Graphic Identity Guidelines

september 2021

developed by harvard public affairs & communications

 welcome to the identity guidelines
for harvard university

This guide is a resource for designers, vendors, and anyone who is visually representing
Harvard University - whether online, in print, or in person. These guidelines are primarily
for use by Central Administration and Faculty of Arts and Sciences departments.

Why does Harvard University need identity guidelines?

The graphic elements we use to represent Harvard enable us to establish and maintain a clear,
unified University identity, both within the Harvard community and beyond. We developed
these to both improve consistency and reduce costs associated with units having to develop
their own marks.

If you have any questions about the guidelines or the specifics, please contact
Harvard Public Affairs & Communications at [email protected].
Identity Standards Manual 03

table of contents 05...... importance of a graphic identity 31....... typography

06...... general guidelines 37...... color palette

07...... definitions, signatures vs. wordmark 40 ..... photography

10....... veritas shield 43...... university stationery

14....... university signature 48...... merchandise

18....... signature elements 50...... appendix

29...... university seal

introduction
Identity Standards Manual 05

introduction importance of a graphic identity

Importance of a Graphic Identity &
Contact Information
Harvard competes with academic institutions across the nation and around the globe.
General Guidelines
Given this dynamic environment, it is important for us to express a single, compelling voice in
Definitions, Wordmark vs. Signature
everything we do.
Identity Elements

The totality of the graphic elements, visuals, and words we use to describe Harvard will enable us
veritas shield to establish and maintain a clear, unified university identity, both within the Harvard community
university signature and beyond.
signature elements
university seal This manual provides general guidelines for the visual articulation of the Harvard graphic identity,
typography as well as specific direction for the application of our updated signatures and related elements.
color palette
photography We recommend that you refer to this guide whenever you develop communications materials.
university stationery
merchandise
appendix
contact information
If you have questions or need assistance developing communications materials, please email
[email protected].

For questions about the licensing or use of Harvard’s trademarks on merchandise, the unauthorized
use by others or the protection of Harvard’s marks, or the use of any of Harvard’s trademarks,
including the Harvard wordmark or shield, in any manner other than prescribed in this graphic
manual, please contact:

Harvard Trademark Program

[email protected]
trademark.harvard.edu
(617) 495-9513
Identity Standards Manual 06

introduction general guidelines DO: DON'T:

Importance of a Graphic Identity &
Contact Information — Do use the original artwork in its provided format
General Guidelines — Don’t manually alter the artwork in any way
Definitions, Wordmark vs. Signature
Identity Elements
— Do treat the signature as artwork
— Don’t typeset the Harvard wordmark HARVARD
UNIVERSITY
veritas shield
university signature
— Do use the shield alongside the wordmark
signature elements
— Don’t replace the shield with a new mark
university seal
typography
color palette — Do scale the artwork proportionally
photography — Don’t stretch the artwork or type
university stationery
merchandise — Do give the signature its own space b

appendix —D
 on’t place the signature too closely to
b b
other graphic elements, logos, or marks
b Visitor Information

—D
 o use the signature and shield on an
appropriate background color

— Avoid placing the shield on a crimson background

or any other close value

—D
 o maintain the proportion of the signature,
while keeping primary extensions to one line
and Sciences
—D
 on’t stack primary extensions

—D
 on’t use wordmark without the shield

—D
 on’t outline the shield
Identity Standards Manual 07

introduction definitions
Importance of a Graphic Identity &
Contact Information This chapter outlines the use of a few different graphic elements. This includes:
General Guidelines
Signature: The signature represents the wordmark and shield when they are used together
Definitions, Wordmark vs. Signature
Identity Elements Wordmark: The wordmark is only the text 'Harvard University'

Shield: The shield refers to the Veritas shield.

veritas shield
university signature
signature elements
university seal
typography
color palette
wordmark vs signature
photography
When a Central Administration department includes "University" in its official name, the alternate-use or
university stationery
"University" signature system may be used. The alternate presentation incorporates "Harvard University"
merchandise
into the signature, as well as one or two levels of office information, depending on the signature orientation.
appendix In some cases, where brevity and design necessitate, a sub-institution of significant stature (i.e., Harvard
Library or Harvard College) may substitute their institution for "University," provided the institution follows
a similar naming construct.

