Legal:Visual identity guidelines: Difference between revisions
Redirecting to Wikimedia visual identity guidelines |
No edit summary |
||
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
<div style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, arial, sans-serif; color: #333333; width: 750px; margin: 1em auto 0;"> |
|||
#redirect [[Wikimedia visual identity guidelines]] |
|||
This page is in progress, also see [[Wikimedia visual identity guidelines]] |
|||
[[File:Wikimedia Foundation RGB logo with text.svg|75px|right]] |
|||
<span style="color: #0082C8; font-size: 2.5em;">Identity guidelines for Wikipedia</span> |
|||
{{clear}} |
|||
<div style="margin: 1em auto 6em; height: 1px; background-color: #555;"></div> |
|||
[[File:Wikipedia-puzzleglobe-V2.svg|300px|left]] |
|||
[[File:Wikipedia wordmark.svg|300px|right]] |
|||
[[File:Wikipedia's W.svg|80px|right]] |
|||
[[File:Wikipedia affiliativemark w v1.png|120px|right]] |
|||
<div style=" margin: 2em auto 2em; height: 250px; width: 1px; background-color: #555;"></div> |
|||
{{clear}} |
|||
<div style="margin: 6em auto 4em; height: 1px; background-color: #555;"></div> |
|||
<!--second page--> |
|||
<div style="width: 40%"> |
|||
<span style="color: #0082C8; font-size: 1.25em;">Why is it important to have guidelines?</span> |
|||
Wikipedia is a precious, shared resource, used |
|||
around the world by millions of people every day. |
|||
We created these guidelines to help authorized |
|||
re-users of the Wikimedia Foundation’s official |
|||
marks, including Wikipedia, represent our identity |
|||
in a way that is consistent with the quality, impact, |
|||
and importance of our projects. |
|||
The Wikimedia Foundation marks represent much |
|||
of what our projects and our movement stands for: |
|||
bold ideas, global collaboration, typography and |
|||
text, integrity and quality. We ask that everyone |
|||
who has permission to use these marks keep those |
|||
values in mind. Using these marks well is a serious |
|||
responsibility. |
|||
All of the assets referenced in this guide can be |
|||
found on the Wikimedia Foundation’s website, at |
|||
[[Wikimedia visual identity guidelines]] |
|||
</div> |
|||
<div style="margin: 6em auto 4em; height: 1px; background-color: #555;"></div> |
|||
<!--third page--> |
|||
<span style="color: #0082C8; font-size: 2.5em;" id="toc-list">The identity and its elements</span> |
|||
<poem> |
|||
<div style="color: #0082C8; font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 1.5em;"> |
|||
[[#toc-about|About the Wikipedia identity]] |
|||
[[#toc-elements|The elements of our identity]] |
|||
[[#toc-unified|The unified mark]] |
|||
[[#toc-globe|The puzzle globe]] |
|||
[[#toc-wordmark|The wordmark]] |
|||
[[#toc-puzzle|The puzzle icon]] |
|||
[[#toc-w|The ‘W’ icon]] |
|||
[[#toc-foundation|The Wikimedia Foundation mark]] |
|||
</div> |
|||
</poem> |
|||
<div style="margin: 6em auto 4em; height: 1px; background-color: #555;"></div> |
|||
<!--fourth page--> |
|||
<span id="toc-about"></span> |
|||
[[File:Wikipedia-logo-v2-en SVG.svg|right|350px]] |
|||
<div style="width: 40%"> |
|||
<span style="color: #0082C8; font-size: 1.25em;">About the Wikipedia identity [[#toc-list|^]]</span> |
|||
The distinctive Wikipedia identity has evolved over |
|||
the years since it was introduced in 2003 following |
|||
a volunteer competition to find a distinctive mark to |
|||
represent Wikipedia. User Paul Stansifer proposed |
|||
the original design of the globe in 2003, and shortly |
|||
afterwards fellow Wikipedian David Friedland made |
|||
considerable improvements to its styling and puzzle |
|||
pieces. |
|||
Since it was originally introduced, the puzzle globe |
|||
has undergone a series of small changes — mostly |
|||
adjustments to correct the choice of other characters |
|||
representing the first character of the word ‘Wikipedia’ |
|||
in various languages. At one point the puzzle globe |
|||
included a Klingon alphabet character. In May 2010, the |
|||
Wikimedia Foundation introduced a revised version of the |
|||
Wikipedia puzzle globe that included corrected characters |
