Ikonfiler

Ikonfiler is a term used in computing to refer to the collection of icon image files used by graphical user interfaces to represent objects, actions, and states. The term is commonly encountered in discussions of icon themes, and is not tied to a single proprietary standard. In this article, ikonfiler denotes the files themselves and the conventions used to organize them.

Icon files are typically stored in multiple formats, most commonly PNG for raster icons and SVG for vector icons. Windows-style ICO files can also package several sizes into one file. Icon sets may include size variants such as 16x16, 32x32, 48x48, and larger resolutions for high-density displays, often with transparency to blend with various backgrounds.

Icon themes or ikonfiler collections organize individual icon files by semantic names, such as document, folder, or settings. Desktop environments use naming conventions and directory structures to locate the appropriate ikonfil according to the current theme and display size. Standards such as the freedesktop.org Icon Theme Specification define common conventions, while implementations vary across platforms.

Best practices for ikonfiler emphasize consistent naming, comprehensive coverage of common objects and actions, and multiple sizes to support different screen densities. Designers may provide monochrome or color variants and consider accessibility concerns such as high-contrast options. Tools exist to browse, convert, and manage icon files, and to package them into themes or collections.

See also: icon theme, SVG, PNG, ICO, icon font. For further reading, consult platform-specific documentation and open-source icon-theme projects.