What two colors dominated McDonald's classic Golden Arches restaurant signage?

Red and yellow dominated McDonald's classic Golden Arches restaurant signage.

The bright yellow arches were paired with a strong red background or sign field, creating a high-contrast identity that was easy to recognize from roads and across busy commercial areas. This combination became one of the most familiar color schemes in restaurant branding.

The colors are often discussed together with the arches themselves, but they are separate parts of the visual system: the arches provide the shape, while red and yellow provide much of the sign's immediate visual impact.

McDonald's has adjusted its signs, interiors, and packaging over time, including more restrained designs in some markets. Nevertheless, red and yellow remain closely associated with the company's classic global image.