The wordmark was added to the McDonald’s logo in 1968, creating the familiar modern mark that paired the golden arches with the company name. This version became the basis for later refinements of the brand identity.
The golden arches had already been used as an architectural and graphic symbol. Adding the “McDonald’s” wordmark made the identity easier to read in locations where customers might not yet recognize the arches alone. It also connected the abstract symbol directly to the company’s name.
The wordmark is sometimes confused with a slogan, mascot, or decorative star. It is the typographic rendering of the brand name. McDonald’s has changed colors, layouts, and applications over time, but the combination of arches and lettering helped establish a consistent identity across restaurants, packaging, and advertising.