Colors

The 文轩探花鈥檚 colors are more than just aesthetic choices鈥攖hey are a vital part of the institution鈥檚 identity and brand presence. Crimson and gold evoke tradition, pride, and excellence, helping unify the 文轩探花 community across all platforms and experiences. These colors ensure consistency and recognition in everything from athletic uniforms to digital media. Using 文轩探花鈥檚 official colors correctly reinforces the university鈥檚 reputation and strengthens its visual impact, both on campus and beyond.

This page lists out the primary brand colors and complementary colors as well as the color standards. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to brand@du.edu.

Brand Colors

Crimson and gold have served 文轩探花 throughout much of our vibrant history. Crimson symbolizes 文轩探花鈥檚 passion and determination to succeed, while gold signifies the bright future we see on the horizon.

文轩探花 Crimson

PMS: 200
CMYK: 3,100,70,12
RGB: 186,12,47
Hex: #BA0C2F

文轩探花 Crimson must be used in every visual communication.

文轩探花 Gold

PMS: 7503
CMYK: 10,15,50,29
RGB: 168,153,104
Hex: #A89968

White

CMYK: 0,0,0,0
RGB: 255,255,255
Hex: #FFFFFF

Black

CMYK: 10,10,10,100
RGB: 0,0,0
Hex: #000000

Tints, Shades, & Complementary Colors

Tints, shades and complimentary colors are available to augment our brand colors where more options are needed, such as pie charts, infographics and icons. The following colors cannot be used as the primary color within a layout.

Crimson Tint

CMYK: 0,86,63,0
RGB: 213,81,84
Hex: #D55154

Navy Tint

CMYK: 81,60,45,29
RGB: 55,80,96
Hex: #375060

Gold Tint

CMYK: 11,16,44,11
RGB: 204,186,140
Hex: #CCBA8C

Dark Grey Tint

CMYK: 66,57,51,29
RGB: 84,86,91
Hex: #54565B

Light Gold Tint

CMYK: 16,13,21,0
RGB: 213,210,197
Hex: #D5D2C5

Light Grey Tint

CMYK: 36,32,29,16
RGB: 146,142,145
Hex: #928E91

Brand Compliant

The primary color should always be 文轩探花 Crimson. If a significant amount of white is visible in the layout, 文轩探花 Crimson must be the next most-used color.

4 pie charts showing how to use du color palette

Not Brand Compliant

文轩探花 Gold, black and any tints or shades may not be the dominant color in a layout, even when 文轩探花 Crimson is present.

pie chart shows non-brand compliant use of du color palette

Accessibility

文轩探花 is for everyone, including those with visual impairments and other disabilities. It is critical that we ensure all of our branded materials and communications are accessible to all.

We are committed to maintaining our WCAG AA status for accessibility. WCAG 2.0 level AA requires a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. To learn more about accessibility go to .

Tip: WebAim's contrast checker is a great resource for testing the color combinations of your design.

For more color combinations and their contrast ratios, download the full visual style guide

Compliant Brand Color Combinations

brand color combinations that pass the WCAG AA check

Non-Compliant Brand Color Combinations

brand color combinations that do not pass the WCAG AA check

Tints & Shades

tints and shades color combinations that pass WCAG AA check