|||
and a mapping of characters on the reverse of the puzzle |
|||
globe, all based on a full 3D rendering of the puzzle globe |
|||
object. |
|||
The puzzle globe typically accompanies the Wikipedia |
|||
wordmark, originally set in Hoefler, but recently updated |
|||
to Linux Libertine, an opensource typeface, to facilitate |
|||
easier localization of the wordmark in new language |
|||
editions of the project. Together, we refer to this as the |
|||
unified mark. |
|||
Online, at wikipedia.org, the wordmark always includes |
|||
a descriptor ‘The Free Encyclopedia,’ which is translated |
|||
into the language of each project. |
|||
You can read more about the history of the marks here, |
|||
[[Wikimedia official marks/About the official Marks]] |
|||
and at, |
|||
[[:Wikipedia:Wikipedia logos]] |
|||
</div> |
|||
<div style="margin: 6em auto 4em; height: 1px; background-color: #555;"></div> |
|||
<!--fifth page--> |
|||
<span id="toc-elements"></span> |
|||
<div style="float:left; width: 40%"> |
|||
<span style="color: #0082C8; font-size: 1.25em;">The elements of our identity [[#toc-list|^]]</span> |
|||
Over time, we’ve expanded the elements that make up |
|||
our visual identity. |
|||
We began with two simple elements, the puzzle globe |
|||
and the wordmark, which together constitute the unified |
|||
mark. Two additional elements, the puzzle icon and the |
|||
W icon, have been proposed to serve specific situations |
|||
— including digital implementations and design situations |
|||
with space constraints. |
|||
Each element of the Wikipedia identity has been carefully |
|||
designed to function both independently and when |
|||
united, collectively echoing the core identity of Wikipedia. |
|||
</div> |
|||
<div style="float:right; width: 50%"> |
|||
unified mark |
|||
[[File:Wikipedia-logo-v2-en SVG.svg|200px]] |
|||
puzzle icon |
|||
[[File:Wikipedia's W.svg|80px]] |
|||
W icon |
|||
[[File:Wikipedia affiliativemark w v1.png|120px]] |
|||
</div> |
|||
{{clear}} |
|||
<div style="margin: 6em auto 4em; height: 1px; background-color: #555;"></div> |
|||
<!--sixth page--> |
|||
<span id="toc-unified"></span> |
|||
<div style="float:left; width: 40%"> |
|||
<span style="color: #0082C8; font-size: 1.25em;">The unified mark [[#toc-list|^]]</span> |
|||
Traditionally the unified mark is used to identify Wikipedia |
|||
in situations where the puzzle globe alone may not be |
|||
sufficient to represent the project. |
|||
The wordmark is the most desirable variant of the |
|||
official marks for clearly communicating the presence of |
|||
Wikipedia, whether through the indication of Wikipedia’s |
|||
actual content, the presence of Wikipedia volunteers and |
|||
supporters, or to indicate the participation or partnership |
|||
of Wikipedia with an institution or project. |
|||
In situations where the classic top and bottom |
|||
configuration of the unified mark are not conventional, the |
|||
horizontal version can be used. |
|||
</div> |
|||
<div style="float:right; width: 50%"> |
|||
vertical version |
|||
[[File:Wikipedia-logo-v2-en SVG.svg|200px]] |
|||
construction of vertical version |
|||
[[File:Wikipedia-logo-v2-en SVG.svg|200px]] |
|||
</div> |
|||
{{clear}} |
|||
<div style="margin: 6em auto 4em; height: 1px; background-color: #555;"></div> |
|||
<!--seventh page--> |
|||
<span id="toc-globe"></span> |
|||
<div style="float:left; width: 40%"> |
|||
<span style="color: #0082C8; font-size: 1.25em;">The puzzle globe [[#toc-list|^]]</span> |
|||
The puzzle globe is a fully 3D object rendered as a flat |
|||
image for design purposes. The ‘hero’ rendering of the |
|||
puzzle globe is the digital photograph of the 3D object |
|||
that most closely approximates the original puzzle globe |
|||
shape |
|||
The puzzle globe does not reflect all of the languages |
|||
and scripts of Wikipedia. The projects are available in |
|||
over 270 languages. The puzzle globe reflects roughly |
|||
61 different scripts. There are no specific parameters for |
|||
which languages appear in the puzzle globe; however, |
|||
