Primary Logos

University & Unit Signatures

Do’s & Dont’s

University Signatures

The University of Missouri’s logo, also referred to as a signature, is a lock-up of the stacked MU and the official wordmark. As our primary logo, it should be the default mark for print and electronic communications and promotional materials, but may be replaced by a unit signature when appropriate. No part of the logo may be recreated or altered.

The stacked MU made of a black shield and gold 'MU' sits to the left of black serif text "University of Missouri". Below that is gray descriptor text "Primary University Signature (Horizontal)"

Unit Signatures

All schools, colleges, offices, centers, institutes, programs and other units of the university with an academic, research or healthcare focus must use a University signature or approved unit signature and cannot create new or alternate logos. Unit signatures may not contain acronyms or abbreviations. Language such as Department of, Office of and Program will not be included in signatures, but may be used in copy to reference the unit. Unit signatures follow the same color variations, clear space and minimum size requirements as the primary University of Missouri signature.

The stacked MU made of a black shield and gold 'MU' sits to the left of black serif text "College of Engineering" and "University of Missouri". Below that is gray descriptor text "Unit Signature Setup"

Signature Guidelines

To uphold the integrity of our signatures, there are specific guidelines to follow when using them including do’s and don’ts, multiple unit signature setups, clear space, minimum size, and color use. Please reach out to identity@missouri.edu with any questions.

Light red background with a fake University of Missouri signature covered by a red circle with a slash.

Signature Do's & Don'ts

Guidelines for how signatures may and may not be used in marketing, print, digital and promotional materials.

Do’s & Dont’s

Example of a multiple unit signature setup. University of Missouri vertical signature which includes a black shield with gold

Multi-Unit Setup

Only one signature is allowed on marketing materials or promotional items. To recognize more than one unit, use a multi-unit signature. This setup is created upon request by Licensing & Brand Management.

Request Multi-Unit Setup

How to apply

Clear Space

Clear space is the area around a signature where there can be no design elements, text, or illustrations. 

An area equal to 1/3 the Stacked MU is required around all university and unit signatures, including vertical and horizontal versions. 

Make sure that page trims and fold lines do not fall within the clear space.

Clear space equal to 1/3 the width of the stacked MU

Minimum Size

As our logo gets smaller, legibility decreases. To ensure it is always readable, we have established a minimum size for marketing materials, merchandise and promotional materials. It is advisable to stay above the minimum size.

Horizontal university signature consists of black shield with a gold

Primary Horizontal

The minimum size of the horizontal University signature is:

  • 1.6035 inches for print materials
  • 204 pixels for web and digital materials
Vertical university signature consists of black shield with a gold

Primary Vertical

The minimum size of the vertical University signature is:

  • 1.3536 inches for print materials 
  • 176 pixels for web and digital materials
Stacked MU with School of Law text to the left and University of Missouri below is shown above text that says 'Measure the Stacked MU' for minimum size.

Unit Signatures

To calculate the minimum size, measure the width of the Stacked MU. It should be:

  • .1875″ for print materials
  • 24 pixels for web and digital materials

Access to Signatures

Print and screen-ready files of the University signature and unit signatures are available in Box. Unit signatures are created for free by Licensing & Brand Management. Please note, acronyms are not allowed in unit signatures.

Download Signatures Request Unit Signatures

Color Variations

Color is an important part of our logo, and we recommend using the full-color version unless your entire design will be printed or viewed as a single color.

University of Missouri signature on white background with black shield and gold stacked

Full Color on White

When placing the University signature on a white background, the white stroke will not be visible. The shield should be black with a gold MU and a black wordmark.

University of Missouri signature on gold background with black shield with white outline and gold stacked

Full Color on Gold

When the signature is placed on a background other than white, a stroke must appear around the stacked MU. Always use the black wordmark on a gold background.

University of Missouri signature on black background with black shield with white outline and gold stacked

Full Color on Black

When placing a full-color signature on a black background, the signature should have a white wordmark and a white stroke around the shield.

University of Missouri signature on blue background with black shield with white outline and gold stacked

Full Color on Alternate

When the University signature is placed on a color other than white, gold, or black, the wordmark should be the color that offers the highest contrast (either white or black).

University of Missouri signature on white background with black shield and white stacked

One Color on White

A one-color signature on a white background should use a black imprint. The “MU” in the shield should be the background color (white).

University of Missouri signature on gold background with black shield and gold stacked

One Color on Gold

When using a one-color signature on a gold background the imprint should be black and the “MU” in the shield should be the background color (gold).

University of Missouri signature on black background with black shield with white outline and white stacked

One Color on Black

A one-color signature with a white imprint on a black background should have a white outline around the shield.

University of Missouri signature on black background with black shield with gold outline and gold stacked

One Color on Black

A one-color signature with a gold imprint on a black background should have a gold outline around the shield.

University of Missouri signature on blue background with blue shield with white outline and white stacked

One Color on Alternate

A one-color signature with a white imprint on a background other than white, gold, or black should have a white outline around the shield.

University of Missouri signature on blue background with black shield and blue stacked

One Color on Alternate

A one-color signature with a black imprint on a background other than white, gold, or black should have a black shield and the “MU” should be the background color.