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Ivory Color Code for Logo Design

The standard ivory color code is #FFFFF0 (RGB 255, 255, 240). Learn how to specify ivory in vector logo files and where print and contrast caveats apply.

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Contents
  1. The Short Answer: Ivory Is #FFFFF0
  2. Why Other Sources Show Different Ivory Codes
  3. Using Ivory in a Vector Logo
  4. Practical Caveats for Ivory in Logos
  5. Rights Still Apply to Existing Logos
  6. Gaps in This Answer

The Short Answer: Ivory Is #FFFFF0

In the CSS and X11 named-color standards used by web browsers and most design software, ivory is defined as hex #FFFFF0. This is the most widely recognized digital definition of the color. It is an off-white with a faint yellow cast. Red and green sit at full strength, and blue is pulled back slightly.

Model | Value
Hex | #FFFFF0
RGB | 255, 255, 240
HSL | 60°, 100%, 97%
CMYK (simple mathematical conversion) | 0, 0, 6, 0
CSS color keyword | ivory

The HSL and CMYK figures are derived arithmetically from the RGB value. The CMYK figure is not a calibrated print specification, so do not use it as your print value. The section on print below explains why.

Why Other Sources Show Different Ivory Codes

Outside the web standard, "ivory" is a descriptive name rather than a fixed value. Paint makers, ink systems and brand guidelines often use the word for their own warmer or darker creams. If a client asks for "ivory," confirm whether they mean #FFFFF0 or a specific swatch from an existing brand system. The two may not match.

In true vector artwork, color is stored as a fill or stroke value on each path. You can change any ivory element precisely by entering the hex or RGB value. You can also define ivory as a global swatch so every instance updates together. Saving it as a named swatch in the master file also helps with handoff, because anyone editing the logo later can see exactly which ivory was intended.

Whether a logo file actually supports this depends on what it contains. A filename or extension such as .ai, .eps, .svg or .pdf does not guarantee editable paths. Some of these files only wrap an embedded raster image or carry a raster preview. In that case, the ivory is baked into pixels and can't be reassigned cleanly. To check, open the file and confirm that the logo shapes are selectable paths with their own fill values.

Practical Caveats for Ivory in Logos

  • Contrast: ivory against pure white has a contrast ratio of almost exactly 1:1, so an ivory mark nearly disappears on white pages, screens and packaging. Against black or very dark colors, the contrast approaches the maximum.
  • Typical role: ivory usually works best as a background or reversed-out color on dark fields, rather than as the primary mark on light surfaces.
  • Print: screen values do not transfer directly to ink. A slight 6% yellow tint can shift noticeably depending on paper stock, and on uncoated or cream paper it may read as plain paper. For consistent print color, choose and proof a specific ink or spot-color match with your printer. No verified Pantone equivalent for #FFFFF0 is provided here.
  • Documentation: list hex, RGB and the approved print value together in the brand guidelines, so web and print teams use the same reference.

Rights Still Apply to Existing Logos

Knowing the color code lets you reproduce the shade, but it doesn't grant any rights to someone else's logo. Permission to download a logo is separate from permission to recolor it, modify its artwork, use its fonts or use the trademark itself. Check the owner's brand guidelines or license before changing an existing logo to ivory.

Gaps in This Answer

This article relies on the standard digital definition of ivory and on general color principles. It doesn't include verified Pantone or ink-system matches, measured print results on particular papers, or the ivory values used by specific brands. Confirm those with the relevant color system, printer or brand owner.