Last year we shared that The Apache® Software Foundation (ASF) would be evolving its corporate logo and brand system to better represent our enduring ethos of community over code. Today, we are proud to unveil the new ASF logo. 

Why an Oak Leaf?

The centerpiece of our new logo is an oak leaf, chosen for its resonance with the values that define The ASF and its communities.

In the 1990s, eight people planted an acorn–the seed of something new, which became The Apache Software Foundation. Over the decades since, more and more joined them. They formed organized structures and supported a growing forest of projects of many types.

At the top of a botanical canopy, the largest and oldest trees, like oaks, form a crown that is critical to maintaining the diversity of the forest and ensuring its resilience. But part of their job in doing so is forming a network with other types of trees, as well as creating opportunities for new growth and nurturing that growth when it arrives.

The oak is one of the most enduring trees and is found around the world. It grows slowly but steadily, supporting vast ecosystems and lasting for centuries. In the same way, The ASF has served as a stable, resilient steward of open source for more than 25 years and is looking to the long future ahead. 

Choosing the oak leaf as our new logo represents the enduring power of our ethos: community over code.

Reflecting ASF Values

Enduring and Resilient
Oak trees are long-lived and resilient, reflecting The ASF’s commitment to sustainability and project longevity—software for the public good. Like an oak, ASF projects are built to grow and endure over time.

Empowerment and Community
From small acorns grow wide canopies. This reflects how ASF communities can begin with small contributions and grow into inclusive, self-governing ecosystems. The ASF empowers people to build together—and to create something that lasts.

Stewardship and Trust
Oaks are foundational species that sustain entire communities of life. Similarly, The ASF provides stable ground for open source to flourish, guided by The Apache Way. For more than 25 years, people around the world have trusted The ASF to steward software the world relies on.

Neutrality and Openness
The unique veins of an oak leaf symbolize distributed systems, consensus, and open collaboration—hallmarks of The Apache Way. Our new oak leaf icon underscores The ASF’s commitment to neutrality, inclusivity, and openness for all.

Our Process

This new logo reflects the collective effort of our community. Over the past year:

• The ASF Board formed a Logo Project Management Committee (PMC), made up of ASF Members, to guide the logo creation and selection process through the same structure we use for ASF software projects.
  
• ASF Members contributed ideas and designs, submitting logos within established guidelines that emphasized inclusivity, neutrality, and timelessness.
  
• Design partners worked with the PMC and the ASF Marketing & Publicity team to refine the visual identity into a logo that honored our history while looking toward the future.

We chose to keep a similar color palette to our existing brand for continuity with our history and recognition by those who have long known The ASF, but we’re also taking the opportunity to refresh aspects of our branding and making design choices better suited to today’s uses of our logo.

From the ASF Board and Logo Project Management Committee to our Members, contributors, and design partners—thank you for shaping a symbol that will carry us forward for the next 25 years.

Our oak leaf is more than a design: it’s a reminder that community is the foundation on which everything we build grows and thrives.

What’s Next

• View the new website
• Read the new Brand Guidelines

FAQ

Will you stop using the full name “The Apache Software Foundation”?
The Apache Software Foundation continues to operate under its full legal name, but we will also use the acronym “The ASF” as part of our visual identity and reference across websites, documentation, and public-facing materials. This update reflects our commitment to clarity, simplicity, and consistency in how our global community recognizes and interacts with us.

Using “The ASF” helps reinforce our role as a foundation of people and projects working together, rather than as a monolithic organization. The full name remains in use where legally required — such as in copyright notices, footers, and formal documents. For project-specific references, projects will continue using their established names (e.g., Apache HTTP Server).

Are you planning to remove the term “Apache” entirely from project names or the Foundation?
No. We are not removing the term “Apache” from the Foundation nor from project names at this time. For security concerns and continuity of the software ecosystem, ASF Projects will continue using their established names (e.g., Apache HTTP Server). 

Why not change the name of the Foundation entirely, if there are sensitivities around “Apache”?
When a name has been in use as long and is as widely used as ours, the ramifications of changing it are both broad and deep. The implications on the security of the global software supply chain if the ASF were to move away from the “apache.org” domain are such that a change is not practical to do. However, we recognize that language and symbols matter. As part of our ongoing efforts to align our brand with our values, we are re-evaluating how and where we use “Apache,” especially in visual branding. Please see Evolving the ASF brand for further context and community guidance.

When should I use The ASF logo vs. The Apache Software Foundation logo?
While both logos are appropriate, the ASF logo — using just the acronym — can be used in general and project-related contexts. The full “Apache Software Foundation” logo will be used for legal and institutional use by the Foundation itself (e.g., tax filings, board reports, and official notices).

I’m a contributor to/user of ASF software. How will this impact me?
There is no impact on how you contribute to or use ASF software. The Apache license, governance model, and project operations remain unchanged. This is a branding update only.

I use the ASF logo on my website or printed materials. How will this impact me?
Starting September 11, 2025, any public use of ASF logos must follow the new brand guidelines. Please refer to our Brand Guidelines page for the latest logos and usage guidance. For printed materials, be sure to update your copies in line with the ASF Trademark Policy.

My ASF project has a logo with Indigenous imagery. What do I need to do?
If your project logo includes Indigenous motifs or symbolism, including the previous feather symbol, ASF Marketing & Publicity can assist in updating your visual identity. We are offering design support to ensure all project branding aligns with ASF’s community values. If your project has not been contacted yet, please reach out to markpub@apache.org.