Extension signatures indicate an office, group, or department within Harvard University. These signatures
are built upon the Harvard wordmark, within a structure for primary and secondary information. It is im-
portant to note that the primary signature system is preferred, and the alternate signature system should
only be used after first exploring the primary system as there are limitations to the alternate system.

Usage:

• The Harvard signature should be present on all official, departmental Harvard communications
• Treat the wordmark as artwork, not as typography
• It may not be manually altered, except for proportionally in size/scale
• Use original artwork only and do not try to replicate
identity elements
These elements (shield and wordmark) make up the signature

shield university wordmark university signatures

do not use without the shield

Best for signage &

business cards

Best for website &

header/footers
 signature elements

Harvard wordmark signatures - large shield signatures - small shield

Best for web use

for use on mobile

extensions:

primary extensions:

Best for signage

secondary extensions: To obtain small shield signatures, please email

[email protected]

Extensions should not be used

independently of the signature
veritas shield
Identity Standards Manual 011

introduction veritas shield: artwork

veritas shield
The Veritas shield should be used in combination with Harvard/Harvard University wordmarks and
Artwork
related signatures. It is a central element of the University’s graphic identity.
Color and Greyscale
Adorned Shield
The Veritas shield may not be altered nor may appendages be added to it.

university signature
signature elements
university seal
typography
color palette
photography
university stationery
merchandise
appendix

A clear zone of “B” (b = shield height) around the

shield will give it the room it needs to stand out.

b
Identity Standards Manual 012

introduction veritas shield: color and greyscale

veritas shield
Whenever possible, the Veritas shield should be represented in its original color combination
Artwork
of Harvard crimson, black, and white. These values should never be altered. The shield may be
Color and Greyscale
displayed in black and white if necessary. In reproducing Harvard University colors for print,
Adorned Shield
recognize the recommended mixes herein serve as a starting point. Proof against a printed
Pantone chip and adjust mixes for best match.
university signature
signature elements
in general:
university seal
• The shield should be used in its original form, and not be outlined or used in reverse
typography
• Whenever possible, the shield should not be applied against a crimson background
color palette
photography
university stationery
merchandise
appendix
50% black

crimson ink

pms 187u pms process black u

pms 1807c pms process black c
cmyk c-7 m-94 y-65 k-25 cmyk: c-0 m-0 y-0 k-100
hex# a51c30 hex# 1e1e1e
rgb r-165 g-28 b-48 rgb: r-30 g-30 b-30
Identity Standards Manual 013

introduction veritas shield: adorned

veritas shield
The Veritas shield with wreath and banner, which is also known as the adorned Veritas shield, is used by
Artwork
the University for commemorative purposes, for other official University functions and purposes where the
Color and Greyscale
University is being represented as a whole, and by offices that represent the senior-level leadership of the
Adorned University, such as the Office of the President, the Office of the Provost, and other comparable offices.
Please contact [email protected] for permission before using.
university signature
signature elements
university seal
typography
color palette
photography
university stationery
merchandise
appendix
university signature
Identity Standards Manual 015

introduction university signature artwork

veritas shield

Please DO NOT add the shield to the University wordmark manually. Use provided artwork instead.
university signature
Your Harvard University contact can help obtain the appropriate logo files. Treat the wordmark
Artwork
as artwork, not as typography.
Reverse
Placement

signature elements
university seal horizontal
typography
color palette
photography
university stationery
merchandise
appendix

vertical
Identity Standards Manual 016

introduction university signature: reverse

veritas shield

reverse
university signature
Please use the Veritas shield in its original form; do not attempt to add a white outline to the shield.
Artwork
Your Harvard University contact can help obtain the appropriate logo files with white text.
Reverse
Placement horizontal

signature elements
university seal
typography
color palette
photography
university stationery
merchandise
appendix

vertical
Identity Standards Manual 017

introduction university signature: placement

veritas shield

give the signature its own space

university signature
The University signature should be treated as artwork and the space between the shield
Artwork
and wordmark should never be manually adjusted.
Reverse
Placement A clear zone of “B” around the signature will give it the room it needs to stand out.

