below the full logo combination.

UCLA Press Release

If UCLA is issuing a press release, the campus logo is permitted. Please work directly with your Media Relations representative before issuing a press release.

Third-party Press Release

Non-UCLA, third-party press releases must be reviewed and approved by the Administrative Vice Chancellor. Statements about UCLA may be approved but use of the UCLA campus logo is prohibited.

Please note that UCLA is prohibited from endorsing or appearing to endorse outside companies, products, programs and services. Be careful that any quotations made by UCLA employees (physicians, faculty, staff) are general in nature (e.g., "this type of technology is highly useful" rather than "this company's product is highly useful.")

Joint UCLA & Third-party Press Release

Contact Media Relations to coordinate a joint press releases issued by UCLA and a non-UCLA third-party.