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An icon in Windows is a small picture or object that represents a file, program, web page, or command. Most of the time, the icon picture relates to the function of the item that it represents. Icons are used to represent a concept, function or feature in different ways. Like any graphic representations, icons enhance aesthetics. They convey meanings well even if language is a problem. Icons are great tools for self-expression, especially in instant messaging, and are used to represent emotions and identity.

They look like a standard image file; however, to create an icon, you must have a special software program capable of creating and saving an image in ICO format. The size of an icon will vary depending on the application it is associated with. Some will require a 16x16 pixel image and others may require a 32x32 pixel image. In addition, the number of required colors may be 16 or 256.

There are several kinds of icons which serve different purposes. Application icons are used in software programs such as Microsoft Office, as buttons and in tool bars. Website icons are used for navigation while using the Internet, like buttons displaying 'previous,' 'next' and 'back.' Desktop icons are for symbolizing various programs. Icons are actively used in instant messengers to display emotions or actions like happiness, waving and kissing, and to display identity or status of availability like away, available, busy and so on.

There are many web design icon sites that, with a price, help you design your own icon. These icon design sites have icon design groups that work from the look and feel of your web site or with any images; you give them, to design an icon compliant with multiple browsers. The icon design is available in different sizes like 256 colors, 32x32 and 16x16 pixel designs.

About the author:

Nasir Mehmood is a Senior Web Marketing Executive at MechTechnologies.

MechTechnologies is a professional web design company that offers affordable custom web site design and development. Services we offer: Corporate web site design, E-commerce web site design, Content Management Software integration into existing web sites, Software Development.

We are always there to help you become owner of a great web site for affordable price. You can view our portfolio Click here