signature elements horizontal

university seal B = height of the shield
b
typography
color palette
photography
university stationery b b
merchandise
appendix

vertical
b
B = height of the "H"

b b

b
signature elements
Identity Standards Manual 019

introduction introduction
veritas shield
university signature
The central identity elements (Veritas shield, Harvard wordmark) are the building blocks for
additional signatures used across Central Administration offices and schools.
signature elements
Introduction
In a Central Administration signature there are two layers:
Harvard Signature Elements 1. Harvard or Harvard University
Extensions Overview 2. School or primary office affiliation
Horizontal Marks
Vertical Marks In a FAS or School signature there are three layers:
1. Harvard or Harvard University
university seal 2. School
typography 3. Primary office affiliation
color palette
photography There may occasionally be a secondary office affiliation for Central Administration, but generally
we do not encourage this. In the case of multiple layers, consider separating the School or office
university stationery
as a headline, instead of incorporating within the signature.
merchandise
appendix

horizontal wordmark
with school or primary
office affiliation

horizontal wordmark with

FAS (school) and primary
office affiliation
Identity Standards Manual 020

introduction harvard signature elements

veritas shield
university signature
The combination of the Harvard wordmark and shield is the Harvard signature.

signature elements
The Harvard signature is the common thread across Harvard communications. It serves as the
Introduction
basis upon which all additional graphic identity elements are added. Deliberate, consistent
Harvard Signature Elements placement of the wordmark will establish Harvard’s name and institutional credence without
Extensions Overview distracting from your message.
Horizontal Marks
Vertical Marks • The Harvard wordmark must be present on all Harvard communications.
• Treat the wordmark as artwork, not as typography.
university seal • It may not be manually altered, except for proportionally in size/scale.
typography • Use original artwork only and do not try to replicate.
color palette The following elements should be used in signatures when black and white variations are necessary.
photography • The shield should be used in its original form and not be outlined or used in reverse
university stationery • The shield should always be paired with the full Harvard University wordmark,
merchandise not simply 'Harvard'
appendix
Identity Standards Manual 021

introduction signature elements: extensions overview

veritas shield
university signature
primary extensions
Primary extensions refer to the Central Administration offices and Schools. The primary extension is
signature elements set in Anziano Pro Roman for horizontal signatures and Anziano Pro Roman, small caps, for vertical
Introduction signatures.
Harvard Signature Elements
Extensions Overview B. Horizontal Signatures A. Vertical Signatures
Horizontal Wordmarks
Vertical Marks

university seal
typography
color palette
photography
university stationery
merchandise
appendix

secondary extensions
Secondary extensions refer to an office, department, or program within the aforementioned
primary extension. They are set in Benton Sans medium, small caps.

A. Horizontal Signatures B. Vertical Signatures

Use only large shield for

vertical signatures with
secondary extensions
Identity Standards Manual 022

introduction horizontal wordmark: primary extension

veritas shield
university signature
Whenever possible, the wordmarks should be typeset by a design professional. They should
not be manually typed. If this is not possible, please follow the below guidelines:
signature elements
Introduction
• Begin with the Harvard wordmark. This should never be manually adjusted, as it is artwork.
Harvard Signature Elements • The extension should be set in Anziano Pro regular.
Extensions Overview • The extension should be left aligned under the Harvard wordmark.
public affairs & communications
Horizontal Wordmark: Primary Extensions • The extension should be tracked in to avoid overly open letter spacing.
Primary and Secondary Extension
Large & Small Shields
Vertical Marks

x
university seal
UTIN CONSE MINCTATURSRE
typography
x
color palette
photography
university stationery
merchandise
appendix When the extension is longer than 2 times the width of the Harvard wordmark, as seen below, it must
be minimized to fit within the 2 times guidelines. The distance between the Harvard wordmark and
extension should remain consistent with the above guidelines.