only languages or scripts with corresponding Wikipedia |
|||
projects are included. |
|||
The hero version of the puzzle globe shows characters |
|||
from 18 language sets: |
|||
<poem> |
|||
Armenian |
|||
Khmer |
|||
Japanese (Katakana) |
|||
Ge’ez |
|||
Bengali |
|||
Greek |
|||
Latin |
|||
Arabic |
|||
Devanagari |
|||
Traditional Chinese |
|||
Cyrillic |
|||
Korean |
|||
Georgian |
|||
Kannada |
|||
Hebrew |
|||
Thai |
|||
Tibetan |
|||
Tamil |
|||
</poem> |
|||
The full list of characters and languages reflected in the |
|||
globe can be found here, |
|||
[[:Wikipedia:Wikipedia logos#The characters of the new logo]] |
|||
</div> |
|||
<div style="float:right; width: 50%"> |
|||
puzzle globe |
|||
[[File:Wikipedia-puzzleglobe-V2.svg|200px]] |
|||
puzzle globe on a saturated background |
|||
<div style="background: #241f20; background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right bottom, from(#111111), to(#ffffff)); background: -moz-linear-gradient(left, #111111, #ffffff); width: 300px; padding: 30px"> |
|||
[[File:Wikipedia-puzzleglobe-V2.svg|70px]]</div> |
|||
</div> |
|||
{{clear}} |
|||
<div style="margin: 6em auto 4em; height: 1px; background-color: #555;"></div> |
|||
<!--eighth page--> |
|||
<span id="toc-wordmark"></span> |
|||
<div style="float:left; width: 40%"> |
|||
<span style="color: #0082C8; font-size: 1.25em;">The Wikipedia Wordmark [[#toc-list|^]]</span> |
|||
The distinctive wordmark, with larger case W and A |
|||
characters, has been widely translated for other language |
|||
variants since Wikipedia started in 2001. |
|||
The wordmark alone is the most identifiable and clearly |
|||
understood version of all of the official marks representing |
|||
Wikipedia. When both the puzzle globe and wordmark |
|||
(the unified mark) cannot be used, it is preferable to use |
|||
the Wikipedia wordmark to clearly identify Wikipedia. |
|||
</div> |
|||
<div style="float:right; width: 50%"> |
|||
wordmark |
|||
[[File:Wikipedia wordmark.svg|400px]] |
|||
</div> |
|||
{{clear}} |
|||
<div style="margin: 6em auto 4em; height: 1px; background-color: #555;"></div> |
|||
<!--ninth page--> |
|||
<span id="toc-puzzle"></span> |
|||
<div style="float:left; width: 40%"> |
|||
<span style="color: #0082C8; font-size: 1.25em;">The Puzzle Icon [[#toc-list|^]]</span> |
|||
The Wikipedia puzzle icon is a distinctive graphic |
|||
element extracted directly from the original 3D puzzle |
|||
globe model. The icon is intended to be used by groups |
|||
or organizations that affiliate with Wikipedia, but do |
|||
not officially represent the projects or the Wikimedia |
|||
Foundation. |
|||
The puzzle icon is the least recognizable of the Wikipedia |
|||
identifiers, and whenever possible should be used in |
|||
conjunction with a non-stylized title, ‘Wikipedia.’ |
|||
</div> |
|||
<div style="float:right; width: 50%"> |
|||
puzzle icon for affiliates |
|||
[[File:Wikipedia affiliativemark w v1.png|150px]] |
|||
positive version on saturated background |
|||
<div style="background: #241f20; background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right bottom, from(#111111), to(#ffffff)); background: -moz-linear-gradient(left, #111111, #ffffff); width: 300px; padding: 30px"> |
|||
[[File:Wikipedia affiliativemark w v1.png|150px]]</div> |
|||
</div> |
|||
{{clear}} |
|||
<div style="margin: 6em auto 4em; height: 1px; background-color: #555;"></div> |
|||
<!--tenth page--> |
|||
<span id="toc-w"></span> |
|||
<div style="float:left; width: 40%"> |
|||
<span style="color: #0082C8; font-size: 1.25em;">The ‘W’ Icon [[#toc-list|^]]</span> |
|||
The Wikipedia ‘W’ icon is a distinctive graphic element |
|||
derived from the W of Wikipedia, set in the font Hoefler. |
|||
The ‘W’ is intended to evoke the Wikipedia brand in |
|||
applications where limited space, aesthetics, or other |
|||
constraints prevent the use of the Wikipedia puzzle globe |
|||
and stylized text. Common usages might include mobile |
|||
devices, web browser bookmark bars, and small branded |
|||
merchandise. |
|||
</div> |
|||
<div style="float:right; width: 50%"> |
|||
the 'W' |
|||
