3D Icons and 2D Icons in web graphics nowadays

Basic differences between 2D and 3D icons design

Speaking about 3d Icons we need to point out that the light source plays an extremely essential role for creating authentic three-dimensional images. It is appropriate and even advisable to use several light sources in web site design nowadays but they should follow basic rules of physics and be truthful. Several lights usually make 3D icons look softer and much more realistic.

Both 2D and 3D icons represent the volume found in the three-dimensional world but use various ways of creating this illusion. Without any doubt the volume can be represented by 3D Icons to more extent than 2D Icons. More often the images are flat and present just one perspective. Detailed highlights and imperceptible soft shadows are missing as a rule. The shades usage is limited as well.

3D icons have all these functions instead. Nevertheless don't forget that 3D is nothing but mathematical replication of the data that however restricts 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. 3D dimension can be created with the software used for 3D modeling. Don't forget that 3D icons should be depicted in correlation with the other objects and the environment they are placed into.