Do you Think Icons and Logos Are the Same?

When you join a graphic design company, you heard several new terms such as icon, logo, monogram, typeface etc. As a designer, it’s your duty to know their actual meaning and more importantly, the difference between those elements. For instance, font and typeface are two different things, but unfortunately most people think that they are the same.

Logo and icon are also two different things and serve different purposes, but even some of the most experienced professionals often consider icons as logos. It’s hard to blame the artists, because these two graphic elements look very similar.

If you have heard someone saying logo icon design to refer logo designs, then read the points mentioned below to know why icons are not logos.

What Is An Icon? – It shows an abstract or direct concept/idea/operation etc and encourages users to take an action. The visual message breaks language barrier and help people react immediately. For instance, you don’t need to tell people or add any text content with an envelope or magnifying glass icon to explain its meaning.

What Is a Logo? – A logo represents the core values and brand identity of a company. You may or may not understand it’s meaning immediately (Apple) and it may contain hidden messages (FedEx) as well. However, its symbols and typefaces will certainly send you a positive message and encourage you to explore the products/services of the company it represents.

What Are the Technical Disparities?

• A logo design can be resided anytime without losing the color details. On the contrary, an icon is designed in 16×16 or 256×256 pixels and if you try to change its size, it will lose clarity. If you need it in different dimensions, you have to create each size separately.

• An icon generally maintains a square outline, but a logo can be designed anyway. Icons are placed into small boxes and you have to design them accordingly. Logos have no such rules. It allows you to express your creative ideas completely.

When you have a clear idea of everything clients may ask you to design, you can offer them flawless design solutions.