GitHub has many assets that tell the story of the brand from different perspectives, and different tones depending on the context. We use a logo to represent the brand in corporate environments for easy recognition. Another very important graphic element to tell the GitHub story is with the help of our mascots.
Logo
The GitHub corporate logo can be presented in three different ways depending on the context and/or the audience:
Pictogram
We call our logo pictogram the Invertocat — it represents our mascot, the Octocat. It’s our primary logo, and we use it to represent GitHub on all kinds of surfaces: in the product, for attendees at a GitHub event, subscribers to GitHub emails, or someone reading our help documentation.
Wordmark
The wordmark is used in contexts where the audience might not already know GitHub and recognize the invertocat logo. GitHub is always one word with a capitalized G and H. When referring to GitHub the product, company, or service, keep it simple—GitHub.
Lockup
We use the following lockup of the invertocat and wordmark in places where a new audience may be learning of the association of the invertocat and wordmark together.
Coloring the logo
The Invertocat and our wordmark should only appear in white, black, or dark gray (#1B1F24).
Light mode
Here, logo is shown in dark grey in Light Mode.
Dark mode
Here, logo is shown in White in Dark Mode.
Sub-brand logos
Sometimes individual products, features, or GitHub teams require a custom sub-brand logo. Most sub-brands only require a standard lockup of an invertocat and a wordmark created with our brand font, Mona Sans, while occaisionally we develop bespoke logos when necessary.
Standard sub-brand lockups
To create a standard sub-brand logo lockup, we utilize the following visual hierarchy:
- Bold is reserved for the word “GitHub” only.
- Semibold is for flagship programs, features, and events.
- Medium is used in addition for locations, dates and secondary titles.
Bespoke sub-brand lockups
Products and initiatives occasionally call for use of a bespoke sub-brand logo.
This can be a small adjustment, like you see here for Copilot. In this instance, we’ve swapped the Invertocat for a custom product icon. When a custom icon is used, the wordmark (“GitHub”) should be implemented as well.
There are other cases, like for the ReadME Project — a large community and publishing initiative — in which a true custom logo is appropriate.
Create an issue in the Brand & Marketing Design repo to discuss whether a custom mark is appropriate for your project.
GitHub co-branding
When GitHub has an official partnership with another company, the following visual hierarchy should be maintained in public-facing announcements.
Each logo should be approximately the same size overall with consideration to both width and height while retaining optically centered.
Usage
In short, the GitHub logos represent only GitHub and should not be used to represent you or your projects, products, or company.
Do Use the Invertocat or GitHub logo to direct customers to GitHub.
Do Use our logos in social to link to your GitHub profile or project.
Do Use our logos to advertise that your product has built-in GitHub integration.
Do Use our logos in a blog post or news article about GitHub.
Do Use our logos at the end of a video piece.
Don't Use our logos for your application or product’s icon.
Don't Create modified versions of our logos for your own, or your team’s, use.
Don't Create co-branded logos using the GH wordmark or the Invertocat.
Don't Change colors or dimensions in our logos, or add your own text or images.
Don't Name your projects, domains, or products with anything that implies GitHub’s endorsement.
Don't Use, or sell GitHub logos or artwork without permission.
Common errors
Below are some common errors that should be avoided entirely.
Don't use backgrounds that provide insufficient contrast.
Don't place the logo over busy backgrounds.
Don't compress distort, skew, or stretch the logo.
Don't alter the lockup in any way.
Don't add graphic effects like shadows or gradients.
Don't rearrange the elements of the logo.
Deprecated logos
The invertocat with suction cup dots has been retired, and should not be used.