Frequently asked questions
Answering your questions
Why did MIT need a new logo when we have the seal?
An identifier for a university must be a distinct mark that represents the many attributes of a complex organization. It must also be legible in print and on the web, and at large and small sizes. Seals, in general, do not meet these requirements. Additionally, the Institute is well known as "MIT" — those three letters carry tremendous meaning in the world. The MIT logo builds on that equity. The seal will remain a primary element in the MIT graphic identity system, but should be reserved for ceremonial purposes, such as on diplomas and certificates. To find out more, please visit Logo, Seal, Process, and Symbols.
Is there a choice of Institute logos?
The logo pictured here is the official graphic symbol of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. When you use it, you signal to the world that your department or organization is part of MIT. You should use the official logo on all publications or websites that represent the MIT community. If you use an alternate design of those three letters, your page no longer carries the official mark of the Institute, and the person reading it could question its and your legitimacy.
Is the seal going away completely?
The MIT seal is not going away. In fact, it is an important element of the Institute's graphic identity system when it comes to ceremonial uses. To find out more, please visit Seal and Symbols.
When should I use the seal, and when should I use the logo?
You should use the logo on stationery, printed communications, and websites. The seal should be reserved for ceremonial purposes, such as on diplomas and certificates. For more information, please visit Goal, Value, Seal, and Logo.
Can I download a logo from this website?
Yes, this website includes all the tools you need to download the appropriate logo for print, web, and presentation uses. Please see Logo and Downloads for more information.
Why can't I open the print logos that I just downloaded?
You can't open EPS files directly, unless you have Adobe Illustrator or another vector-based application. However, you don't need to open them. These files are for importing into your InDesign, MS Word, or Excel document. Please work with professional designers who will have the appropriate software for manipulating the file colors.
Whom can I call if I'm still having trouble with the downloadable files?
You can call or email Communication Production Services for help with the downloadable files.
My designer and printer need to know specifics regarding MIT red and gray. Are there Pantone and web-safe colors?
Yes. MIT red is Pantone 201 and MIT gray is Pantone 424. The web-safe MIT red is 993333, and gray is 666666. For more information about MIT colors, see Logo/Color and Colors.
Can I use my department's own colors on the logo?
Yes, the MIT logo was developed to work flexibly with other Institute logos and color palettes. To find out more, please visit Colors, Logo, and Do/don't.
Is there someone who can review a design I created with the logo?
Yes, please contact Communication Production Services. To find out more, please visit Logo and Stationery.
Is there also an MIT font?
No, there is not an MIT font. Please visit Font for information and resources. Visit Logo/Usage for pairing the logo with type
