At the size of 16x16 pixels and smaller, render icons straight-on (front-facing). In the smaller sizes, the same icon may change from perspective to straight-on. This example shows perspective and vanishing points typical of 3D icons. Three-dimensional objects are represented in perspective as solid objects, seen from a low birds-eye view with two vanishing points. Use flat icons for files and for objects that are actually flat, like documents or pieces of paper.
Icons in Windows Vista are either three-dimensional and shown in perspective as solid objects, or two-dimensional objects shown straight-on. These examples show different types of icons, including a three-dimensional object in perspective, a front-facing (flat) icon, and a toolbar icon. Moreover, this style of iconography works for high-resolution screens. This allows them to look great big or small, up-close or from a distance. These Windows Vista icons show optical balance and perceived accuracy in perspective and details.
The Windows Vista icons (the two on the left) are professional and beautiful, with attention to details that improve icon production quality. They are rendered rather than drawn, but are not completely photorealistic. The Windows Vista icons (the lock and key on the left) are authentic, crisp, and detailed. The following images depict what makes the Aero style of iconography in Windows Vista different from that used in Windows XP. Improve usability by making programs, objects, and actions easier to identify, learn, and find.Strongly impact users' overall impression of your program's visual design, and appreciation for its fit-and-finish.
This design guide was created for Windows 7 and has not been updated for newer versions of Windows.