The Official Identity Colors
Our color palette is built around our primary BGSU Orange and Brown. While this palette is limited, it offers the versatility needed to keep communications looking fresh and dynamic.
Primary
These are our core colors. They identify our school and should be the most prominent colors in any piece.
BGSU Orange
CMYK: 0/76/100/0*
Pantone®: PMS 166 C
RGB: 253,80,0*
Hex: #fd5000*
BGSU Brown
CMYK: 0/60/100/80*
Pantone®: PMS 4625 C
RGB: 79,44,29*
HEX: #4f2c1d*
Secondary
These colors add variety to the brand. Our secondary palette includes warm and cool hues that add energy and vibrancy to the BGSU Orange and Brown in the primary palette.
BGSU Gold
CMYK: 3/25/71/0
Pantone®: PMS 2006
RGB: 245,193,100
HEX: #f5c163
BGSU Sunset
CMYK: 0/60/81/0
Pantone®: PMS 157 C
RGB: 245,130,9
HEX: #F58245
BGSU Rust
CMYK: 23/86/100/15
Pantone®: PMS 167 C
RGB: 173,62,21
HEX: #AD3E15
BGSU Light Tan
CMYK: 0/3/10/10
Pantone®: PMS 4240 C
RGB: 231,222,208
HEX: #E7DED0
BGSU Putty
CMYK: 48/46/60/15
Pantone®: Warm Gray 6 C
RGB: 128,117,99
HEX: #807563
BGSU Dark Brown
CMYK: 57/67/76/70
Pantone®: PMS 7533 C
RGB: 53,38,27
HEX: #35261B
Accent
These colors add variety to the brand. Our secondary palette includes warm and cool hues that add energy and vibrancy to the BGSU Orange and Brown in the primary palette.
BGSU Green
CMYK: 65/42/100/33
Pantone®: PMS 2265 C
RGB: 80,95,32
HEX: #505F20
BGSU Dark Green
CMYK: 66/50/100/49
Pantone®: PMS 5743 C
RGB: 47,56,10
HEX: #2F380A
BGSU Slate
CMYK: 77/42/51/17
Pantone®: PMS 4158 C
RGB: 63,110,110
HEX: #3F6E6E
BGSU Navy
CMYK: 84/56/63/51
Pantone®: PMS 4160
RGB: 32,52,53
HEX: #203435
Color Ratio
Our primary colors Orange and Brown should be predominant in most layouts. Never use secondary colors in this way. By leading with our primary colors, we can celebrate the pride we have in our institution and incorporate a thoughtful amount of negative space. Rather than viewing white space as a blank area, think of it as a pause. Whether it’s in a photo or a layout, don’t rush to fill negative space. What’s absent can focus attention on the content that’s there.
Ratios on individual pages, spreads, layouts and even full communications can vary. The important thing to remember is that our primary colors should be the predominant colors overall. When viewing all the pieces the university creates and applying the “squint test” to the brand as a whole, the balance of color should feel close to what’s shown here.
Design and Composition
Incorporate a thoughtful amount of negative space in your designs. Rather than seeing white space as empty, think of it as a pause – an intentional design choice that focuses attention on the elements that are present. Whether in a photograph or a layout, resist the urge to fill every area; what’s absent can be just as powerful as what’s included.
Dos
- Do ensure that even when using our secondary colors, the page still “feels” like BGSU. A good rule of thumb is to ensure BGSU Orange or Brown is the first and last thing the eye sees.
Do use secondary colors for call-out boxes, specifically those housing QR codes or “For more information”, to make them pop against white space.
Don'ts
- Don’t use secondary colors for main headings. The primarys, BGSU Orange or Brown, are our “voice”; using a secondary color for the title can lead to brand confusion.
- Don’t use secondary colors for action buttons or URLs. To maintain a consistent user experience, all pill shapes and URL’s must remain in the primary BGSU Orange.
- Don’t place secondary-colored text over dark or busy backgrounds. If the contrast is low, the text will be difficult to read when printed.
- Don’t stack multiple secondary colors in one area. They should be used in harmony, not in competition with one another.
- Don’t use secondary colors for body copy or small captions. Stick to BGSU Brown or black for long-form reading to ensure maximum clarity.
Updated: 09/08/2026 07:12PM