Intel logo history: The evolution of an iconic tech logo
Most people today are familiar with the Intel logo. After all, Intel is one of the largest technology corporations in the world, with a massive global reach. But, how much do you know about Intel logo history, and the evolution of the brand’s visual identity?
Like many technology and software brands, Intel has updated its logo a handful of times over the years, refining its image to convey an ever more professional and reliable message to its target audience. Today, the Intel logo might seem simplistic, but it holds significant meaning.
If you’ve ever wondered where the iconic Intel symbol came from, or what inspired the unique brand mark so many of us are familiar with today, you’re in the right place. We’re going to take a closer look at the history and evolution of the Intel logo, starting all the way back in the 1960s.
The Intel symbol: Introducing Intel
Before we start exploring Intel logo history, let’s briefly introduce the brand. The Intel Corporation, often simply referred to as “Intel”, is a multinational technology company from America. It’s one of the world’s largest manufacturers of semiconductor chips by revenue.
Intel creates microprocessors for a host of computer system manufacturers, as well as designing motherboard chipsets, integrated circuits, graphics chips, flash memory, and embedded processors. The name “Intel” comes from the words “Integrated Electronics”.
Initially, the company was founded in 1968 by Robert Noyce, Gordon Moore, and Arthur Rock, three pioneers in the semiconductor world. Many analysts believe the company played a significant role in the rise of Silicon Valley as a technology hub.
Today, Intel has one of the most significant market shares in the worldwide PC microprocessor and mobile PC microprocessor markets.
Intel logo history: Does Intel have a new logo?
Despite several decades in the microprocessor and technology markets, Intel has only updated its logo a handful of times. Although each change has brought something new to the company’s visual identity, the Intel logo has retained some core components through the years.
For instance, the company frequently leverages the color blue, to demonstrate trustworthiness and credibility. The brand has also used its name in every logo.
Let’s take a closer look at Intel logo history.
1968
The first Intel logo, with its distinctive “dropped E”, was created by Gordon Moore and Robert Noyce, two of Intel’s founders. The insignia featured a simple sans-serif font, with lines connecting the last three letters in the inscription.
The “E” was placed slightly lower than the “l” and “T”, making it look as though it had fallen away from the rest of the wordmark. This demonstrated Intel’s commitment to thinking outside of the box.
The primary color for the inscription was a light shade of blue. While the simple wordmark was the company’s primary logo, they also introduced the “Intel Inside” logo in the early 90s, used as part of a marketing scheme to showcase the presence of their products in other computer systems.
2005
During the year 2005, Intel re-designed its logo, taking inspiration from the popular “Intel inside” logo. The font choice for the new inscription was similar to the one used in the previous design, though it had a slightly more squared, geometric feel.
The color palette also remained mostly the same, however, the design of the wordmark changed slightly, bringing the “e” character back in line with the rest of the inscription. A set of two curved lines were placed around the wordmark, showcasing dynamism and movement.
2020
In 2020, Intel introduced the third and most recent version of its logo at the time of writing. Two versions of this brand mark were created, one which used two shades of blue, and another which utilized a blue and black color palette.
The design consisted of a simplified wordmark. The company chose a simple sans-serif font, with more rounded edges on the letters, symbolizing approachability, and stability. The “n” and the “e” were also redrawn to have more classical shapes.
The most interesting part of the logo is the blue, squared dot above the letter “I”. This symbolizes the chips created by the Intel brand.
What is the meaning of the Intel logo?
Though the Intel logo might seem like a simple inscription on the surface, it has a significant amount of underlying meaning. Notably, the dot above the “I”, designed as a square, features a different color to the rest of the inscription.
This is intended to highlight Intel’s focus on the semiconductor and chip market landscape. The color palette, consisting of various shades of blue, as well as black, demonstrates professionalism, strength, reliability, and endurance.
The simplistic font choice also makes the company appear more approachable, modern, and friendly, placing it in line with many other leading technology companies.
Interestingly, alongside its graphic emblem, Intel also has a sonic logo. The jingle for “Intel Inside” was created by Walter Werzowa. This musical tone appears on many advertisements for companies using Intel products.
The Intel logo: Fonts and colors
Though straightforward, the Intel logo is eye-catching and compelling. It highlights the company’s commitment to creating reliable products that stand out from the crowd. The color palette, and the unique use of typography creates a highly professional and trustworthy image.
Intel’s logo symbolizes reliability and wisdom, showcasing a brand that’s not afraid to think outside of the box and experiment with new technology. If you want to take a closer look at the unique elements of the Intel logo, you can find some helpful resources here:
What color is the Intel logo
There have been a few different Intel logo colors over the years. The company has experimented with different shades, as well as black and white emblems. However, the primary color used by the brand throughout the decades has always been blue.
The Intel logo color speaks to the company’s fresh view of the technology landscape, as well as its commitment to delivering reliable and trustworthy service.
Medium Persian Blue
Hex color: #0068b5
RGB: 0 104 181
CMYK: 100 43 0 29
Pantone: PMS 285 C
What font does the Intel logo use?
The Intel logo font has also changed a handful of times through the years, as the company has upgraded and refined its image. The current typeface used by the brand is unique to the company, with a number of distinctive features.
The “I” and “L” characters have sharp elements on the edges, while the “I” also features a unique square on top, rather than a standard round dot. Notably, the bar in the “T” character is a lot shorter than it would usually be.
Why did Intel change its logo?
While there was nothing wrong with the initial logo, Intel logo history shows the company’s commitment to constantly refining and improving its image. The Intel logo today still highlights the company’s creativity and focus on innovation.
However, rather than featuring a “dropped e,” the new logo draws attention to the company’s focus on the chip market, with the highlighted square dot above the I. The overall logo is sleek and sophisticated, but it also demonstrates the company’s key vision and values.
Though straightforward, the Intel logo is evocative and memorable. It sets the company apart in the technology space, and reminds us of the brand’s core USP.
Fabrik: A branding agency for our times.
As Fabrik’s creative director, Stephen oversees complex branding programmes. He advises our clients on their tone of voice, creates logos and visual identities and crafts names for companies, products and services. Writing for Brand Fabrik Stephen reflects his love for logo design and visual identity.
