2d icons vs. 3d icons in modern-day website graphics

2D and 3D web icons comparative analysis

As for the 3d Icons the light source plays important role for creating authentic three-dimensional images. It is appropriate and even advisable to use several light sources in website design today however they should follow fundamental rules of physics and be truthful. If you would like to make 3D web 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 achieve this illusion by using different means. 2D Icons can undoubtedly represent volume to less extent than 3D Icons. More often the images are flat and present just one perspective. To this disadvantage you can add one more - detailed highlights and imperceptible soft shadows are missing. The shades usage is limited as well.

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 cases you can effortlessly 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 create that 3D dimension. It is very important show 3D icons in correlation with the other objects in the neighborhood and the environment they are placed into.