2D icons and other objects are well known for their flexibility. This is achieved by the peculiarity of rendering them at various resolutions ideal for various output devices.
2D Icons 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 for example rotation, scaling or angular position and so on. Meshing basic models you may get more complex ones.
Because of the layers technique 2D web icons can create the illusion of all 3D characteristics like shadow, reflection or highlighting. The layers should maintain the certain hierarchy and order carefully.
2.5D Icons vs 3D and 2D Icons
The layered 2Dicons also are generally known as 2.5D models. This technology enables web-designers to work with any layer without touching the others. The most of the prominent graphics editors prefer this kind of 2D object creation.
2.5D is a synonym to pseudo 3D. It means "two-and-a-half-dimensional" graphics. Models that were created with a help of with 2.5D technology appear to be tridimensional but in fact they aren't. The featured projection represents both front and side views.
This technology used for designing 2D web icons is frequently attained by the special lighting effect. 3D illusion is achieved due to the virtual light source to the left or to the right side and above the users monitor.
