Red and yellow became associated with McDonald's classic 1960s logo identity.
The Golden Arches were typically presented in yellow against a red field, creating a high-contrast combination that was easy to see on roadside signs, restaurant façades, packaging, and advertising. The colors helped the logo remain recognizable at a distance while reinforcing the bright, energetic character of the restaurant brand.
The visual system grew alongside McDonald's expansion in the 1960s. The arches themselves originated in restaurant architecture, but their graphic treatment made them portable across many different formats. Red backgrounds and yellow arches became especially familiar to customers encountering the chain while traveling.
McDonald's has used additional colors and more restrained designs in different periods and markets. Green, black, and white have appeared in later restaurant and packaging applications, particularly where the company sought a more contemporary or environmentally oriented look. The classic association, however, remains red with yellow arches.