Logo Usage Guidelines

Vendors and outside groups may only use the HHS logo on materials and websites reviewed and approved by the HHSC or DSHS Office of Communications and actively monitored by HHS staff.

The HHS logo should be easy to recognize as the main identifying mark on any HHS communications. It should not be hard to see or changed in any way.

  • Always use the entire HHS logo (icon and text), with no additions, deletions, substitutions or modifications.
  • Except for resizing, do not alter the logo.
  • Resize the logo proportionally by holding down the shift key. Do not compress or stretch the logo to fit.
  • Do not recreate the logo art. Contact your agency’s communications office to request logo files.
  • Include the wording of the logo or logo lockup as alt-text in accessible materials.
  • The color version of the logo must appear on a light background, preferably white, for optimum legibility without color distortion.
  • Use the version of the logo that best contrasts with the background used.
  • The logo should have generous margins of clear space around it. Do not crowd the logo with other elements.
  • Do not box, encircle or otherwise crowd the logo. Do not place the logo too close to the edge of a page.

These examples are to be used by vendors who contract with HHS. 

The HHSC or DSHS Office of Communications must review and approve agencywide and public-facing campaigns and materials — including videos, graphic designs, websites, and use of the HHS and DSHS logos.

HHS employees should use official templates located in the Communication Services section of the agency's intranet (the HHS Connection) to promote a consistent look among agency documents and to ensure staff-produced reports, PowerPoints and other material adhere to branding and accessibility standards.
 

Do

Use one of the official versions of the logo in its entirety.
Provide generous margins of clear space around the logo, so it is easy to see.
Use the logo version that is easily seen on the background.

Don’t

Don’t stretch or condense the logo. (Logos can be resized proportionally by holding the shift key.)
Don’t put the logo on a low contrast or busy background that makes it hard to see.
Don’t use effects on the logo, like glows or drop shadows. Gimmicks make the logo less legible.
Don’t box, encircle or otherwise crowd the logo. Do not place it close to the edge of a page.
Don’t add to, subtract from, resize or otherwise modify any part of the logo.

The Texas State Seal

In the HHS brand structure, the top mark is the HHS logo. Using the Texas state seal like a logo to brand HHS as a state agency is not needed or appropriate.

In some cases, using the state seal as an image or like a watermark may be acceptable. The state seal with its star, oak and olive branches is consistent with the Champion archetype.

The state seal is also appropriate to use for:

  • Commemorative items that recognize a service or milestone for the whole state — not just HHS.
  • Licenses and certificates that are issued by the state through HHS.
  • ID cards for state employees.

Do

Use the HHS logo as the main mark on HHS communications. Use the Texas state seal as art, like a watermark, not a logo.

Don't

Don’t use the Texas state seal like a logo on HHS publications and webpages.

Logo Use on Third-Party Produced Materials

Vendors and outside groups may only use the HHS logo on materials and websites reviewed and approved by the HHSC or DSHS Office of Communications and actively monitored by HHS staff.

HHSC Office of Communications may develop campaign graphics for third parties who cannot use the HHS logo. To promote campaign continuity, HHSC COM may incorporate design elements of third-party graphics in HHS-produced materials.

Don't

Don’t use program logos.

Exceptions to the Monolithic Use of the HHS Logo

  • State and federal program logos with established brand equity (e.g., SNAP, CHIP and 2-1-1).
  • Ombudsman program logos (other than the HHS Office of the Ombudsman). Ombudsman programs maintain independence as required by legislation. When appropriate, the HHS logo may be placed on the inside cover with a statement explaining the independence of the program within the system.

For questions regarding logos, please email: