Co-branding logo guidelines

Innovation happens when collaborators come together for a common purpose. This is true in open source communities and it’s true for our customers and partners. When we show up with our partners and customers, our goal is to show two brands in an equal partnership that acknowledges the value both bring to the table. We do that through co-branding.

Which logo comes first in the co-brand depends on who is leading the marketing effort. When Red Hat is in the lead, the co-brand should follow our co-brand logo template with Red Hat first. If the partner is in the lead, the co-brand should follow the partner’s standards for co-branding logos.

Learn more about marketing with partners

Learn about lead brands (Red Hat credentials required)

Red Hat-led co-branding

Example of the Red Hat logo in a co-brand lockup with a partner logo, plus clear space.

A good relationship with our partners and customers is built on mutual respect. We should always treat their brand with the same respect we give our own. Before moving forward with a Red Hat®-led co-brand, answer these questions:

Is Red Hat the lead brand?

If Red Hat is the lead brand, use our co-brand guidelines and templates. If the partner or customer is the lead, they should follow their own brand guidelines and templates. Review the partner-led portion of this page for more information.

Are we co-branding with a peer brand?

Co-brand lockups should always use the Red Hat logo and the logo for the parent brand of the customer or partner. We never create a co-brand lockup with a product, program, or event logo.

Do we have permission?

We need the customer’s or partner’s permission before we use their logo, even if we’ve used it before.

Does the partner or customer have co-branding guidelines?

If so, make sure we know what they are and follow them, like we’d expect them to do for us.

Lockup options

Logos come in all shapes and sizes, and partners and customers may have rules or expectations for how we use their logo. To accommodate that, we have three lockup template options. All three will work for some partnerships, while others might have only one that works. No matter which template we use, the co-brand should feel balanced. The logos should be as close to the same visual size and weight as possible.

All co-brands should be used with appropriate clear space. Clear space is the space around the co-brand that should be free of other logos or distracting graphics. Minimum clear space for co-brands is the height of the “R” in the Red Hat logo. More is better.

Horizontal co-brand logo example.

Wide logos

A horizontal lockup works best when the partner’s logo is wide.

Horizontal co-brand logo with stacked logos example.

Tall logos

A stacked lockup works best when the partner’s logo is narrow.

Vertical co-brand logo example.

Narrow space

A vertical lockup works best when you’re placing the co-brand in a square or narrow space.

Using 3 or more logos

When talking about a collaboration with more than one partner or customer, think carefully about the relationship between the brands. Make sure we’re representing them accurately and respectfully.

Co-branding for three logos.

Tri-brand

When the relationship between three brands is equal—like when telling a joint customer and partner story—use a tri-brand.

Co-brand with a partner.

Co-brand plus another partner

When the relationship between two of the brands shown is stronger—like if a jointly developed product is being sold by a reseller—add the third partner’s logo in a separate area.

Co-brand for more than three logos.

Logo wall

When we want to show more than three logos at once—like for a list of sponsors or participants—use all of the logos independently but with equal weight.

Things to avoid

Co-brand using the Red Hat logo.
Do this

Use the full Red Hat logo to co-brand with partners and customers.

mage showing misuse: Using a Red Hat product, team, initiative, or even logo for a co-brand.
Red X saying do not do this

Do not co-brand a Red Hat product, team, initiative, or event logo with a partner or customer.

Co-brand with the parent brand.
Do this

Co-brand the Red Hat logo with the parent brand of the partner or customer.

Image showing misuse: Using a partner product, division, or event logo for a co-brand.
Red X saying do not do this

Do not co-brand with a product, division, or event of a partner or customer.

Co-brand with Red Hat logo template.
Do this

Use the provided co-brand template when Red Hat is the lead brand.

Image showing misuse: Creating your own template for co-branding with Red Hat.
Red X saying do not do this

Do not use a different template or dividing element when Red Hat is the lead brand.

Co-brand with Red Hat logo template.
Do this

Co-brand the full Red Hat logo with the full logo of the customer or partner.

Image showing misuse: Creating your own template for co-branding with Red Hat.
Red X saying do not do this

Do not co-brand icons alone.

Alt text
Do this

Use the co-brand logo format that matches the partner logo the best.

Image showing misuse:
Red X saying do not do this

Do not use a format that makes the logos appear unequal in size/weight.

Alt text
Do this

Use the full color version of both logos together.

Alt text: Image showing misuse:
Red X saying do not do this

Do not use a one-color logo when it’s possible to use the full color version.