Signature system

The primary objective of having a brand architecture system is to provide clarity about the UC Berkeley brand and to help standardize its application. We’ve strategically evolved the university’s identity mark system for a more cohesive image and experience, and we’ve created functional guidelines for developing logo lockups and other visual applications.

Lockups

A lockup is a design that visually indicates the relationship between your unit and the larger university brand. Rather than creating a unique “logo” for your unit—which leads to confusion and a diluted brand image — use this signature system to “lock up” your unit with the UC Berkeley logo.

We’ve created a system that:

  • Looks uniform across all the institution’s diverse entities
  • Helps schools, colleges and units create lockups that clearly identify their relationship with the university
  • Works flexibly with various applications and size constraints
  • Allows for multiple layers of information
  • Shows how more independent entities relate to the university

Not all departmental programs or activities should have a branded logo or lockup. There are cases when having a branded lockup is detrimental to the greater university brand.

Requesting a lockup

All unit lockups must be produced by the Office of Communications & Public Affairs. Requests typically take approximately two weeks and you will receive a package of all applicable lockup style variations, in all five colorways, in a variety of file formats including png, svg, eps, and pdf.

Request a Lockup

Brand overview

Primary brand

The UC Berkeley logo is our main identifying element: the singular expression of the university’s mission, brand positioning and personality. It represents our brand at the highest level and serves as our primary logo and trademark.

Primary sub-brand

These core entities directly support and further the university’s mission and positioning. They must always be deliberately and consistently tied to the UC Berkeley wordmark to reinforce the primary brand.

Secondary sub-brand

These entities directly align with a single academic college or school, or with a non-academic division or office, to further the university’s mission. They exist to expand on the work of the primary sub-brand they’re affiliated with.

Examples

Primary sub-brand

There are two categories of primary sub-brands: academic and administrative. Both categories use the same lockup structure with the UC Berkeley logo.

Academic schools and colleges:

  • College of Letters & Science
  • College of Engineering
  • School of Law
  • Goldman School of Public Policy

Administrative offices, divisions and initiatives:

  • Office of the Chancellor
  • Graduate Division
  • Equity & Inclusion
  • UC Berkeley Library

Secondary sub-brand

There are two categories of primary sub-brands: academic and nonacademic. Both categories use the same lockup structure.

Academic departments:

  • Architecture
  • Department of Chemistry
  • Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies
  • Charles & Louise Travers Department of Political Science

Non-academic departments, programs, and units:

  • Human Resources
  • Information Technology
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Office of the Registrar

Layout variations

Primary sub-brand logo lockups come in both a horizontal and stacked layout. Secondary sub-brand logo lockups come in three layouts: horizontal, stacked, and a three-level lockup that includes the parent unit.

Primary sub-brand

UC Berkeley College of Letters & Science
Horizontal lockup
UC Berkeley College of Letters & Science
Stacked lockup

Secondary sub-brand

Horizontal lockup
Stacked lockup
Three-level lockup

Color variations

Logo lockups are available in five colorways.

Wordmark and unit name in Berkeley Blue on white
Wordmark in Berkeley Blue and unit name in Medium Blue on white
Wordmark and unit name in Berkeley Blue on California Gold
Wordmark and unit name in white on Berkeley Blue
UC Berkeley College of Letters & Science
Wordmark in California Gold and unit name in white on Berkeley Blue