2d icons vs 3d icons in modern-day web graphics

2D and 3D icons comparative analysis

As for the 3d Icons the light source plays important role for creating authentic three-dimensional images. It is acceptable and even advisable to use several light sources in website design nowadays but they should follow fundamental laws of physics and be truthful. A few lights usually make 3D web icons look softer and more realistic.

Both 2D and 3D icons represent the volume found in the three-dimensional world but use different ways of creating this illusion. 2D Icons can undoubtedly represent volume to less extent than 3D Icons. One of the disadvantages of 2D Icons are flat images that present just one perspective. To this drawback you can add another one - detailed highlights and imperceptible soft shadows are missing. The shades usage is restricted as well.

3D icons have got all these functions instead. But 3D is mathematical replication of the data which anyway limits its usage. In some cases you can effortlessly replace 3D Icons by 2D ones or by the videos with the sounds - but all this depends on situation. 3D dimension can be achieved due to the software used for 3D modeling. Don't forget that 3D icons need to be depicted in correlation with the other objects and the environment they are placed into.