What symbol forms the yellow “M” in McDonald’s current logo?

The Golden Arches form the yellow “M” in McDonald’s current logo.

The arches began as architectural features rather than as a logo. Architect Stanley Clark Meston designed two large yellow arches for a McDonald’s restaurant in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1953. The arches were intended to attract passing motorists and make the restaurant recognizable from a distance.

In 1962, McDonald’s designer Jim Schindler combined the arches into an “M”-shaped corporate symbol. This design became the basis of the company’s modern visual identity. The arches are often confused with the restaurant’s early Speedee character, but Speedee was a separate mascot used before Ronald McDonald became dominant.

The Golden Arches now identify McDonald’s restaurants worldwide, even when the company name is not displayed.