Gap Logo Changes: A Before-and-After Redesign Review
A practical guide to reviewing gap logo changes: how to compare before and after versions, check alignment and spacing, and catch common redesign issues.
Before you start
Gap logo changes usually mean one thing in practice: comparing the updated wordmark or symbol against an earlier version and looking at what changed in spacing, weight, or proportions. You do not need a paid service for this. Open the two logo files side by side in any image viewer, browser tab, or the comparison tool available in your editing software.
Use the highest resolution version you have. A blurry screenshot can make a minor spacing change look like a major redraw. If the files are different formats, convert them to the same pixel dimensions first so you are comparing geometry rather than file quality.
Step-by-step instructions
- 1. Place the old and new logo at the same scale. Align their baselines if they share the same wordmark.
- 2. Check the letter gap first. Look at the space inside letters such as a, e, and o, then compare the gaps between letters.
- 3. Look at the overall shapes. Note whether the mark became narrower, wider, taller, or more rounded.
- 4. Check the outline. If the new version has a thinner or heavier stroke, compare it in a small preview size, not only at full size.
- 5. View both versions on a light and a dark background if the logo includes transparent or inverted variants.
- 6. Save a side-by-side export or screenshot for the comparison. This makes it easier to describe the change precisely.
For most gap-focused reviews, the letter spacing and internal counters matter more than color. Move the two files so their wordmarks overlap visually, even if you do this by reducing opacity on one layer.
Check the output
A successful comparison gives you a clear list of what changed. The most useful result is not just 'it looks different,' but a specific observation such as wider spacing, a smaller symbol, or a more open counter.
Check the logo at a reduced size, around 32 to 48 pixels high. If the new spacing causes letters to merge or the symbol to become unclear, that is a practical limitation of the redesign at small display sizes.
Common problems and next steps
One common issue is comparing a compressed web version with a print source. If you notice softer edges but cannot confirm a spacing change, check the file resolution before assuming the logo was redrawn.
Another useful correction is to test alignment against a grid. Place thin horizontal and vertical guides through the old mark, then apply those same guides to the new mark. This shows whether changes come from deliberate rework or from an incorrectly exported file.
If the comparison is part of a brand review, keep a copy of the before version and note the exact file names. This preserves the reference even after the updated logo replaces older assets.