Public Affairs & Communications

Identity Standards Manual 023

introduction horizontal wordmark:

veritas shield primary and secondary extensions
university signature

• The primary extension should be set in Anziano Pro.

signature elements
• The secondary extension should be set in Benton Sans, medium small caps.
Introduction
• The wordmark "Harvard" should not be used alone and should always have the shield
Harvard Signature Elements
and at least one extension.
Extensions Overview
Horizontal Wordmark: Primary Extensions
Primary and Secondary Extensions
Large & Small Shields
x
Vertical Marks

x
university seal
typography x
color palette
photography
university stationery
merchandise
appendix
Identity Standards Manual 024

introduction horizontal large and small shield signatures

veritas shield
university signature
large shield:

signature elements x x

Introduction
Harvard Signature Elements horizontal
Extensions Overview wordmark
Horizontal Wordmark: Primary Extensions
Primary and Secondary Extensions
Large & Small Shields
Vertical Marks

university seal horizontal wordmark, with

y secondary extension
typography
y
color palette
photography
university stationery
merchandise
appendix small shield:

horizontal wordmark,
with primary extension

horizontal wordmark, with

y secondary extension
y
Identity Standards Manual 025

introduction vertical large shield signature:

veritas shield primary extension
university signature
Whenever possible, the wordmarks should be typeset by a design professional. They should
not be manually typed. If this is not possible, please follow the below guidelines:
signature elements
Introduction
• Begin with the Harvard wordmark. This should never be manually adjusted, as it is artwork.
Harvard Signature Elements • The extension should be set in Anziano Pro, small caps regular.
Extensions Overview • The extension should be perfectly centered under the Harvard wordmark.
Horizontal Signatures • The extension should be tracked in (kerned) to avoid overly open letter spacing.
Vertical Large Shield Signatures • The wordmark should not be used alone and should always have the shield and extension.
Primary Extension
Large Shield
Small Shield
x
x
university seal
x
typography
color palette
photography
university stationery
merchandise
appendix

When the extension is greater than 1.5 times the width of the word Harvard, it must
be minimized to fit within 1.5 times the width of Harvard. The distance between the
Harvard wordmark and extension should remain consistent with the above guidelines.
Identity Standards Manual 026

introduction vertical large shield signature:

veritas shield
university signature
primary extension
Your Harvard University contact can help obtain the appropriate logo files.
signature elements
Introduction
Harvard Signature Elements
Extensions Overview
Horizontal Signature
Vertical Large Shield Signature
Primary Extension
Small Shield

university seal
typography
color palette
photography
university stationery
merchandise
appendix A clear zone of “B” (b = height of the "H") around the
signature will give it the room it needs to stand out.

b
Identity Standards Manual 027

introduction vertical large shield signature:

veritas shield
university signature
primary and secondary extensions
Your Harvard Univeristy contact can help obtain the appropriate logo files.
signature elements
Introduction
Harvard Signature Elements
Extensions Overview
Horizontal Signature
Vertical Signature
Primary Extension x
Primary and Secondary Extensions y
Small Shield

university seal
typography
color palette
y
photography
x
university stationery
merchandise
appendix
A clear zone of “B” (b = height of the "H") around the
signature will give it the room it needs to stand out.

b
Identity Standards Manual 028

introduction vertical small shield signature

veritas shield
university signature
Your Harvard University contact can help obtain the appropriate logo files.