[[File:Wikipedia's W.svg|80px]] |
|||
combined with various framing devices |
|||
</div> |
|||
{{clear}} |
|||
<div style="margin: 6em auto 4em; height: 1px; background-color: #555;"></div> |
|||
<!-- 11 --> |
|||
<span id="toc-foundation"></span> |
|||
<div style="float:left; width: 40%"> |
|||
<span style="color: #0082C8; font-size: 1.25em;">The Wikimedia Foundation Mark [[#toc-list|^]]</span> |
|||
Originally designed in 2005 by user: Neolux, the mark |
|||
that identifies the Wikimedia Foundation consists of a |
|||
circular logo and a wordmark. The red, green, and blue |
|||
mark is intended to signify a character holding an open |
|||
book. The font Gill Sans is used to construct both the |
|||
title and the descriptor of the mark. |
|||
The Wikimedia Foundation mark has been widely |
|||
adapted and localized by official Wikimedia chapters |
|||
around the world, where the descriptor ‘Foundation’ is |
|||
replaced with the regional chapter location. |
|||
</div> |
|||
<div style="float:right; width: 50%"> |
|||
recommended vertical version |
|||
[[File:Wikimedia Foundation RGB logo with text.svg|120px]] |
|||
construction |
|||
</div> |
|||
{{clear}} |
|||
<div style="margin: 6em auto 4em; height: 1px; background-color: #555;"></div> |
|||
<!-- 12 --> |
|||
<span style="color: #0082C8; font-size: 2.5em;" id="toc-list2">Using the Wikipedia identity</span> |
|||
<poem> |
|||
<div style="color: #0082C8; font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 1.5em;"> |
|||
[[#toc-protecting|Protecting our marks]] |
|||
[[#toc-legal|Placement of legal attributes]] |
|||
[[#toc-minimum|Minimum sizes]] |
|||
[[#toc-clearspace|Clear space]] |
|||
[[#toc-colorvalues|Color values]] |
|||
[[#toc-donot|Do not...]] |
|||
[[#toc-usage|Examples of usage]] |
|||
[[#toc-WP|Wikipedia and Wikimedia]] |
|||
[[#toc-branding|Co-branding]] |
|||
[[#toc-inventory|Inventory of assets]] |
|||
</div> |
|||
</poem> |
|||
<div style="margin: 6em auto 4em; height: 1px; background-color: #555;"></div> |
|||
<!--13--> |
|||
<span id="toc-protecting"></span> |
|||
<div style="float:left; width: 40%"> |
|||
<span style="color: #0082C8; font-size: 1.25em;">Protecting our marks [[#toc-list2|^]]</span> |
|||
The official marks of the Wikimedia Foundation |
|||
are registered around the world. Our identity is a |
|||
precious resource we need to protect from misuse and |
|||
commercialization. |
|||
In the United States, the marks of most of our |
|||
projects, including Wikipedia, as well as the Wikimedia |
|||
Foundation, are registered trademarks, and as such |
|||
authorized reusers in the United States must include the |
|||
® logo to indicate appropriate ownership. '''Check with the Wikimedia Foundation for more information about indicating registration or trademark ownership in other countries and territories.''' |
|||
The registration mark is an important way to indicate that |
|||
our official marks are owned, registered, and maintained |
|||
by a responsible organization. In some cases we claim |
|||
trademark over the projects and use the TM designator |
|||
instead of the ® designator. |
|||
Whenever possible, the registered marks must also |
|||
include a trademark legend. The trademark legend is a |
|||
sentence at the footer of a page (or in a section reserved |
|||
for legal notices), or other prominent location, which |
|||
states: “Wikipedia and its associated marks are official |
|||
trademarks of the Wikimedia Foundation in the United |
|||
States and other countries. These marks are being used |
|||
under license by the Wikimedia Foundation.” In rare |
|||
circumstances, the registration mark may be omitted |
|||
but only with the approval of the Foundation’s legal |
|||
department. |
|||
<span id="toc-legal"></span> |
|||
<span style="color: #0082C8; font-size: 1.25em;">Placement of legal attributes [[#toc-protecting|^]]</span> |
|||
Note the specific placement of the registration mark ® on |
|||
the bottom right side of the official marks. The registration |
|||
mark only needs to appear once in a document or |
|||
product. |
|||
'''Legal attributes of other Wikimedia projects''' |
