UIcons

UIcons are standardized visual symbols used in graphical user interfaces to represent actions, objects, or concepts without relying on text. They serve as a lightweight, universal shorthand that can speed navigation, reduce cognitive load, and improve recognizability across screens and languages. UIcons appear in digital products such as websites, mobile apps, software dashboards, and embedded interfaces, and are typically part of broader design systems or UI kits.

UIcons are often created as vector graphics for scalability and crisp rendering on different device densities. Common formats include SVG for web and vector-based design tools, as well as PNG or icon fonts for broader compatibility. Icon libraries may offer various styles—outline, filled, rounded, or duotone—and come in different grid systems and sizes to maintain visual harmony within a UI.

When designing or selecting UIcons, consistency with platform conventions and other icons is important. Semantic clarity matters: icons should clearly convey their purpose (for example, a magnifying glass for search, a gear for settings, a trash can for delete). Icons should be distinguishable at small sizes and be accessible, with text alternatives provided for screen readers and sufficient color contrast or federal cues where appropriate.

Licensing varies by source. Some UIcons are part of open-source libraries, while others are commercially licensed. Designers often curate icon sets to align with a product’s brand, ensuring cohesive typography, spacing, and visual weight across the interface.