3D Icons and 2D Icons in web graphics at present

Basic differences between 2D and 3D icons design

As for the 3d Icons the light source plays essential role for creating authentic three-dimensional images. Definitely the using several light sources in web page design nowadays is preferable but bear in mind that they should follow fundamental laws of physics and be truthful. A few lights usually make 3D icons look softer and more realistic.

The purpose of 2D and 3D icons is to represent the volume found in the three-dimensional world but 2D and 3D icons obtain this illusion by using diverse means. 2D Icons can undoubtedly represent volume to less extent than 3D Icons. Among the disadvantages of 2D Icons are flat images that show just one perspective. To this weakness you can also add one more - detailed highlights and imperceptible soft shadows are missing. Also the shades usage is really limited.

3D icons can be proud of all these features instead. But 3D is mathematical replication of the data which anyway limits its usage. Sometimes you can easily replace 3D Icons by 2D ones or by the videos with the sounds - but all this depends on situation. Software used for 3D modeling enables to create that 3D dimension. It is recommended to show 3D icons in correlation with the other objects in the neighborhood and the environment they are placed into.