How to Create a Good Laptop Icon

laptop icon

Icons are graphic images that represent files, programs, or commands. When clicked, icons help execute commands, open files and documents, and perform other actions quickly. Effective icons must be easily identifiable, even in small sizes on the screen, and should contrast well with any background. They must also provide a clear indication as to whether the program is currently active or not (either available or unavailable), or whether its features are enabled or disabled (greyed out). Icons are displayed in various locations, including the desktop, in program titles, on the task bar, in Microsoft’s tray, and in the Apple dock.

The most effective computer icons are designed to resemble flattened versions of objects and devices that users are familiar with, a design method called skeuomorphism. This makes icons recognizable and relatable to the user and draws them into using the associated program. Icons are also often designed to resemble items that have been digitally enhanced with effects such as softening, sharpening, edge enhancement, a glass or glossy appearance, and drop shadows.

There are a wide variety of tools for icon creation, from professional icons created for use by software developers through utilities bundled with development programs to stand-alone freeware. Some tools allow you to create an entire icon set while others have limited functionality that focuses on creating a single image for each type of file or program. These tools are generally used by software developers to create their own icons for use in their own applications, or by end users who wish to create custom icons that match their own system’s design and style.

Some symbols are universally recognized, such as a speaker with sound waves coming from it, for headphones or any option or button that allows you to adjust the volume on your computer. A pair of half-circles connected to each other is used for a microphone, while a square with three or more lines inside it indicates WiFi or Ethernet connection. A USB symbol with eSATA written underneath it represents a port that supports both Serial AT Attachment and external SATA.

It is important to include several image formats in an icon, as Windows and Macintosh OS may display the icons in different image formats depending on their location on the screen, or the number of colors the image is displayed with. Ideally, icons should also include an alpha channel to permit smooth transparency and nice resize effects. IconWorkshop, a powerful tool from Axialis, includes an advanced feature that allows you to create multiple image formats based on an existing icon in just a few clicks. This helps ensure that your icon is compatible with the vast majority of screen configurations.