How to select good icons for your website?
An icon is a small graphical symbol representing the function of a file, program, web page or command. The icon is created in such a way that it depicts the functionality of the respective file or program. For example, in windows we have the image of a computer to relate to “my computer”. Icons help as shortcuts for quickly accessing the operation of a program or application without having to follow usual long procedure.
Today we have thousands of icons to choose on the Internet that can be used to represent different processes. How many of these icons are really worth buying or even going for a free download? Actually, there are very few icon designers who can give you the quality expected in professional icons. Here are some simple ways of selecting quality icons.
Go for reasonably priced icons, not the cheap ones
Check out the website of the icon provider
Look out for testimonials provided on the website of the icon designer by satisfied clients. Also verify the history of the company, the experience, past records etcetera. Normally, the quality of the icon designer's website would be a good indication of the quality of the icons. Also look for information, blogs and reviews about the site elsewhere on the web.
Download and check the icons for the following features:
- The colors should be vivid and eye catching, not dull and boring
- The icons should be lively with proper use of angle and perspective
- Light should come from upper left hand corner of the icon and the other parts should have enough lighting as well
- The icons should incorporate proper use of gradients
- Drop shadows should be used and should improve shape and contrast
- Outlines should be clear and well defined
- Edges and corners should be soft and rounded, not sharp and crooked
- The icon should look equally good when reduced in size
- The icon should relate to the functionality it is meant to represent.
Thesetips can help in buying the right icons from a professional icon designer. Use these tips and some of your own ideas in your decision. Wishing all the best in your search for the right Icon Design