|||
Other Wikimedia projects may be protected in the territory |
|||
where you have permission to use the official marks. |
|||
Check with the Wikimedia Foundation to determine which |
|||
marks require a registration designation. |
|||
</div> |
|||
<div style="float:right; width: 50%"> |
|||
registered unified mark |
|||
</div> |
|||
{{clear}} |
|||
<div style="margin: 6em auto 4em; height: 1px; background-color: #555;"></div> |
|||
<!-- 14--> |
|||
<span id="toc-minimum"></span> |
|||
<div style="float:left; width: 40%"> |
|||
<span style="color: #0082C8; font-size: 1.25em;">Minimum sizes [[#toc-list2|^]]</span> |
|||
The official marks of the Wikimedia Foundation have |
|||
been designed and presented to work at a minimum size |
|||
specification. Particularly with the Wikipedia puzzle globe, |
|||
detail and texture are lost when the mark is reproduced at |
|||
less than 20mm, 56px, or .75 inches. Never reproduce |
|||
the puzzle globe or wordmark in sizes less than the |
|||
minimums specified here. |
|||
In cases where representation of Wikipedia is necessary |
|||
at less than the minimum sizes, the Wikipedia ‘W’ |
|||
mark should be used. In cases where representation of |
|||
Wikimedia or the Wikimedia Foundation is necessary, the |
|||
red/green/blue icon should be used. |
|||
</div> |
|||
<div style="float:right; width: 50%"> |
|||
unified mark |
|||
</div> |
|||
{{clear}} |
|||
<div style="margin: 6em auto 4em; height: 1px; background-color: #555;"></div> |
|||
<!-- 15--> |
|||
<span id="toc-clearspace"></span> |
|||
<div style="float:left; width: 40%"> |
|||
<span style="color: #0082C8; font-size: 1.25em;">Clear space [[#toc-list2|^]]</span> |
|||
A minimum space area must be observed around the |
|||
official marks in all instances. Clear space ensures that |
|||
logos and marks can be differentiated from other marks |
|||
or design elements, and provides easier and clearer |
|||
communication of our projects, our organization, and the |
|||
related knowledge from our projects. |
|||
</div> |
|||
<div style="float:right; width: 50%"> |
|||
</div> |
|||
{{clear}} |
|||
<div style="margin: 6em auto 4em; height: 1px; background-color: #555;"></div> |
|||
<!-- 16--> |
|||
<span id="toc-colorvalues"></span> |
|||
<div style="float:left; width: 40%"> |
|||
<span style="color: #0082C8; font-size: 1.25em;">Color values [[#toc-list2|^]]</span> |
|||
The color palette of the Wikipedia identity is simple: black and shades |
|||
of grey to white. |
|||
</div> |
|||
<div style="float:right; width: 50%"> |
|||
</div> |
|||
{{clear}} |
|||
<div style="margin: 6em auto 4em; height: 1px; background-color: #555;"></div> |
|||
<!-- 17--> |
|||
<span id="toc-donot"></span> |
|||
<div style="float:left; width: 40%"> |
|||
<span style="color: #0082C8; font-size: 1.25em;">Do not... [[#toc-list2|^]]</span> |
|||
...alter the Wikipedia or related project identities nor any of their |
|||
elements. |
|||
</div> |
|||
<div style="float:right; width: 50%"> |
|||
</div> |
|||
{{clear}} |
|||
<div style="margin: 6em auto 4em; height: 1px; background-color: #555;"></div> |
|||
<!-- 18--> |
|||
<span id="toc-usage"></span> |
|||
<div style="float:left; width: 40%"> |
|||
<span style="color: #0082C8; font-size: 1.25em;">Examples of usage [[#toc-list2|^]]</span> |
|||
The following examples of usage show satisfactory use of |
|||
the Wikipedia identity in a variety of settings. |
|||
</div> |
|||
<div style="float:right; width: 50%"> |
|||
</div> |
|||
{{clear}} |
|||
<div style="margin: 6em auto 4em; height: 1px; background-color: #555;"></div> |
|||
<!-- 19--> |
|||
<span id="toc-WP"></span> |
|||
<div style="float:left; width: 40%"> |
|||
<span style="color: #0082C8; font-size: 1.25em;">Wikipedia and Wikimedia co-branding [[#toc-list2|^]]</span> |
|||
Re-users of the official identities may face situations |
|||
where the Wikipedia and Wikimedia identities are to |
|||
appear side by side. A certain proportion and amount |
|||
of space should be maintained when the Wikipedia and |
|||
Wikimedia marks are displayed side-by-side. |
|||
