The official color palette of the California State University provides a spectrum of colors specifically chosen to create an easily recognizable identify for the CSU while also complementing campus identity guidelines. Consistent use of the CSU color palette enhances awareness of the CSU and helps position our presence as a state-wide contributor to the culture and economy of California.
Our primary colors are CSU Red (Pantone #186),
Cool Gray 1, and
Black C.
Primary
To ensure the consistency of the CSU’s visual identity with color:
- The CSU wordmark should be printed in CSU red (the "CSU block") and black type; it may also be reversed out to white against a dark background. The wordmark should never be printed in any secondary color in this color palette, nor in any other color for any reason. The wordmark should never be rendered as a screened value or tint.
- Pantone Matching System (PMS)* colors are provided for printing applications using spot colors. Use CMYK values equivalent to the PMS colors for four-color printing applications, and use appropriate hexidecimal colors on websites. These color choice equivalents were made to provide consistency between various types of printing and digital media. Always match color to the appropriate PMS swatch number when printing.
* The PANTONE MATCHING SYSTEM (PMS) is a worldwide printing, publishing and packaging color language for the selection, marketing and control of color. The colors shown throughout the website have not been evaluated by Pantone, Inc. for accuracy and may not match the PANTONE color standards. For accurate standards, refer to current PANTONE publications. PANTONE® is a registered trademark of Pantone, Inc.