The Guardian reveals new masthead and format update

The Guardian has revealed a new design for its masthead that will be used globally across its newspapers, website and apps. The update coincides with the print publication's UK relaunch in tabloid format, scheduled today.

The new masthead has been revealed in a teaser video shared by Guardian and Observer editor-in-chief Katharine Viner on Twitter and sees a departure from the blue and white design that has been used since 2005. Between Christmas and New Year, Viner wrote to subscribers to explain the changes at the newspaper. 

“The new design is the result of months of thought, creativity and vision by a team of talented designers and senior editors, and I hope you love it as much as I do,” she said in the letter. “We are thrilled by the new papers. They are visual and serious; explanatory and keepable; full of life and stories and ideas.

“As editor-in-chief of the Guardian and the Observer, my job is to ensure that our independent journalism continues to be enjoyed by as many readers as possible and that our print newspapers make a positive financial contribution to securing a sustainable future. Moving to the tabloid format strengthens our ability to do both, and reinforces our ongoing commitment to print.”

In Australia, the digital redesign that includes the new masthead, new colour scheme and font, will launch at 5pm today.