UNC Logo Change: Comparing the Old and New Designs

Before you start

For a logo change comparison, gather two image files if you have them: an older version and the current version. Common sources are the athletics or university digital brand pages, but the exact file locations change over time, so check the current official pages rather than relying on bookmarked links.

This comparison works locally on your device. You do not need an online service. If you only have a photo or screenshot, a clear flat view with even lighting is enough for most checks.

Step-by-step instructions

• Open the two logo images in separate tabs or windows so you can switch between them quickly.
• Align the viewing size. Make the marks roughly the same height; this helps you see changes in proportion rather than differences caused by zoom.
• Compare the outer shape first. Note whether the frame, shield, outline or letter spacing changed.
• Compare color second. Look at the main blue or red areas, white spaces, and any outline color.
• Compare the type last. Check the letters in the interlocking mark, the spacing, and whether the marks look heavier or lighter.
• Save each version with a clear filename if you plan to use them later, such as unc-logo-old and unc-logo-current.

Check the output

A useful comparison should let you answer three questions: which shapes changed, which colors changed, and whether the new version reads clearly at small sizes. If a mark becomes a blur at phone-icon size, the issue is usually low contrast or small internal gaps rather than the overall concept.

For color accuracy, a screenshot or social preview is not a reliable source. Use an official digital asset where available. Digital files can also vary between RGB screen versions and print or apparel versions, so the same logo can look slightly different across approved uses.

Common problems and next steps

If you cannot find the old version, do not assume a faded shirt or old photo shows the original color accurately. Fabric fade and screen reproduction change the appearance.

If the images have different backgrounds, place them on a shared neutral background before comparing. A white logo on dark blue will look heavier than the same white mark on white, even when nothing else changed.

When in doubt about official colors, treat them as facts to verify from current brand guidance rather than assuming the new version simply replaces every tone from the old one.