Brand review checklist
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Brand review checklist

Brand Guidelines

The image has a blue striped background with a TxDOT logo and three overlapping red, white, and blue circles in the top left. Below them is the large white text “Ag,” followed by a white square with a blue checkmark.

This checklist highlights requirements for communication materials. It’s a practical tool for staff and contractors to use when preparing communication materials. Following these checks ensure your work is on-brand and accessible.

Logos

  • Use the correct approved TxDOT logo: Properly sized, placed, and not distorted.
  • Minimum size and clear space requirements are followed for TxDOT logos.
  • No unapproved graphics used, like low-resolution images or icons, non-TxDOT logos.
  • External organization logos must have contract or sponsorship agreement in place to display external logos (if applicable).

Colors

  • Official TxDOT brand colors are used: No unapproved substitutes.
  • Sufficient color contrast: 4.5:1 color contrast between text and background colors.
  • Backgrounds and overlays do not reduce readability. 

Typography/Fonts

  • Approved brand fonts are used consistently.
  • Font sizes are large enough to ensure legibility: Body text should be at least 12pt (16px). 
  • No unapproved fonts.

Photography and graphics

  • Photography style aligns with image guidance.
  • No unapproved images: Avoid unlicensed, low-quality, or clip art-style visuals.
  • Graphics and illustrations follow approved styles: Use editorial and reference icons. 

Layout and design

  • Use brand templates to improve efficiency and maintain consistent brand alignment.
  • Clear hierarchy of information: Use headings that reflect the structure of the content—not just for visual style. Apply them in order (e.g., Heading 1 for titles, Heading 2 for sections, etc.) to support accessibility and clarity.
  • Spacing, margins, alignment follow a clean and consistent structure.
  • Materials are free of clutter and unneeded visual elements.

Design Accessibility

  • Font size meets minimum requirements: At final output sizes.
  • Color is not the only way information is conveyed: Also use text, shapes, or icons. 
  • All essential text is easy to read at minimum required sizes. 

Legal and regulatory

  • All required legal and regulatory content is included: Requestors/Subject matter experts are responsible for accuracy. 
  • Disclaimers, privacy notices, and compliance text are present: If applicable.
  • No copyright, trademarked, or external content is used without express written permission. 

Content and messaging

  • Calls to action are present and easy to find: Include where applicable to enhance engagement.
  • Acronyms and technical terms are defined or in plain language: Especially important for public-facing materials.
  • Content supports TxDOT’s mission.

Important: This checklist does not cover document accessibility. Document authors are responsible for ensuring documents meet applicable accessibility requirements.