signature elements
Introduction
Harvard Signature Elements
Extensions Overview
Horizontal Signature
x
Vertical Signature
x
Primary Extension
Primary and Secondary Extensions
Small Shield

university seal
typography
color palette
photography
university stationery
merchandise
appendix
A clear zone of “B” (b = height of the "H") around the
signature will give it the room it needs to stand out.

b
university seal
Identity Standards Manual 030

introduction university seal

veritas shield
university signature
The President and Fellows of Harvard College have a seal, which is to be used only by the Corporation for its
signature elements
official documents. The seal is not to be used as a design or a graphic element, nor as a decoration.
Questions about the seal may be directed to the Assistant Secretary of the Corporation [email protected].
university seal

typography
color palette
photography
university stationery
merchandise
appendix

restricted use
typography
Identity Standards Manual 032

introduction typography: working with type

veritas shield
university signature
Font selection is a key component in the creation of successful communications. Typography
signature elements
should work in concert with the overall design, photography, and editorial writing to help describe
university seal
and define the Harvard graphic identity. Since our intention is to depict Harvard as a unified, global
institution, representing a tradition of academic excellence, choosing the right style of type is critical.
typography There are many fonts available, but generally we recommend that you:
Working With Type
Web Fonts • Use clean and classic faces, with a preference for sans-serif fonts.
Primary Typeface • Don’t use fonts that are overly stylized.
Secondary Typeface • Don’t use Harvard crimson for text color.
Typefaces for General Use • Don’t use type with drop shadows.
• Don’t stretch type. Always scale proportionally.
• Don’t outline type.
color` palette • Avoid condensing, excessive tracking, or horizontal scaling.
• Use italicized styles sparingly.
photography
• Avoid using more than two different fonts in one piece of communications.
university stationery
merchandise
appendix
Identity Standards Manual 033

introduction typography: web fonts

veritas shield
university signature
Font Purchasing:
signature elements
Our fonts are licensed only for installation on your local system, they cannot be shared or transferred to a
university seal colleague, and are restricted to print media or digital media such as PDF’s. If you want to embed a font in
your website, you’ll need an extended license. Please use the following contacts to purchase additional font
typography licenses for Anziano Pro and Benton Sans.
Working With Type
Anziano Pro from MyFonts
Web fonts
Primary Typeface https://www.myfonts.com/
Secondary Typeface
Benton Sans from the TypeNetwork or available on Adobe Fonts
Typefaces for General Use

http://www.typenetwork.com/
color palette
photography https://fonts.adobe.com/
university stationery
merchandise
Restrictions:
appendix You cannot share fonts with users that do not have a license. You cannot embed a non-licensed font into a
Website or Application. One license is granted per computer.

Recommended System Fonts

We encourage the use of non-licensed, system fonts whenever possible. Please see the recommended
system fonts below.

System fonts - body copy and headers - sans serif and serif

Arial Regular Georgia Regular

Arial Italic Georgia Italic
Arial Bold Georgia Bold
Arial Bold Italic Georgia Bold Italic
Identity Standards Manual 034

introduction typography: primary typeface for signatures

veritas shield
university signature
anziano pro
signature elements
Anziano is Harvard's primary typeface and should be used for the secondary level in wordmarks as
university seal
well for headlines in communications materials. It is a transitional style font which features a flat
apex on its letters “A” and “V” among others, furthering its resemblance to the engraved,
typography Roman style it was based on. Anziano bears some resemblance to the font Albertus but has a softer
Working With Type curve to its serifs. Anziano features a short foot on its serifs–more so than other serif fonts in this
Web Fonts classification. Anziano is derived from a Roman engraved style of font and thus uses less contrast in
Primary Typeface its stroke weights. Both weights of Anziano Pro are represented below.
Secondary Typeface
Typefaces for General Use
anziano pro regular
color palette
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
photography
university stationery abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
merchandise 1234567890!@#$%^&*()?+=
appendix 123456789

