Top 10 Icons User Interface Libraries in 2024

In UI design, icons play a key role in guiding users and enhancing interaction. Yet, integrating ‘icons user interface’ effectively can be challenging. This article simplifies the decision-making process, spotlighting top icon sets and sharing essential tips for enriching your UI. Get ready for direct, practical guidance on choosing and using icons that resonate with your users and complement your design.

1. Hugeicons Pro

Website: https://hugeicons.com/

Specifications:

• 3,800+ free icons
• Over 27,000 icons across 57 categories
• Multiple styles such as stroke, two-tone, duotone, solid, bulk, with options for rounded or sharp corners
• Figma Plugin
• Figma variant and component file

Pros:

• Extensive library catering to a wide range of design needs
• Multiple styles, suitable for diverse visual needs

Cons:

• No cons noted

Hugeicons Pro provides a rich collection of icons, featuring an extensive library with easily recognizable versatile styles such as stroke and solid. This caters to the refined visual demands of high-end projects and a diverse range of design needs, with over 27,000 icons spread across 57 categories. Hence, it’s an ideal resource for designers seeking a broad icon set to match various design aesthetic appeal. Best for web apps and mobile apps.

Hugeicons Pro offers a one-time payment license, making it a cost-effective solution for long-term use of premium icons. This means that while the initial investment may seem steep, the extensive range and quality of the icons provided can prove to be a worthwhile expenditure for businesses and designers who anticipate the need for a comprehensive icon library over time. Additionally, the one-time payment model eliminates the worry of recurring fees, allowing for better budgeting and financial planning in project development.

2. Phosphor Icons

Website: https://phosphoricons.com/

Specifications:

• Over 1,248 icons available in 6 distinct weights: Thin, Light, Regular, Bold, Fill, and Duotone
• 16 x 16 pixels baseline size for enhanced readability
• Utilizes icon font technology for seamless integration

Pros:

• Versatile design suitable for a multitude of applications
• Consistent size for enhanced readability on small screens

Cons:

• No cons noted

Phosphor Icons feature a generous collection of over 1,248 icons in 6 distinct weights:

• Thin
• Light
• Regular
• Bold
• Fill
• Duotone

Their variety makes them a flexible option for diverse design aesthetics. While designing icons, these consistent icons are crafted with a 16 x 16 pixels baseline size for enhanced readability on small screens and can be scaled up effectively for larger displays, making the most of the available screen real estate. These universally recognizable icons ensure a seamless user experience across various platforms.

What sets Phosphor Icons apart is their:

• Streamlined and versatile design, making them suitable for a multitude of applications, including interfaces, diagrams, and presentations
• Maintenance of raw stroke information, allowing designers to adjust the style according to their specific project needs
• Adaptability to different design requirements while preserving consistency across applications

3. Feather Icons

Website: https://feathericons.com/

Open-source collection, suitable for minimalist design, is available under a creative commons license.

Pros:

• Clean and simple designs suitable for contemporary projects
• Clarity and ease of use

Cons:

• Limited detail may not be suitable for all types of projects, including commercial projects

Feather Icons, an open-source collection, is recognized for its simplicity and elegance. It’s well-suited to minimalist interface designs, ensuring clarity and ease of use that align with contemporary project requirements.

However, the limited detail in Feather Icons’ design may not be suitable for all types of projects, particularly those requiring more intricate visuals. Nevertheless, they have been praised for their clean and simple designs, making them a go-to choice for designers aiming for a minimalist aesthetic.

4. Iconoir

Website: https://iconoir.com/

Specifications:

• Unique, stylish such icons that stand out from more traditional icon sets

Pros:

• Distinctive design ideal for projects requiring creative flair
• High-quality, open-source icon library

Cons:

• May require extra design effort to integrate into certain projects

Iconoir offers:

• Unique, stylish icons that distinguish it from traditional icon sets
• Top-quality, open-source icon library
• A compelling cost-free alternative to other icon resources.

