2D web icons are really well known for their flexibility. This flexibility is achieved by rendering them at various resolutions ideal for various output devices.
2D Icons may embody the below items:
- raster pictures (digital graphics);
- styled text as a typeset for 2D Icons;
- vector models (geometric graphics).
These items can be managed by 2D transformations such as rotation, scaling or angular position etc. Meshing basic models you may get more advanced ones.
2D icons are not like the real three-dimensional objects but as a result of layers technique they are able to create the illusion of all 3D characteristics like shadow, reflection or highlighting. The layers should maintain the definite hierarchy and order carefully.
2.5D Icons versus 3D and 2D Icons
The layered 2Dicons are also generally known as 2.5D models. This technology enables website designers to work with any layer without touching the others. This type of 2D object creation is preferred by the most of the famous graphics editors.
2.5D is a synonym to pseudo 3D. This means "two-and-a-half-dimensional" graphics. Models which were developed with a help of with 2.5D technology appear to be tridimensional while in fact they aren't. The featured projection depicts both front and side views.
This technology used for designing 2D icons is frequently achieved by the special lighting effect. 3D illusion is reached due to the virtual light source to the left or to the right side and above the users monitor.