anziano pro bold

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
1234567890!@#$%^&*()?+=
123456789
Identity Standards Manual 035

introduction typography: secondary typeface for signatures

veritas shield
university signature
benton sans
signature elements
Benton Sans Medium should be used as the supporting typeface of Anziano Pro when tertiary
university seal
information is used. It should NOT be used as the primary font. Each of the weights available for
Benton Sans are represented below.
typography
Working With Type
Web Fonts benton sans
Primary Typeface
Benton Sans Regular
Secondary Typeface
Benton Sans Medium
Typefaces for General Use
Benton Sans Bold
color palette
photography benton sans italic
university stationery
Benton Sans Regular
merchandise
Benton Sans Medium
appendix
Benton Sans Bold
Identity Standards Manual 036

introduction typography: typefaces for general use

veritas shield
university signature
System fonts - body copy and headers - sans serif and serif
signature elements
university seal Arial Regular Georgia Regular

typography
Arial Italic Georgia Italic
Working With Type Arial Bold Georgia Bold
Web Fonts
Primary Typeface
Arial Bold Italic Georgia Bold Italic
Secondary Typeface
Typefaces for General Use
print - body copy and headers - serif
color palette
photography
Caslon Regular Garamond Regular
university stationery Caslon Italic Garamond Italic
merchandise
appendix
Caslon Bold Garamond Bold
Caslon Bold Italic

Shelley script is recommended as a decorative font.

Shelley Allegro
Shelley Andante
Shelliy Volante
color palette
Identity Standards Manual 038

introduction color palette: core

veritas shield
university signature
signature elements Color Matching
In reproducing Harvard University colors for print and/or on-screen viewing, recognize the
university seal
recommended mixes herein serve as a starting point. Proof against a printed Pantone chip,
typography
adjusting mixes for best match.

color palette Harvard Crimson

Core Colors Whenever possible, the Veritas shield should appear in the Harvard crimson. It should never be
Accent Colors represented in any other colors. Use only the officially designated shades and always insist upon
accurate color matching, as poorly matched colors will weaken the impact and effectiveness of
photography our graphic identity.
university stationery
merchandise
appendix
crimson ink

pms 187u pms process black u

pms 1807c pms process black c
cmyk: c-7 m-94 y-65 k-25 cmyk: c-0 m-0 y-0 k-100
hex# a51c30 hex# 1e1e1e
rgb: r-165 g-28 b-48 rgb: r-30 g-30 b-30
Identity Standards Manual 039 CORE CRIMSON INK

PMS 187 U PMS PROCESS BLACK U

PMS 1807 C PMS PROCESS BLACK C

introduction color palette: accents

CMYK: C-7 M-94 Y-65 K-25
HEX# A51C30
CMYK: C-0 M-0 Y-0 K-100
HEX# 1E1E1E
veritas shield RGB: R-165 G-28 B-48 RGB: R-30 G-30 B-30

university signature
signature elements
university seal NEUTRAL COOL SLATE SHADE PARCHMENT

typography
PMS 7544 U PMS 7542 U PMS COOL GRAY 1 U

color palette PMS 7544 C PMS 7542 C PMS COOL GRAY 1 C

CMYK: C-33 M-15 Y-14 K-17 CMYK: C-21 M-0 Y-6 K-20 CMYK: C-3 M-2 Y-2 K-0
Core Colors HEX# 8996A0 HEX# BAC5C6 HEX# F3F4F4
Accent Colors RGB: R-137 G-150 B-160 RGB: R-186 G-197 B-198 RGB: R-243 G-243 B-241

photography
NEUTRAL WARM CHOCOLATE MORTAR PUTTY
university stationery
merchandise
appendix PMS 7533 U PMS 408 U PMS WARM GRAY 1 U
PMS 7533 C PMS 408 C PMS WARM GRAY 1 C
CMYK: C-52 M-66 Y-81 K-63 CMYK: C-42 M-39 Y-39 K-2 CMYK: C-15 M-14 Y-17 K-0
HEX# 422E1C HEX# 99918F HEX# D7D1CB
RGB: R-66 G-46 B-28 RGB: R-153 G-145 B-143 RGB: R-214 G-209 B-202

