Brand Colors

Our primary brand color is Northwestern Purple.

The new Northwestern Purple is a custom ink color and can no longer be referenced by a Pantone number. Designers and vendors must refer to approved color swatches (coated and ucoated paper, fabric, and plastic chips) to ensure color accuracy. To obtain a swatch packet, please contact Dana Grossman, associate director of publications and production manager, at dgrossman@northwestern.edu.

Color Codes

Color code equivalents for Northwestern Purple are provided below. Color code choice depends on the intended output (print or digital). Using correct codes will ensure accurate color reproduction.

Uncoated Stock CMYK: 84, 100, 0, 0
Uncoated Stock Pantone: Dark Blue 35.5, Rhodamine 36.5, Black 3, TRANS. WT. 25

Coated Stock CMYK: 85, 100, 0, 15
Coated Stock Pantone: Process Blue 37, Rubine Red 61, Black 2

RGB: 078, 042, 132
Hex: #4F2582

Output: Print

Please note that CMYK values are different for coated and uncoated paper stocks; use the appropriate codes for correct reproduction.

CMYK on coated paper: Use these color codes when printing on coated paper, which has a smooth, hard surface that minimizes ink absorption. Coated color values will reproduce poorly if printed on uncoated stock.

CMYK on uncoated paper: Use these color codes when printing on uncoated paper, which is not as smooth as coated paper and absorbs more ink.

Output: Digital

RGB: RGB color codes should be used when creating digital materials (online graphics, social media icons, presentations to be viewed on a monitor, etc.).

Hex codes: Hex codes should be used when creating websites.

Usage

Plastic or fabric materials

Give your vendor the appropriate color swatch to ensure that the end product will match Northwestern Purple as closely as possible.

To obtain a swatch packet, please contact Dana Grossman, associate director of publications and production manager, at dgrossman@northwestern.edu.