McDonald's adopted the first version of its modern Golden Arches logo in 1962.
The logo was based on the yellow arches used in McDonald's restaurant architecture during the 1950s. Rather than showing two separate building elements, the new mark combined them into a stylized M, making the arches usable on signs, packaging, uniforms, and advertisements.
Graphic designer Jim Schindler is credited with creating the 1962 logo. The mark helped McDonald's move from a restaurant design language to a consistent visual identity that could travel beyond the buildings themselves.
The logo has been modified several times, including versions with different wordmarks and layouts. The 1962 date refers to the adoption of the first modern arches logo, not the first appearance of arches on a McDonald's building.