SECONDARY INDIGO BLUEBONNET GOLD

PMS 289 U PMS 2726 U PMS 7753 U

PMS 289 C PMS 2726 C PMS 7753 C
CMYK: C-98 M-84 Y-45 K-51 CMYK: C-84 M-72 Y-0 K-0 CMYK: C-22 M-39 Y-100 K-2
HEX# 0A2240 HEX# 3A56BA HEX# C8980E
RGB: R-10 G-34 B-64 RGB: R-58 G-86 B-186 RGB: R-200 G-152 B-14

TERTIARY IVY PEAR SAFFRON

PMS 7480 U PMS 584 U PMS WARM RED U

PMS 7480 C PMS 584 C PMS WARM RED C
CMYK: C-72 M-0 Y-73 K-0 CMYK: C-20 M-0 Y-40 K-6 CMYK: C-0 M-90 Y-100 K-0
HEX# 34BD78 HEX# D1CE61 HEX# FF3A0D
RGB: R-52 G-189 B-120 RGB: R-209 G-206 B-97 RGB: R-255 G-58 B-13
photography
Identity Standards Manual 041

photography
introduction
veritas shield Photography Guidelines Production Specifications
university signature The majority of our photographs are used in color, When photo editing or submitting photographs to
signature elements and (especially online) in a horizontal orientation. be considered for Harvard-related projects, keep
university seal • Use of borders should be avoided. in mind the production specifications. If you are
typography unsure of a required file format, always ask for
• I mages are photojournalistic in nature generally
color palette clarification on the specs.
not posed or staged.

• I n addition to these technical considerations, Print

photography
certain sensitivities need to be considered.
•C
 olor mode: RGB (depending on the printer's
university stationery •W
 hen depicting students, reflect the diversity specs). Keep in mind that they may ultimately be
merchandise of the student body. Show them in a positive converted into CMYK format.
and respectful manner. Portraits should be shot
appendix •R
 esolution: 300dpi
against a plain or very simple background.
•F
 ormat: JPEG files with “large” compression
•P
 hotograph situations as they naturally occur.
(Please do not use medium or small compression
Be sensitive to disrupting events with strobe or
JPEG files, as they are too small, or TIFF files, as
being physically intrusive.
they are too large)
•W
 hen using seasonal images, only show freshly
fallen and attractive snow. Fall images should Electronic (web, email, interactive):
contain vibrantly-colored trees whenever
•C
 olor mode: RGB
possible. Avoid using “stock” photography.
In the event stock photography is used to •R
 esolution: 72dpi

illustrate a specific concept, it should always •F

 ormat: “large” compression Jpeg (Please do
be of the highest quality, both technically and not use medium or small compression) Use .png
aesthetically. Never use clichéd or dated- when a clear background is needed.
looking stock.

•O
 verall, in any photography you choose or
create, be aware of the setting, subject, and tone.
It is important to maintain consistent quality of
image and subject across all Harvard content.

• I t’s best to hire a professional photographer

when the time and budget allows.
Identity Standards Manual 042

photography
introduction
veritas shield The University has a large library of stock images available for use by members of the Harvard
university signature University community with Harvard Key access. Harvard's image database is managed by Harvard
signature elements Public Affairs & Communications (HPAC). Vendors and freelancers may work with their Harvard
university seal contacts to search, select, and purchase images. Most images are 300 dpi JPEGs at roughly 12x18
typography inches. More information is available on the Media Relations site. For photography questions,
color palette including captions, credits, and permissions, reach out to [email protected]

photography

university stationery
merchandise
appendix
university stationery
Identity Standards Manual 044

introduction stationery introduction

veritas shield (for harvard staff only)
university signature
The stationery system is Harvard’s most widely used communications tool. Its components, both
signature elements
individually and as a whole, are designed to create a coherent graphic identity through consistent
university seal
use. Therefore, stationery should not be altered in any way.
typography
color palette The stationery system features the University and Harvard signatures and is printed in two colors, Harvard
photography crimson and black. Unless otherwise noted, all stationery items are printed on a bright white sheet.

