3D Icons and 2D Icons in website graphics today

Basic differences between 2D and 3D web icons design

When it comes to 3d Icons the light source plays important role for creating authentic three-dimensional images. It is acceptable and even advisable to use several light sources in internet site design today however they should follow basic rules of physics and be truthful. So if you need to make 3D icons look softer and much more realistic - use several lights.

The aim of 2D and 3D icons is to represent the volume found in the three-dimensional world but 2D and 3D icons obtain this illusion working with different means. Without doubt the volume can be displayed by 3D Icons to much more extent than 2D Icons. More often the images are flat and show just one perspective. To this drawback you can add another one - detailed highlights and imperceptible soft shadows are missing. The shades usage is restricted as well.

3D icons can be proud of all these features instead. Nevertheless do not forget that 3D is nothing but mathematical replication of the data that however limits its usage. Sometimes 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 allows to make that 3D dimension. Don't forget that 3D icons need to be depicted in correlation with the other objects and the environment they are placed into.