The Wikipedia width and Wikimedia height must be |
|||
identical to one another. The minimum clear space |
|||
between them must be at least half of the width of the |
|||
puzzle mark. |
|||
The marks must be featured on a white background and |
|||
must bottom align. |
|||
In situations where the two marks or identities (or |
|||
additional Wikimedia project identities) appear on the |
|||
same page, but not side by side, then these guidelines |
|||
may not apply (for example, when the Wikimedia identity |
|||
is being used to brand or indicate an official publication |
|||
about Wikipedia). |
|||
<span id="toc-branding"></span> |
|||
<span style="color: #0082C8; font-size: 1.25em;">Co-branding [[#toc-list2|^]]</span> |
|||
These examples of co-branding indicate a general |
|||
approach to presenting our official marks alongside |
|||
those of other organizations. The general rule of ‘equal |
|||
emphasis’ should apply. Other official marks should |
|||
appear in the same proportion as the Wikimedia or |
|||
Wikipedia marks. When one organization’s marks |
|||
appear without color, then the Wikimedia or Wikipedia |
|||
marks should also not be in color. |
|||
In situations where re-users are indicating Wikimedia’s |
|||
sponsorship of a project, and/or a grant or funding, |
|||
only the Wikimedia Foundation mark should be |
|||
used. Wikipedia is a project of the Wikimedia |
|||
Foundation. The Wikimedia Foundation is the |
|||
organization that may sponsor an initiative, provide |
|||
a grant, or lend support to another organization or |
|||
project. |
|||
Co-branded use of the Wikimedia Foundation marks, |
|||
including the Wikipedia mark, require the approval of |
|||
the Wikimedia Foundation. |
|||
</div> |
|||
<div style="float:right; width: 50%"> |
|||
</div> |
|||
{{clear}} |
|||
<div style="margin: 6em auto 4em; height: 1px; background-color: #555;"></div> |
|||
<!-- 20--> |
|||
<span id="toc-inventory"></span> |
|||
<div style="float:left; width: 40%"> |
|||
<span style="color: #0082C8; font-size: 1.25em;">Inventory of assets [[#toc-list2|^]]</span> |
|||
An index of assets by kind and format. EPS files in RGB are |
|||
intended for print applications. CMYK color values are included in |
|||
this guideline and most graphic design software can readily convert |
|||
to CMYK. SVG and PNG files in RBG format are intended for digital |
|||
environments like word processing, Web and mobile platforms. |
|||
All of these assets are posted on the Wikimedia Foundation |
|||
website at, |
|||
[[Wikimedia visual identity guidelines]] |
|||
</div> |
|||
<div style="float:right; width: 50%"> |
|||
</div> |
|||
{{clear}} |
|||
<div style="margin: 6em auto 4em; height: 1px; background-color: #555;"></div> |
Revision as of 01:47, 26 September 2012
This page is in progress, also see Wikimedia visual identity guidelines
Identity guidelines for Wikipedia
Why is it important to have guidelines?
Wikipedia is a precious, shared resource, used around the world by millions of people every day. We created these guidelines to help authorized re-users of the Wikimedia Foundation’s official marks, including Wikipedia, represent our identity in a way that is consistent with the quality, impact, and importance of our projects.
The Wikimedia Foundation marks represent much of what our projects and our movement stands for: bold ideas, global collaboration, typography and text, integrity and quality. We ask that everyone who has permission to use these marks keep those values in mind. Using these marks well is a serious responsibility.
All of the assets referenced in this guide can be found on the Wikimedia Foundation’s website, at Wikimedia visual identity guidelines
The identity and its elements
About the Wikipedia identity ^
The distinctive Wikipedia identity has evolved over the years since it was introduced in 2003 following a volunteer competition to find a distinctive mark to represent Wikipedia. User Paul Stansifer proposed the original design of the globe in 2003, and shortly afterwards fellow Wikipedian David Friedland made considerable improvements to its styling and puzzle pieces.