university stationery Procurement Site

Introduction, Procurement Site The procurement site (https://procurement.harvard.edu/) is a resource meant to assist in purchasing
Business Card goods and services from the University’s preferred and contracted vendors. Using these resources may
Letterhead result in significant cost savings and may also support Harvard’s effort to become a more environmentally
Envelope sensitive institution.

merchandise Central Administration stationery that is designed in templates according to these design guidelines can be
appendix ordered through Flagship Press, by using their online portal. For login information or other questions about
ordering stationery, please contact Flagship Press support at [email protected].
Identity Standards Manual 045

introduction university business card

veritas shield
university signature
vertical treatment recommended
signature elements
university seal • Has ability to accommodate longer/multiple titles Proportional numbers should be used on
typography • Makes individual name/title more primary business papers and business cards, and not
color palette old-style numbers which are also available in
photography Anziano. To set using InDesign, go to
Open Type > Proportional lining.
university stationery
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Business Card
Letterhead
Envelope

merchandise
appendix john smith
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Office of the President
Office of the President Massachusetts Hall, Cambridge, MA 02138
Massachusetts Hall t 617 495 1502 f 617 495 8550
Cambridge, MA 02138 [email protected]
t 617 495 1502
f 617 495 8550
m 617 495 8400 Alternate
[email protected]

Recommended
Identity Standards Manual 046

introduction university letterhead

veritas shield
university signature
signature elements
university seal
typography
color palette
photography

university stationery
Introduction, Procurement Site
Business Card
Letterhead
Envelope

merchandise
appendix

Office of the President Massachusetts Hall Cambridge, MA 02138 tel 617 495 1502 fax 617 495 8550 president.harvard.edu
Identity Standards Manual 047

introduction university envelope

veritas shield
university signature
signature elements
university seal
typography
color palette
photography office of the president
Massachusetts Hall
Cambridge, MA 02138
university stationery
Introduction, Procurement Site
Business Card
Letterhead
Envelope

merchandise
appendix
merchandise
Identity Standards Manual 049

introduction merchandise
veritas shield
university signature
Any Harvard unit that wants to have items produced bearing any of Harvard’s trademarks
signature elements
(names and/or signatures) must contact the Trademark Program at [email protected]
university seal
or (617) 495-9513 before ordering such items. The Trademark Program will provide guidance on how
typography Harvard’s marks may be used, information about official University licensees, appropriate forms to be
color palette completed by the requesting Harvard unit, and will determine if the items being ordered qualify for royalty
photography exemption. For further information please visit the Trademark Program’s website at
university stationery www.trademark.harvard.edu. A valuable resources which answers frequently asked questions is
www.trademark.harvard.edu/faq.
merchandise

appendix
university initiatives
The Harvard University wordmark may be used to in combination with other University initiatives,
but the wordmark itself may not be altered. Please see the Signatures section of this manual for
guidance on creating a secondary signature for University initiatives.
appendix
Identity Standards Manual 051

introduction dual shield guidelines

veritas shield
university signature
Dual shields may only be used when given permission from Harvard Public Affairs &
signature elements
Communications, in consultation with the Trademark Program, for those programs or
university seal
organizations common to two separate schools.
typography
color palette • The guidelines set for creating signatures should be followed
photography • Always place Veritas shield first.
university stationery • When using vertical format, the shields must always be small, never large.
merchandise

appendix
Dual Shield Guidelines

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