Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP) has maintained a remarkably consistent visual identity over the years, with the ADP logo introduced in 1975 remaining largely unchanged. The evolution of the logo mirrors the company’s growth and expansion, aligning its branding with its status as a leader in human resources management software and services.

Early Beginnings and Logo Evolution (1958–1975) ADP was originally founded as Automatic Payrolls, Inc. in 1949. The company’s name and focus shifted as it grew, eventually merging with Automatic Tabulating to form Automatic Data Processing in 1958. At the time, the term "data processing" was new and not widely used, which made the name—and logo—stand out.

The first ADP logo, introduced in 1958, used only the initials “A,” “D,” and “P” in red, set against a black background. The letters were square-shaped with rounded corners, arranged closely together to form a compact, distinct emblem. While the logo wasn't particularly legible at first glance, it evoked a sense of technology and data through its geometric design. The positioning and form of the letters also gave the logo a "database" feel, aligning with ADP's early focus on payroll and tabulation services.

The 1975 Redesign: A Modern Mark of Growth By the 1970s, ADP had made significant strides in expanding its operations, including a key acquisition in the Netherlands that marked the company’s first international footprint. As ADP was poised for further global expansion, the need for a more modern and cohesive logo became evident. In 1975, Frank Lautenberg commissioned a new logo to represent this next phase in the company’s growth.

The new logo retained the red “A,” “D,” and “P,” but the letters were now seamlessly integrated into a single emblem. The design eliminated the space between the letters, creating a more cohesive and bold visual identity. The simplified emblem, made up of red and white lines, was more streamlined and contemporary. Though the logo's distinct letters were still not immediately legible, the design became more recognizable and confident, reflecting ADP's expanding influence.

Font and Typography The ADP logo features bold, square-shaped glyphs, custom-designed to create a modern, geometric aesthetic. The font for the wordmark is unique to ADP and has been a key part of its branding identity for decades.

Color Scheme The original 1958 logo used red and black, with a strong contrast between the two colors. In the 1975 redesign, black was replaced with white, creating a lighter, more transparent appearance. The red color remains a constant in both versions, symbolizing energy, strength, and confidence, while the white adds a sense of clarity and modernity to the overall design.

Through its consistent use of color and typography, ADP's logo has stood the test of time, effectively representing the company's growth from a domestic payroll provider to a global leader in HR management services.