3D Icons and 2D Icons Contest

Differences between 2D and 3D icons design

As for the 3d Icons the light source plays essential role for creating authentic three-dimensional images. Undoubtedly the using several light sources in web site design today is preferable but remember that they should follow fundamental rules of physics and stay truthful. If you want to make 3D icons look softer and much more realistic - use several lights.

The purpose of 2D and 3D icons is to represent the volume found in the three-dimensional world but 2D and 3D icons get this illusion by using diverse means. 2D Icons can definitely represent volume to less extent than 3D Icons. Usually the images are flat and show just one perspective. To this weakness you can also add another one - detailed highlights and imperceptible soft shadows are missing. Also the shades usage is really limited.

3D icons have got all these functions instead. Nevertheless don't forget that 3D is nothing but mathematical replication of the data that unfortunately 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 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.