49ers Logo Redesign: Comparing the Design Changes

49ers Logo Redesign: Comparing the Design Changes

A redesign comparison works best when you look at the logo at fixed sizes, on light and dark backgrounds, and in the formats you will actually use. This walkthrough covers a practical process for comparing a 49ers-style logo before and after a redesign.

Before you start

Prepare two file versions: the original or reference mark and the redesigned mark. PNG or SVG usually works well. The comparison here is local and does not require an online redesign service. Keep the versions at a matching base width so size differences do not distort the comparison.

If you only have the current official mark, treat the second version as a demo study. Do not present an unofficial mark as an official team asset or imply that the team endorsed it.

Step-by-step instructions

• Open a local image editor that supports layers and bounded canvas sizes.
• Place the original and redesigned versions on separate layers at the same width.
• Use a side-by-side view or a before/after slider to align the two versions by their center point.
• Check the marks on a light background and again on a dark background.
• Test each version at a small size, such as 32 pixels high, to see which details survive.
• Export comparison crops as PNG if you need to share them, or keep the layered file for reversible edits.

For color review, use a contrast checker on the main fill color and the background you plan to use. This is useful for dark apparel, signage, or a website footer. Record whether the accent shade meets a readable contrast ratio for large text or interface elements.

Check the output

Look for unexpected changes in shield proportions, negative space, and letterform weight. A successful comparison should show whether the redesign improves clarity without losing the recognizable structure.

Confirm that the exported versions have the intended format and dimensions. If you are preparing web assets, compare PNG at standard sizes and check whether an SVG version remains sharp when scaled.

Common problems and next steps

If the redesigned mark looks thicker or thinner only because one version is scaled differently, reset both to the same height and compare again. Align by the shield outline instead of by the full bounding box when the two versions have different internal spacing.

If you notice color shifts after export, keep the source in a lossless format and avoid repeated saves through a lossy pipeline. For final delivery, separate the full-color version from any single-color version needed for printing or embroidery.