Which McDonald's logo version removed the diagonal line between the arches?

The 1968 McDonald's logo version removed the diagonal line between the arches. This produced the simpler Golden Arches mark that became more recognizable as a standalone symbol.

The 1962 logo had combined the two arches into an “M” while retaining a diagonal element across the center. In 1968, McDonald's simplified the design by removing that line and using the arches as a cleaner, more open emblem.

Logo changes can be difficult to date because McDonald's used transitional signs, regional materials, and later refinements. The 1968 version is nevertheless a key stage in the standard history of the Golden Arches: it established the basic form associated with the modern mark.

Later branding often placed the arches beside or above the word “McDonald's,” while some applications used the arches alone. Those layouts are variations, not separate origins for the symbol.