3D Icons and 2D Icons in web graphics at present

2D and 3D web icons comparative analysis

Speaking about 3d Icons we need to point out that the light source plays a really essential role for creating authentic three-dimensional images. It is appropriate and even advisable to use several light sources in web site design today however they should follow basic laws of physics and be truthful. So if you need to make 3D web 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 different methods of creating this illusion. 2D Icons can surely represent volume to less extent than 3D Icons. Usually the images are flat and present just one perspective. Detailed highlights and imperceptible soft shadows are missing as a rule. Also the shades usage is really limited.

3D web icons have got all these functions 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 effectively replaced by 2D ones or by the videos with the sounds. 3D dimension can be produced with the software used for 3D modeling. It is recommended to show 3D icons in correlation with the other objects in the neighborhood and the environment they are placed into.