However, while projects that benefit from a touch of creative flair find Iconoir to be a fresh option, it might demand extra design effort. Despite this, Iconoir’s distinctive design adds a level of elegance and uniqueness to interfaces, making it a perfect choice for projects requiring a touch of artistry and creativity.

5. Untitled UI Icons

Website: https://www.untitledui.com/icons

Specifications:

• Specifically designed for the Untitled UI kit

Pros:

• Cohesive design enhances interface aesthetics
• Perfectly matches the modern and sophisticated look of the Untitled UI kit

Cons:

• No cons noted

Untitled UI Icons, meticulously crafted, are designed to blend flawlessly with the Untitled UI kit. They contribute to the overall design harmony of projects by mirroring the modern, sophisticated aesthetic of the Untitled UI kit.

However, their specificity to the Untitled UI ecosystem might restrict designer flexibility when attempting to diversify project aesthetics. Despite this, for those already using the Untitled UI kit, these icons provide a cohesive and modern look to any interface design.

6. Majesticons

Website: https://www.majesticons.com/

Specifications:

• Vibrant and audacious set of icons designed to stand out

Pros:

• Bold lines and distinctive style command user attention
• Suitable for interfaces where a strong visual impact is desired

Cons:

• Dominant nature of icons can potentially overwhelm an interface

Majesticons features a lively and daring set of place icons designed to stand out and captivate user attention within the user interface. Their bold lines and distinctive style make these popular icons particularly effective for interfaces requiring a potent visual impact. However, the dominant nature of Majesticons can be a double-edged sword, potentially overwhelming an interface if used too liberally. Despite this, for projects that aim to make a statement or need to highlight certain aspects prominently, Majesticons are an excellent icon set to consider while being mindful of their powerful visual presence.

7. Unicons

Website: https://iconscout.com/unicons/free-line-icons

Specifications:

• Comprehensive collection of over 1100+ free vector icons
• Variety of icon styles such as line, monochrome, solid, and thin line

Pros:

• Extensive collection of icons
• Multiple styles offer flexibility in design

Cons:

• Some niche categories may lack options

Unicons offers a broad collection of over 1100+ free vector icons as a Figma plugin. Their variety of icon styles includes:

• Line
• Monochrome
• Solid
• Thin line

This variety can help maintain brand uniformity across different platforms. While Unicons is comprehensive, some niche categories may lack options, requiring supplementation with additional icons to fully meet branding needs. Nevertheless, with its extensive collection and variety of styles, Unicons offer flexibility and a wide range of design options to designers.

8. Heroicons v1.0

Website: https://v1.heroicons.com/

Specifications:

• Over 450 free icons in two distinct styles

Pros:

• Wide array of categories suitable for use in modern user interfaces
• Official libraries for React and Vue

Cons:

• No cons noted

Heroicons v1.0 boasts a wide variety of universal icons suitable for modern user interfaces. With over 450 free icons in two unique styles, it provides an expansive range of design possibilities. Heroicons v1.0 features official libraries for React and Vue, facilitating the use of icons as dedicated components within these frameworks. Despite being a deprecated version, it still offers a wide range of icons suitable for modern interfaces, making it a valuable resource for designers.

9. Heroicons 2.0

Website: https://heroicons.com/

Specifications:

• Updated version with refined designs and structure
• Some icons have been deprecated and renamed for clarity

Pros:

• Refined designs and updated structure
• Icons offer modern aesthetic for interfaces

Cons:

• Transitioning from the previous version may require some effort

Heroicons 2.0, an upgraded version of Heroicons, offers new icons with enhanced designs and structure tailored to the requirements of modern interface designs. It features some deprecated icons, like certain arrow icons which have been renamed for better clarity, indicating a progression in the set’s structure and naming conventions.

Transitioning to Heroicons 2.0 from the previous version involves:

• Adapting to the refined designs and updated structure
• Putting in some effort to make the transition
• Enjoying a heightened modern aesthetic for interfaces

Despite the transition, Heroicons 2.0 continues to be a reliable resource for designers seeking to update and refine their interface designs.

