3D Icons and 2D Icons in web graphics nowadays

Basic differences between 2D and 3D web icons design

When it comes to 3d Icons the light source plays essential role for creating authentic three-dimensional images. It is appropriate and even recommended to use several light sources in internet site design today but they should follow basic laws of physics and be truthful. If you would like to make 3D icons look softer and much more realistic - use several lights.

The purpose of 2D and 3D icons is to represent the volume found in the three-dimensional world but 2D and 3D icons obtain this illusion using different means. 2D Icons can definitely represent volume to less extent than 3D Icons. More often the images are flat and show just one perspective. Detailed highlights and imperceptible soft shadows are missing as a rule. Also the shades usage is really limited.

3D icons can be proud of all these features instead. But 3D is mathematical replication of the data which in any case limits its usage. In some case 3D objects like 3D Icons may be successfully replaced by 2D ones or by the videos with the sounds. Software used for 3D modeling enables to make that 3D dimension. Just remember that, 3D icons should be depicted in correlation with the other objects and the environment they are placed into.