Windows UI Design: Branding Guidelines

This document outlines the official branding guidelines for user interface design within the Windows ecosystem. Adhering to these principles ensures a consistent, recognizable, and high-quality user experience across all Windows applications and experiences.

Core Principles

Our design language is built upon a foundation of clarity, usability, and delight. We aim to create interfaces that are intuitive, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing, reflecting the forward-thinking nature of Windows.

Clarity: Interfaces should be easy to understand and navigate, with clear visual hierarchy and concise language.
Usability: Designs must prioritize functionality and ease of use for all users, regardless of their technical proficiency.
Delight: Incorporate subtle animations, thoughtful interactions, and polished visuals to create engaging and memorable experiences.
Consistency: Maintain a uniform look and feel across applications to build user familiarity and reduce cognitive load.
Accessibility: Ensure designs are inclusive and usable by people with diverse abilities.

Visual Identity Elements

These are the fundamental building blocks of the Windows visual language.

Windows Logo

The official Windows logo is a key identifier. Learn about its correct usage, proportions, and color variants.

Typography

Utilize Segoe UI for body text and headings to ensure readability and a consistent Windows aesthetic.

Color Palette

Leverage the defined Windows color palette, including primary, secondary, and accent colors, for a harmonious experience.

Icons

Employ the official Windows icon set for clarity and uniformity in conveying actions and information.

Motion & Animation

Use subtle, purposeful animations to guide the user, provide feedback, and enhance the overall experience.

Layout and Navigation

Effective layout and navigation are crucial for user efficiency.

Grid System

Our responsive grid system provides a flexible framework for arranging content and UI elements consistently across different screen sizes. Refer to the Grid System documentation for detailed specifications.

Navigation Patterns

Explore common navigation patterns such as Command Bars, Navigation Views, and Pivot Controls. Choose the pattern that best suits the complexity and purpose of your application.

Example: Command Bar Structure

                
<AppBar>
    <AppBarButton Icon="Save" Label="Save" />
    <AppBarSeparator />
    <AppBarButton Icon="Copy" Label="Copy" />
    <AppBarButton Icon="Paste" Label="Paste" />
</AppBar>
                
            

Controls and Components

Windows provides a rich set of pre-built controls and components to accelerate development and ensure brand consistency.

Standard Controls

From buttons and text fields to sliders and toggles, each control has been carefully designed for usability and visual appeal. Familiarize yourself with the complete library of Windows UI Controls.

Customization

While consistency is key, judicious customization of components is allowed to meet specific application needs. However, ensure that all customizations align with the core design principles and do not detract from the Windows brand.

Resources and Downloads

Access the tools and assets you need to implement Windows UI branding effectively.

Get Started

Begin building beautiful and functional Windows experiences by embracing these design principles. For more in-depth guidance, explore the comprehensive Windows Developer Documentation.