10. Iconizer

Website: https://www.iconizer.io/free-icons

Specifications:

• Customizable icon search tool with options to modify colors, size, and brightness

Pros:

• Allows users to modify icons according to their needs
• Enhances designers’ skills in component utilization

Cons:

• No current integrations with other tools or platforms

Iconizer transcends being just an icon set and serves as a customizable icon search tool, enabling modifications in colors, size, and brightness to meet your unique needs. This customization capability adds an appreciated level of flexibility and control for designers. However, it’s worth noting that while Iconizer features a Figma plugin for direct browsing and integration into designs, there are no current integrations with other tools or platforms listed on the website. Despite this, Iconizer remains a valuable tool for designers looking to enhance their skills in component utilization and create tailor-made icons for their projects.

Decoding Icon Set Parameters

In icon design, certain key parameters are worth noting:

• Uniform line widths and a consistent design style within an icon pack are integral to crafting a unified set.
• Uniformly applying effects like shadows or gradients across all icons facilitates consistency.
• Offering multiple icon sizes provides versatility for different design requirements.
• Ensuring icons have a consistent visual size across a set contributes to a balanced appearance when viewed together.

Moreover, icon sets that are available in a variety of formats and support popular design tools and frameworks enable designers to use them across different applications, ensuring broad compatibility and seamless integration. By understanding these parameters, designers can create cohesive and versatile icon sets that enhance the overall user experience.

Aligning Icons with Your Project Goals

Choosing appropriate icons for a design project can enhance user interaction speed and infuse style and visual interest into the user interface. Thoughtfully selected icons can:

• Reinforce a strong brand identity by augmenting interface cohesion and visual appeal
• Improve usability and user experience
• Provide clear and intuitive navigation
• Communicate information quickly and effectively

However, it’s crucial to use icons deliberately as excessive or meaningless icons can reduce usability and clutter the design. For users with disabilities, icons can make interfaces more accessible by providing an alternative to text. Icons should be easy for users to find, recognize, and comprehend within the context of the interface, and it is important to test for any cultural differences and accessibility concerns. By aligning icons with your project goals, you can create an intuitive and engaging user interface with the right interface elements.

Testing Icons for Optimal User Experience

Usability testing is crucial for verifying the effectiveness of icons in a user interface. Examining icons in their real-world context assists in assessing their findability and recognizability within the overall design. Icons contribute to the scannability of interfaces, allowing users to rapidly locate and comprehend features or actions. Usability testing of icons can reveal instances where users confuse one icon for another, necessitating a redesign for clearer understanding. The clarity of an icon’s function can be validated by testing whether users can successfully interpret its purpose. By conducting thorough usability testing, designers can create icons that not only look good but also enhance user interaction and engagement.

Summary

In conclusion, well-designed icons are indispensable in enhancing user experience and setting the tone for user interaction. Whether you’re looking for a set of minimalist icons like Feather Icons or a more audacious set like Majesticons, the key is to choose an icon set that aligns with your project goals and enhances the overall user interface. Remember, icons are not just decorative elements but also serve as visual cues to guide users through the labyrinth of digital interfaces. So, choose wisely and make every pixel count.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does icons mean in UX?

Icons in UX are small visual elements that represent functions, features, or content within a user interface, helping users understand and interact with the interface more easily.

Are icons a GUI?

Yes, icons are a key element of graphical user interfaces (GUIs), representing functions and actions within the interface.

What are the key parameters to consider when designing icons?

When designing icons, it's important to consider uniform line widths, consistent design styles, and multiple icon sizes to create cohesive and versatile icon sets. This will ensure a professional and polished appearance for your icons.

What is the importance of usability testing for icons?

Usability testing is important for icons as it helps ensure their findability and recognizability within the design, and can reveal instances of user confusion.