McDonald’s Golden Arches are traditionally shown in yellow.
The arches became McDonald’s most recognizable visual symbol after the company incorporated the architectural arches from its early restaurants into its logo. Their bright yellow color was selected for high visibility and strong contrast, helping the signs stand out from roads and surrounding buildings.
The arches are often displayed against a red background, which can cause confusion about the logo’s primary color. Red is an important supporting color in McDonald’s branding, but the arches themselves are yellow. The symbol is also commonly described as the “Golden Arches,” even though the logo is normally rendered in a flat, bright yellow rather than metallic gold.
The arches have appeared in several logo arrangements over time, including separate arches and the overlapping “M” form. Their color has remained one of the brand’s most consistent visual features.