3D Icons and 2D Icons Important Information and facts

Basic differences between 2D and 3D icons design

As for the 3d Icons the light source plays essential role for creating authentic three-dimensional images. Without doubt the using several light sources in web page design nowadays is preferable but bear in mind that they should follow basic rules of physics and be truthful. So if you want to make 3D icons look softer and more realistic - use several lights.

Both 2D and 3D icons represent the volume found in the three-dimensional world but use various ways of creating this illusion. 2D Icons can undoubtedly represent volume to less extent than 3D Icons. Usually the images are flat and show just one perspective. To this disadvantage you can also add another one - detailed highlights and imperceptible soft shadows are missing. The shades usage is limited as well.

3D icons have all these features instead. Nevertheless don't forget that 3D is nothing but mathematical replication of the data that however restricts its usage. In some cases you can easily replace 3D Icons by 2D ones or by the videos with the sounds - but all this depends on situation. Software used for 3D modeling enables to create that 3D dimension. Don't forget that 3D icons should be depicted in correlation with the other objects and the environment they're placed into.