Branding and Identity Toolkit — Color

Using the URI color scheme is a large part of making a publication look like it’s from URI and GSO. Specifications for URI’s navy blue, yellow/gold, and light “Keaney” blue are shown below with each color chip. To produce the exact colors for URI and GSO, get your geek on and type these numbers directly into an application or coding.

Navy Blue

This is the predominant color in the URI identity. Use it liberally—as a background color (with white type) or on your headlines.

Yellow/Gold

This is the highlight color. It works well when used sparingly to attract the eye’s attention or for emphasis.

Yellow/Gold — alternate

This darker yellow can be substituted for PMS 110 when working on a white background. The added contrast will make type more legible.

Keaney Blue

This light blue is seen on URI’s athletics gear and is a useful addition to your color scheme. (DO NOT confuse it with the official URI navy blue.)

What Color Mode should I use?

You won’t need an answer to this question very often. However, it’s good to know…

  • CMYK is about “pigment”—putting toner or ink on paper, fabric, etc.
  • RGB is about “light”—rendering color on monitors and screens.

To choose a color mode, know the document’s destination. (e.g., PowerPoints are projected on screens, MS-Word files are output on color printers.)

More than 95% of the time, RGB will work just fine as printers automatically convert files to CMYK as needed for the job. (Note: RGB-to-CMYK conversions are approximate and will vary slightly from device to device. Usually, only professionals will sweat the difference.)

Occasionally an image in the CMYK mode won’t load, appear or “work” in new applications. If that happens, access the original file, create a copy and save it in RGB.

What Does “PMS” Mean?

Way back when, the Pantone Matching System brought order to a world of chaos by defining common standards for specifying printing inks. Matching a PMS number makes it possible to get the exact same color whether you’re having something printed in Kingston or Kalamazoo. If you are purchasing printed matter, the vendor may be ask you to specify the PMS numbers.