FAQ

These are the most commonly asked questions about the Texas A&M brand. However, if your question is not answered in the list below, please email brandguide@tamu.edu.

  1. What is the purpose of a brand guide?
  2. How can I make my pieces stand out and avoid looking like everyone else on campus?
  3. How do I know which logo to use?
  4. Why can't we use our custom unit identity on letterhead and business cards?
  5. What is a "unit identity"?
  6. Can I use the Texas A&M logo on a T-shirt or other item?
  7. Can student organizations use Texas A&M logos?
  8. What is the Pantone® number for Aggie Maroon™?
  9. What do all these color terms mean: RGB, CMYK, etc.?
  10. The color palette seems limited. Can we deviate from these?
  11. Where do I find the brand fonts?
  12. Can I use the official Texas A&M seal?

What is the purpose of a brand guide?

While a brand exists in the mind of the audience, the visual experience has a tremendous impact on the opinions formed. This site is a tool to help present all components of Texas A&M in a consistent style and manner. Marketing research shows that consistency builds trust. See more about Our Brand.

How can I make my pieces stand out and avoid looking like everyone else on campus?

Our guidelines provide a basic set of standards for all to follow, with the sole purpose of ensuring that any piece representing Texas A&M University is recognizable and consistent in its look and feel. These standards can be applied in a variety of ways that produce unique looks through the use of photography, layout and messaging. Trained designers can work within guidelines to create distinct pieces, while keeping a strong tie back to the university.

If you need assistance, please email our creative director personally at laroot@tamu.edu or brandguide@tamu.edu with any questions or to check a piece before it is produced.

How do I know which logo to use?

As the university’s official logo, the Primary Mark is always appropriate. Consult your college communications office for direction.

Why can't we use our custom unit identity on letterhead and business cards?

Stationery, which includes printed letterhead, envelopes and business cards, should always feature the university's formal identity. Guidelines are more flexible for electronic correspondence. For example, when sending a flyer announcing a workshop, the unit identity may be used; however, a letter signed by the dean or department head should be created using the formal stationery template.

What is a "unit identity"?

This term is used when the Texas A&M logo symbol — our block TAM — is grouped with the name of the university and a the name of a College, Department, Division or Service affiliated with the university. See specific guidelines in the Logos portion of the Visual Guide section.

Can I use the Texas A&M logo on a T-shirt or other item?

To use any Texas A&M logo or mark on items for sale, you must obtain permission from the Office of Business Development. Departments, divisions and programs on campus may use university logos and marks on T-shirts and promotional items but must use a licensed vendor. Contact our Office of Business Development for a current list.

Can student organizations use Texas A&M logos?

See guidelines in the Student Organizations portion of the Visual Guide.

What is the Pantone® number for Aggie Maroon™?

Vendors may use Pantone® 7421C. Refer to Brand Colors for the Aggie Maroon ink recipe.

What do all these color terms mean: RGB, CMYK, etc.?

It's important to understand color distinction when working in print media versus electronic media:

  • CMYK refers to the 4-color process (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) used on a commercial printing press. The 4-color process for Aggie Maroon™ is C=15 M=100 Y=39 K=69. CMYK images will NOT work in electronic media.
  • RGB refers to the color on a computer screen or monitor (red, green, blue). Values ranging between 0 – 255 are combined to create colors that appear in the digital space. Files in RGB format will NOT work in commercial printing.
  • Hexadecimal is another color term used in website design. The 6-digit number is called a "Hex Code." The Aggie Maroon™ Hex Code is 500000. See Brand Colors for more detail.

The color palette seems limited. Can we deviate from these?

Our color palette was carefully selected to work effectively with our signature Aggie Maroon™. Whenever possible, consult an approved graphic designer, who is trained to work effectively within a color palette.

Where do I find the brand fonts?

The Aggie brand fonts are available to Texas A&M faculty and staff at no charge. See our Aggie Brand Fonts page for download instructions.

Can I use the official Texas A&M seal?

See guidelines in the Texas A&M Seal portion of the Visual Guide.