---
title: Colors
date: 2026-06-04T11:19:00-04:00
author: Tierra Collins
canonical_url: "https://brand.umd.edu/visual-identity/colors"
section: Pages
---
# Colors

*Visual Identity*

**Colors**



The University of Maryland's primary brand colors are red, white, black and gold. Inspired by the Maryland state flag, these colors reflect our role as Maryland's flagship university. While the university’s four colors are all core to its visual identity, red is used most prominently to distinguish the institution.


# Primary Colors



- **Maryland Red** — **Hex:** #e21833  
**RGB:** 227/25/51  
**CMYK:** 0/100/84/4  
**PMS:** 186
- **Maryland Gold** — **Hex:** #ffd200  
**RGB:** 255/210/0  
**CMYK:** 0/16/100/0  
**PMS:** 116
- **White** — **Hex:** \#ffffff  
**RGB:** 255/255/255  
**CMYK:** 0/0/0/0
- **Black** — **Hex:** #000000  
**RGB:** 0/0/0  
**CMYK:** 0/0/0/100  
**PMS:** Black 6


# Secondary Colors


Our secondary colors provide neutral contrast and flexibility while allowing the primary palette to remain visually dominant.



- **Dark Gray** — **Hex:** #454545  
**RGB:** 69/69/69  
**CMYK:** 0/0/0/75  
**PMS:** Cool Gray 11
- **Medium Gray** — **Hex:** #7f7f7f  
**RGB:** 128/128/128  
**CMYK:** 0/0/0/50  
**PMS:** Cool Gray 8
- **Light Gray** — **Hex:** #e6e6e6  
**RGB:** 230/230/230  
**CMYK:** 0/0/0/10  
**PMS:** Cool Gray 1


# Color Swatches


<span>To use the Maryland color swatches in Adobe Creative Cloud applications, download and install ASE (Adobe Swatch Exchange) files.</span>


- [How to Install Color Files](https://community.adobe.com/t5/illustrator-discussions/adding-ase-swatch-palettes-to-cc-libraries/td-p/10021628)
- [Download Maryland color swatches (.ase file)](https://umd.app.box.com/s/byoop5ffvpmk6qpnzv6xp70w9e0gkrk1/folder/162824796170)


- [Download Maryland Color Swatches (.ase file)](https://umd.app.box.com/s/byoop5ffvpmk6qpnzv6xp70w9e0gkrk1/folder/162824796170)
- [How to install color files](https://community.adobe.com/t5/illustrator-discussions/adding-ase-swatch-palettes-to-cc-libraries/td-p/10021628)




## Color Spaces





### RGB

RGB (red, green, blue) colors are used for screen applications: web, email, video; they represent the values of the three types of pixels that make up all colors in a screen or monitor. The value of each of the pixels can range from 0 to 255.


### CMYK

CMYK colors are used for print applications; they represent the four inks used to create all colors for printing: cyan, magenta, yellow and black. K, for black, means "key" color and is added to the other three to produce rich shadows and contrast. Otherwise, CMY together produces a dark grayish brown. The values of each of the ink densities can range from 0 to 100%.


### PMS

PMS (Pantone Matching System) colors are used for specialty print applications—T-shirts, banners, tchotchkes, etc.—especially when printing large blocks of solid color. Using one or two PMS colors instead of CMYK can also reduce printing cost (depending on the project). The UMD logo in full color uses three PMS colors to print.


### Hex Code

A hex code is used in digital or web design to specify a specific color.




# Contrast


<span>To meet current </span>[<span>accessibility standards</span>](https://brand.umd.edu/resources-support/accessibility)<span>, use only approved color combinations.</span>


- [Get the color contrast guide](https://designsystem.umd.edu/foundation/color#:~:text=Black%20Text%20on,Notes)