Since it was originally introduced, the puzzle globe has undergone a series of small changes — mostly adjustments to correct the choice of other characters representing the first character of the word ‘Wikipedia’ in various languages. At one point the puzzle globe included a Klingon alphabet character. In May 2010, the Wikimedia Foundation introduced a revised version of the Wikipedia puzzle globe that included corrected characters and a mapping of characters on the reverse of the puzzle globe, all based on a full 3D rendering of the puzzle globe object.
The puzzle globe typically accompanies the Wikipedia wordmark, originally set in Hoefler, but recently updated to Linux Libertine, an opensource typeface, to facilitate easier localization of the wordmark in new language editions of the project. Together, we refer to this as the unified mark.
Online, at wikipedia.org, the wordmark always includes a descriptor ‘The Free Encyclopedia,’ which is translated into the language of each project.
You can read more about the history of the marks here,
The elements of our identity ^
Over time, we’ve expanded the elements that make up our visual identity.
We began with two simple elements, the puzzle globe and the wordmark, which together constitute the unified mark. Two additional elements, the puzzle icon and the W icon, have been proposed to serve specific situations — including digital implementations and design situations with space constraints.
Each element of the Wikipedia identity has been carefully designed to function both independently and when united, collectively echoing the core identity of Wikipedia.
The unified mark ^
Traditionally the unified mark is used to identify Wikipedia in situations where the puzzle globe alone may not be sufficient to represent the project.
The wordmark is the most desirable variant of the official marks for clearly communicating the presence of Wikipedia, whether through the indication of Wikipedia’s actual content, the presence of Wikipedia volunteers and supporters, or to indicate the participation or partnership of Wikipedia with an institution or project.
In situations where the classic top and bottom configuration of the unified mark are not conventional, the horizontal version can be used.
The puzzle globe ^
The puzzle globe is a fully 3D object rendered as a flat image for design purposes. The ‘hero’ rendering of the puzzle globe is the digital photograph of the 3D object that most closely approximates the original puzzle globe shape
The puzzle globe does not reflect all of the languages and scripts of Wikipedia. The projects are available in over 270 languages. The puzzle globe reflects roughly 61 different scripts. There are no specific parameters for which languages appear in the puzzle globe; however, only languages or scripts with corresponding Wikipedia projects are included.
The hero version of the puzzle globe shows characters from 18 language sets:
Armenian
Khmer
Japanese (Katakana)
Ge’ez
Bengali
Greek
Latin
Arabic
Devanagari
Traditional Chinese
Cyrillic
Korean
Georgian
Kannada
Hebrew
Thai
Tibetan
Tamil
The full list of characters and languages reflected in the globe can be found here, Wikipedia:Wikipedia logos#The characters of the new logo
The Wikipedia Wordmark ^
The distinctive wordmark, with larger case W and A characters, has been widely translated for other language variants since Wikipedia started in 2001.
The wordmark alone is the most identifiable and clearly understood version of all of the official marks representing Wikipedia. When both the puzzle globe and wordmark (the unified mark) cannot be used, it is preferable to use the Wikipedia wordmark to clearly identify Wikipedia.
The Puzzle Icon ^
The Wikipedia puzzle icon is a distinctive graphic element extracted directly from the original 3D puzzle globe model. The icon is intended to be used by groups or organizations that affiliate with Wikipedia, but do not officially represent the projects or the Wikimedia Foundation.
The puzzle icon is the least recognizable of the Wikipedia identifiers, and whenever possible should be used in conjunction with a non-stylized title, ‘Wikipedia.’
puzzle icon for affiliates
File:Wikipedia affiliativemark w v1.png
positive version on saturated background
The ‘W’ Icon ^
The Wikipedia ‘W’ icon is a distinctive graphic element derived from the W of Wikipedia, set in the font Hoefler.
The ‘W’ is intended to evoke the Wikipedia brand in applications where limited space, aesthetics, or other constraints prevent the use of the Wikipedia puzzle globe and stylized text. Common usages might include mobile devices, web browser bookmark bars, and small branded merchandise.
The Wikimedia Foundation Mark ^
Originally designed in 2005 by user: Neolux, the mark that identifies the Wikimedia Foundation consists of a circular logo and a wordmark. The red, green, and blue mark is intended to signify a character holding an open book. The font Gill Sans is used to construct both the title and the descriptor of the mark.
