3D Icons and 2D Icons in web graphics nowadays

2D and 3D web icons design - what is the difference?

Speaking about 3d Icons we need to point out that the source of light plays a really essential role for creating authentic three-dimensional images. No doubt the using several light sources in web site design nowadays is more effective but remember that they should follow fundamental laws of physics and be truthful. So if you would like to make 3D icons look softer and 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 working with diverse means. 2D Icons can definitely represent volume to less extent than 3D Icons. Among the disadvantages of 2D Icons are flat images that present just one perspective. To this drawback you can add one more - detailed highlights and imperceptible soft shadows are missing. The shades usage is limited as well.

3D icons have all these features 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. 3D dimension can be produced with the software used for 3D modeling. Bear in mind that 3D icons should be depicted in correlation with the other objects and the environment they are placed into.