Xerox Logo
Xerox, synonymous with photocopying, is a corporation that revolutionized document copying. Founded as The Haloid Photographic Company in Rochester, New York, it became Xerox Corporation in 1961. The invention of the first automatic photocopier, the Xerox 914, in 1959 by physicist Chester Carlson transformed document duplication, making it faster and more accessible. Initially aimed at offices for document reproduction, Xerox expanded into digital print and managed services, embodying innovation in document technology.
Meaning and history
Founded in 1906 as The Haloid Company in Rochester, NY, it embraced innovation. By 1961, it evolved into Xerox Corporation. Chester Carlson, a physicist, invented xerography in 1938, revolutionizing copying. The Xerox 914, launched in 1959, became the first automatic photocopier. It was a game-changer. Offices worldwide adopted it, boosting productivity. Xerox then pioneered in the computing sector, influencing modern PCs. Despite challenges, it ventured into digital services and printing. Xerox is a tech leader, far beyond just photocopying. Its journey reflects adaptation and innovation, shaping information technology.
What is Xerox?
Xerox stands as a beacon of innovation in the technology landscape, originally catapulting the world into an era of effortless document duplication with its groundbreaking photocopier technology. It transcends its roots, delving into digital transformation solutions that redefine how businesses manage information and processes.
1906 – 1938
The logo features a bold, vintage inscription of “HALOID” encircled within an oval. Atop rests a stylized flame, implying a light-bearing torch. This classic emblem harks back to an era of early innovation, symbolizing enlightenment and discovery in the realm of photographic materials. Its monochromatic scheme and hand-drawn aesthetic give it an authentic, bygone charm, reflective of its historical roots in the early 20th century.
1938 – 1948
This logo presents a more intricate design, set within a dark, rectangular plaque with rounded corners. “HALOID” is boldly centered, flanked by the words “PHOTOGRAPHIC PRODUCTS” and “CO. – ROCHESTER, N.Y.” encircling the interior edge, indicating the company’s focus and location. There is a burning torch above the brand name. The contrast is stark, the details sharp, encapsulating the company’s identity with a touch of classical grandeur.
1948 – 1949
The logo now boldly bears the “XEROX” wordmark, with a prominent golden ‘X’ intersecting behind, symbolizing the brand’s transformation. “A TRADEMARK OF THE HALOID COMPANY” is demurely stated below, signifying the link to its origins. The palette is simplified to stark black and white with a touch of gold, enhancing visual impact. This emblem marks the pivot from photographic products to a new focus, presaging the company’s future as a byword for copying technology. The design’s minimalism and contrast signal modernity and efficiency, prescient of the brand’s enduring legacy.
1949 – 1957
In this iteration, the logo foregrounds the “XEROX” text with the ‘X’ now vividly red, asserting its brand identity. Encircling the core, “PRODUCTS FOR XEROGRAPHY” contrasts “PRODUCTS FOR PHOTOGRAPHY”, signaling a strategic shift towards xerographic technology. The emblem is encased in a circular, black background, with white lettering offering a stark, eye-catching palette. The use of stars adds a touch of prestige, suggesting excellence and leadership in the industry. This design encapsulates a pivotal moment, as the company pivots from photography to focus on the burgeoning field of xerography.
1957 – 1961
The logo has transitioned to a vibrant red backdrop, with “HALOID XEROX” in white, denoting a merger of names. “PRODUCTS FOR XEROGRAPHY” and “PRODUCTS FOR PHOTOGRAPHY” encircle the edge, equally balanced, highlighting the company’s dual expertise. The word “Trademark” at the bottom reaffirms the brand’s protected status. This emblem simplifies the previous design to a single color scheme, enhancing brand recall. The strategic placement of “HALOID” above “XEROX” suggests a bridging of past and future, mirroring the company’s evolution and foresight.
1961 – 1968
The logo has been distilled to its essence: “XEROX” in stark, bold letters with “CORPORATION” beneath, signaling a complete corporate identity. The design eschews graphic elements, relying on the power of the name alone. The font is strong, with distinctive angular ‘X’ characters, emphasizing the company’s innovative edge. This minimalist approach marks a modern era for the brand, focusing on name recognition and asserting its standalone presence in the business world. It’s a confident step into a future where Xerox becomes a household name synonymous with photocopying.
1968 – 2008
The logo has transitioned to a vibrant red hue, with the word “XEROX” presented in a sleek, sans-serif font. The design excludes additional text, focusing solely on the brand name. This change enhances the logo’s visibility and memorability, with the red color symbolizing energy and passion. The simplicity of the design reflects a modern and confident brand, now recognizable enough to stand without the “CORPORATION” appendage. It’s a bold statement of the brand’s evolution and its ubiquitous presence in the industry.
1994 – 2008
The Xerox logo has been distilled to a single letter ‘X’, maintaining the vivid red but introducing a digital, pixelated effect on the right side. This design choice reflects the digital evolution and the fragmentation of the traditional into the realm of the digital age. It’s a creative nod to the company’s foray into digital technologies, moving beyond mere photocopying. The bold ‘X’ alone is enough to represent the iconic brand, showcasing Xerox’s ability to adapt and remain relevant in a rapidly changing technological landscape.
2008 – 2019
The logo has undergone a significant evolution, with “xerox” now in lowercase, suggesting approachability and modernity. Accompanying the wordmark is a red sphere with a white, stylized ‘X’ wrapping around it, introducing a dynamic, three-dimensional element. This spherical motif is reflective of global reach and the intersection of analog and digital realms. The addition of grey gradients imparts depth, contrasting the previous logo’s flat design. This redesign positions Xerox as a contemporary, forward-thinking brand, ready to spin into the future’s orbit.
2019 – Today
The logo has returned to a flat design, shedding the previous sphere and grey gradients for a cleaner look. The word “xerox” remains in lowercase, retaining its modern and accessible feel. The color is a consistent red, symbolizing vibrancy and passion. This design strips away complexity, focusing on clarity and ease of recognition. It’s a nod to the brand’s legacy while staying in step with contemporary aesthetics, representing Xerox’s enduring presence in a minimalist fashion.
