2D icons along with other objects are remarkable for their flexibility. This is achieved by the peculiarity of rendering them at different resolutions ideal for various output devices.
2D Icons may include the next items:
- raster pictures (digital graphics);
- styled text as a typeset for 2D Icons;
- vector models (geometric graphics).
The above-mentioned items can be managed by 2D transformations such as rotation, scaling or angular position and so on. Meshing simple models you may get more complex ones.
Because of the layers technique 2D icons can create the illusion of all 3D characteristics such as shadow, reflection or highlighting. The layers should keep the definite hierarchy and order carefully. This makes modifying 2D icons and related objects simpler.
2.5D Icons vs 3D and 2D Icons
The layered 2Dicons are also known as 2.5D models. This technology allows web developers to work with any layer without touching the others. This kind of 2D object creation is liked by the most of the leading graphics editors.
2.5D is a synonym to pseudo 3D. This means "two-and-a-half-dimensional" graphics. Models created with 2.5D technology look like tridimensional while in fact they are not.
This technology used for designing 2D web icons is often achieved by the special lighting effect. 3D illusion is reached due to the virtual source of light to the left or to the right side and above the users monitor.
