The Golden Arches became McDonald's standalone logo after the company simplified its earlier architectural arches design.
The arches originated as large yellow structures on McDonald's restaurant buildings. Architect Stanley Clark Meston designed the original form in 1952, and the elements helped restaurants become visible landmarks along roads. Their shape was eventually combined into the familiar overlapping “M.”
McDonald's began using the arches as a logo in the 1960s, and the symbol became increasingly independent from the building design. The arches could then appear on signs, packaging, uniforms, advertisements, and products without requiring a full restaurant illustration.
“The Golden Arches” refers to the branding symbol, not to a menu item or a particular restaurant. The symbol is also distinct from Speedee, the company's early mascot. Together with the McDonald's name and red-and-yellow color scheme, the arches became one of the world's most recognizable corporate marks.