The Wikimedia Foundation mark has been widely adapted and localized by official Wikimedia chapters around the world, where the descriptor ‘Foundation’ is replaced with the regional chapter location.
Using the Wikipedia identity
Protecting our marks ^
The official marks of the Wikimedia Foundation are registered around the world. Our identity is a precious resource we need to protect from misuse and commercialization.
In the United States, the marks of most of our projects, including Wikipedia, as well as the Wikimedia Foundation, are registered trademarks, and as such authorized reusers in the United States must include the ® logo to indicate appropriate ownership. Check with the Wikimedia Foundation for more information about indicating registration or trademark ownership in other countries and territories.
The registration mark is an important way to indicate that our official marks are owned, registered, and maintained by a responsible organization. In some cases we claim trademark over the projects and use the TM designator instead of the ® designator.
Whenever possible, the registered marks must also include a trademark legend. The trademark legend is a sentence at the footer of a page (or in a section reserved for legal notices), or other prominent location, which states: “Wikipedia and its associated marks are official trademarks of the Wikimedia Foundation in the United States and other countries. These marks are being used under license by the Wikimedia Foundation.” In rare circumstances, the registration mark may be omitted but only with the approval of the Foundation’s legal department.
Placement of legal attributes ^
Note the specific placement of the registration mark ® on the bottom right side of the official marks. The registration mark only needs to appear once in a document or product.
Legal attributes of other Wikimedia projects
Other Wikimedia projects may be protected in the territory where you have permission to use the official marks. Check with the Wikimedia Foundation to determine which marks require a registration designation.
registered unified mark
Minimum sizes ^
The official marks of the Wikimedia Foundation have been designed and presented to work at a minimum size specification. Particularly with the Wikipedia puzzle globe, detail and texture are lost when the mark is reproduced at less than 20mm, 56px, or .75 inches. Never reproduce the puzzle globe or wordmark in sizes less than the minimums specified here.
In cases where representation of Wikipedia is necessary at less than the minimum sizes, the Wikipedia ‘W’ mark should be used. In cases where representation of Wikimedia or the Wikimedia Foundation is necessary, the red/green/blue icon should be used.
unified mark
Clear space ^
A minimum space area must be observed around the official marks in all instances. Clear space ensures that logos and marks can be differentiated from other marks or design elements, and provides easier and clearer communication of our projects, our organization, and the related knowledge from our projects.
Color values ^
The color palette of the Wikipedia identity is simple: black and shades of grey to white.
Do not... ^
...alter the Wikipedia or related project identities nor any of their elements.
Examples of usage ^
The following examples of usage show satisfactory use of the Wikipedia identity in a variety of settings.
Wikipedia and Wikimedia co-branding ^
Re-users of the official identities may face situations where the Wikipedia and Wikimedia identities are to appear side by side. A certain proportion and amount of space should be maintained when the Wikipedia and Wikimedia marks are displayed side-by-side.
The Wikipedia width and Wikimedia height must be identical to one another. The minimum clear space between them must be at least half of the width of the puzzle mark.
The marks must be featured on a white background and must bottom align.
In situations where the two marks or identities (or additional Wikimedia project identities) appear on the same page, but not side by side, then these guidelines may not apply (for example, when the Wikimedia identity is being used to brand or indicate an official publication about Wikipedia).
Co-branding ^
These examples of co-branding indicate a general approach to presenting our official marks alongside those of other organizations. The general rule of ‘equal emphasis’ should apply. Other official marks should appear in the same proportion as the Wikimedia or Wikipedia marks. When one organization’s marks appear without color, then the Wikimedia or Wikipedia marks should also not be in color.
In situations where re-users are indicating Wikimedia’s sponsorship of a project, and/or a grant or funding, only the Wikimedia Foundation mark should be used. Wikipedia is a project of the Wikimedia Foundation. The Wikimedia Foundation is the organization that may sponsor an initiative, provide a grant, or lend support to another organization or project.
Co-branded use of the Wikimedia Foundation marks, including the Wikipedia mark, require the approval of the Wikimedia Foundation.
Inventory of assets ^
An index of assets by kind and format. EPS files in RGB are intended for print applications. CMYK color values are included in this guideline and most graphic design software can readily convert to CMYK. SVG and PNG files in RBG format are intended for digital environments like word processing, Web and mobile platforms.
All of these assets are posted on the Wikimedia Foundation website at, Wikimedia visual identity guidelines