Color Palette
Our palette represents the vibrant and tenacious nature of our community, as well as our rigorous academic standards and storied history.
On this page:
Primary palette
Blue and White
UB’s signature blue and white dates back to 1886, 40 years after the School of Medicine was established. At the time, the School of Medicine was tying its diplomas using white ribbons. As the School of Pharmacy prepared to graduate its first class, it looked to distinguish itself and used blue ribbons instead. As other departments came into existence and the student body increased, there came a need to create a university spirit insignia. The diploma ribbons were seized on as a distinctive color combination that didn’t conflict with those of other universities. Our blue and white have undergone many iterations over the last 130-plus years, but they endure to this day, representing the University at Buffalo at the highest level.
UB Blue*
CMYK: 100/53/0/0
PMS: 2935
RGB: 0/91/187
HEX: #005bbb
Hayes Hall White
CMYK: 0/0/0/0
PMS: White
RGB: 255/255/255
HEX: #ffffff
Secondary palette
Supporting Colors
Although our color system is monochromatic, we understand that, in certain instances, other colors need to be used. For those circumstances, we have developed this set of secondary colors.
These colors should be used occasionally and sparingly. Under no circumstances should any of them become the predominant color for a school, center, institute or department.
* Colors noted with an asterisk are suitable to be used in text on a white background on the web.
Letchworth Autumn
CMYK: 0/72/70/0
PMS: 7416
RGB: 229/106/84
HEX: #e56a54
Solar Strand
CMYK: 0/19/89/0
PMS: 123
RGB: 255/199/44
HEX: #ffc72c
Greiner Green
CMYK: 10/0/95/0
PMS: 396
RGB: 235/236/0
HEX: #ebec00
Lake LaSalle
CMYK: 66/0/39/0
PMS: 3265
RGB: 0/166/156
HEX: #00a69c
Capen Brick*
CMYK: 8/92/100/33
PMS: 484
RGB: 153/0/0
HEX: #990000
Bronze Buffalo
CMYK: 9/35/98/30
PMS: 1255
RGB: 173/132/31
HEX: #ad841f
Olmsted Green
CMYK: 56/2/78/5
PMS: 7489
RGB: 109/160/75
HEX: #6da04b
Niagara Whirlpool*
CMYK: 96/9/32/29
PMS: 7474
RGB: 0/101/112
HEX: #006570
Victor E. Blue
CMYK: 67/2/0/0
PMS: 298
RGB: 47/159/208
HEX: #2f9fd0
Harriman Blue*
CMYK: 100/30/19/76
PMS: 3035
RGB: 0/47/86
HEX: #002f56
Baird Point
CMYK: 5/11/8/12
PMS: 434
RGB: 228/228/228
HEX: #e4e4e4
Townsend Gray*
CMYK: 30/22/17/57
PMS: COOL GRAY 9
RGB: 102/102/102
HEX: #666666
No values other than those listed on this page should be used. Tints and shades of these colors are not permitted.
Color palette download
This file download consists of our branded primary and secondary CMYK, PMS and RGB/HEX color palettes, packaged in an ASE file for your convenience. When designing branded content, upload these color palettes to ensure color values are correct.
Note: Adobe Swatch Exchange (ASE) files are used to save a collection of colors that can be accessed through the swatches palette in most Adobe Creative Suite programs.
ASE Color Palettes:
Compatible with Adobe Creative Suite programs only
The University at Buffalo is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone, and applying the relevant accessibility standards to ensure we provide equal access to all users. If you experience any difficulty in accessing the content or services on this website, or if you have suggestions about improving the user experience, please contact:
University Communications at ub-ucom@buffalo.edu or 716-645-6969
Digital color palette
When audiences encounter UB in the digital realm, our dedicated palette makes it a consistent experience.
Our audiences usually first meet UB digitally, way before they ever experience it in person. To translate our brand thoughtfully for our digital communications, we’ve created web-specific values for our color palette using the HEX and RGB variations listed below. They have been optimized for digital use and should not be altered in any way.
Provide high contrast
Pay special attention when using light grays, oranges and yellows. Check your contrast levels with the WAVE color contrast tool.
Design for accessibility
We want our communications to resonate with all audiences, so take thoughtful consideration when choosing color combinations for digital communications. Our digital color palette has been optimized for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)—an equal opportunity law for people with disabilities—so that it’s visually effective and functionally useful.
Don’t rely on color alone
Since some users may override page colors, color should not be the only way information is conveyed. Make sure information is available even if colors are altered. This can mean adding another cue, such as an underline to show a link, or an icon to reinforce the meaning.
Accessibility Training Available
A free online educational resource is available through Deque University to improve your web accessibility knowledge and skill set. The full curriculum contains over 30 courses on creating accessible documents, testing and more, which are extremely valuable skills for web developers, content editors and all faculty and staff who create online materials.
Best practices for using text and color
Hayes Hall White
on UB Blue
Hayes Hall White
on Townsend Gray
Bulls Black
on Baird Point
UB Blue
on Hayes Hall White
Townsend Gray
on Hayes Hall White
Bulls Black
on Hayes Hall White