Color

Our colors unite and enrich the Autodesk experience and solidify our brand. And we believe less is more.

We intentionally make minimal use of color at the parent brand level. This doesn’t mean we aren’t a colorful brand. Rather, we put the spotlight on the content, demonstrating our confidence in who we are and the stories we tell.

The following section provides detailed guidance on our color system and is segmented into three categories: primary, detail, and accent.

Primary colors

The primary colors of Autodesk are black, and then white. This allows the individual Autodesk products and content to have their own colorful centerstage; this is demonstrative of a company with confidence and self-assurance.

When representing the parent company, all materials should be in black and white.  Parent Black and then Parent White are the primary colors of Autodesk.

Autodesk Parent Black swatch
Parent Black

#000000
hsl(0, 0, 0)
rgb(0, 0, 0)
cmyk(60, 40, 40, 100)
PMS Black C

Black speaks to professionalism and trustworthiness and works well with all colors. Rather than compete for attention with our products, black creates the sturdy framework by which all Autodesk offerings are presented.

Autodesk Parent White swatch
Parent White

#ffffff
hsl(0, 100, 100)
rgb(255, 255, 255)
cmyk(0, 0, 0, 0)

White is open and transparent. It represents the space to commune and make, to share and partner, and to educate.

Detail grays

In every instance, the goal should be to use only the primary colors black and white. But there are times when two colors simply aren’t enough. Something may need to be defined in a way that capitalization or size contrast can’t accomplish. A minute level of hierarchy may need to be clarified without calling out too much attention. Or a partition needs to be subtly defined in a layout. This is when our detail grays, Dark Slate and Light Slate, can be used.

Autodesk color detail of dark gray slate swatch
Dark Slate

#666666
hsl(0, 0, 40)
rgb(102, 102, 102)
cmyk(0, 0, 0, 77)

Autodesk color detail light gray slate
Light Slate

#cccccc
hsl(0, 0, 80)
rgb(204, 204, 204)
cmyk(0, 0, 0, 23)

Autodesk color details light grey slate, one with red line struck through

Dark Slate is to be used for text on a white or light-colored background to maintain a high contrast ratio. Light Slate can be used for shapes, rules, and icons.

Autodesk color details dark gray slate with one side with a red line struck through

Light Slate is to be used for text on a black or dark-colored background to maintain a high contrast ratio. Dark Slate can be used for shapes, rules, and icons.

Accent colors

The accent colors are primarily intended to serve a functional purpose as opposed to a decorative one. Use accent colors in places where color cues are needed to indicate status, emphasis, or the need for action when black, white, or detail grays cannot function in those capacities.

Autodesk color accent clay swatch
Clay

#d74e26
hsl(14, 70, 50)
rgb(215, 78, 38)
cmyk(0, 64, 82, 16)

Autodesk color accent plant swatch
Plant

#2bc275
hsl(149, 64, 46)
rgb(43, 194, 117)
cmyk(78, 0, 40, 24)

Autodesk color accent clay swatch
Clay

#d74e26
hsl(14, 70, 50)
rgb(215, 78, 38)
cmyk(0, 64, 82, 16)

Autodesk color accent plant swatch
Plant

#2bc275
hsl(149, 64, 46)
rgb(43, 194, 117)
cmyk(78, 0, 40, 24)

Autodesk color accent iris swatch
Iris

#5f60ff
hsl(240, 100, 69)
rgb(95, 96, 255)
cmyk(63, 62, 0, 0)

Autodesk color accent gold swatch
Gold

#ffc21a
hsl(44, 100, 55)
rgb(255, 194, 26)
cmyk(0, 24, 90, 0)

Autodesk color accent iris swatch
Iris

#5f60ff
hsl(240, 100, 69)
rgb(95, 96, 255)
cmyk(63, 62, 0, 0)

TEST LINK to google
Autodesk color accent gold swatch
Gold

#ffc21a
hsl(44, 100, 55)
rgb(255, 195, 26)
cmyk(0, 24, 90, 0)

TEST LINK to google

Accent color guidelines

Follow these guidelines to help ensure the accent colors support the parent brand and do not compete, overwhelm, misdirect, or otherwise weaken the integrity of the parent brand.

  • Accent colors are used to highlight key points, features, functions, or actions.
    No single accent color should be mistaken as a primary color. This is to allow content that naturally has a lot of color, such as photography or illustration, to deliver the fullest expression of our brand.
  • We recommend using no more than three accent colors per visual material.
    Keeping a minimal palette can elevate the look and make color more effective.
  • Do not use accent colors for type without checking the contrast level. 
    Accessibility of information is important to us. In general, we strive to achieve at minimum AA standards. Consult contrast charts to make sure visual materials are both legible and accessible for everybody. Choose higher contrast combinations for pertinent information such as type and iconography.
  • Do not combine accent colors with product colors.
    The accent colors are to be used on parent brand material only. Visual materials with product color should not use the accent colors.

Color proportions and usage

This color proportion wheel breaks down color usage for visual materials, to help maintain consistency across the brand.

color proportion wheel

These proportions apply to graphic elements and not to imagery.
Percentages exclude photography or illustration, which may or may not have additional colors.

These proportions apply to the parent brand only.
These guidelines apply to parent brand communications only, as product communications may or may not have additional colors.