Primary colours

The primary colours of the UvA corporate identity are red, black, white and grey.

• Red is the UvA’s primary colour and represents the university’s connection with the city of Amsterdam.
• Red, white and grey can be used without restriction.
• Black should not be used as a solid colour block.
• The elements in the toolbox are always in UvA red. When using UvA red as a solid colour block, the elements may be shown in white.

Secondary colours

When using one of the secondary colours, for example as a background colour, the use of a red element is mandatory. The more secondary colour is used, the more red should be added.

The six faculty colours have traditionally been featured on the bands of professors’ gowns. As we value this tradition, the faculty colours may be used in the sender line or in the ‘sticker’.

• The faculty colours are not part of the university’s identity or primary colour palette. Using them in this way would detract from the recognisability of the university as a single UvA. They should therefore not be used as solid background colours, and must never replace UvA red, for example in the toolbox. Headings, subheadings and body text should never be in faculty colours, partly for reasons of readability.
• The light tints at 8%, 10%, 30% and 50% provide an opportunity to add more colour to a communication or campaign. These light tints may be used as solid colour blocks. They can be used for illustrative or supporting purposes by all UvA departments and are therefore not faculty-specific.