Several unique terms and phrases describe the features of software we review on this site, some easier to grasp than others. This list briefly defines terms relevant to Icon Editing Software.

Ratings

Creating Icons

Icons can be created by importing an image, downloading an image, or by original design using icon design software.

Editing Icons

Icon properties and formats can be altered using draw tools and other functions of icon design software.

Managing Icons

Icons can be managed using icon libraries files (ICL).

Ease of Use

Icon design software should be easy to use and intuitive.

Help/Support

Help and support should include good product documentation, online support, email forms, FAQs and user forums

Creating Icons

Import Image File

File that contains the information needed to present a graphical image. Image files usually store bitmap information.

Import Cursor File

File that contains the information needed to present a cursor, static cursors (CUR) or animated cursors (ANI).

Import Web Image

An image displayed on the web.

Import Clipboard Contents

The ability to transfer clipboard contents into the icon editor.

Different Color Versions

Program has the ability to convert between monochrome, 16 colors, 256 colors, true colors or true colors + alpha color formats.

Design Original

Software has draw and effect tools to create original icons.

Templates

Ready-made icon files.

Import Digital Images

Program has the ability to capture digital images from a variety of devices including digital cameras.

3D Effect/Graphics

The editor contains features that can add 3D effects to icons, i.e. drop shadow. Some products have the ability to create 3D graphics.

Draw Tools

Tools like pencil, brush, ellipse, circle, add text, etc. available for creating or editing icons.

Editing Icons

Add New Image Formats

Size and/or icon color can be converted, or multiple formats can be contained in one image.

Remove an Image Format

The ability to remove a selected format from an icon that contains multiple formats.

Change Image Format

Format can be changed from one size or color to another.

Work with Colors

Colors can be altered using different effects, palettes and so on.

Move/Copy Image

Icons can be easily moved and/or copied.

Resize/Rotate Image

Size and orientation of icon image can be adjusted.

Adjust Brightness/Contrast

Icon brightness and contrast can be altered.

Adjust Hue/Saturation

Hue (property of the color) or saturation (amount of white contained in the color) adjustment.

Adjust Opacity

The degree to which an image is transparent, allowing images behind to visually show through.

Apply Filters

Effects like blur, sharpen, emboss, smooth, etc.

Add a Drop Shadow

A shadow behind an icon that produces a false 3D effect.

Add Text

Text can be incorporated into an icon.

Import an Image Into an Icon

An imported image can be added to an existing or open icon image.

Modify/Extract Icons included in Program

Locate icons already existing in your computer system and edit them.

Convert Icons

Icons can be changed from one format or file type to another.

Formats/Colors

True Color

Refers to any graphics device or software that uses at least 24 bits to represent each dot or pixel. Using 24 bits means that more than 16 million unique colors can be represented. Since humans can only distinguish a few million colors, this is more than enough to accurately represent any color image.

True Color + Alpha

A 32-bit color mode. The extra byte, called the alpha channel, is used for control and special effects information.

Managing Icons

Create Library

Icon libraries are files that store and organize icons. They use the extension .icl. These files use less hard disk space than do regular icon files (.ico). ICL files are compatible only with Windows platforms.

Add Individual/Multiple Icons to Library

Icons can be added to existing library files.

Import Into a Library

Icons can be imported into existing library files.

Export From a Library

Icon images can be exported into other programs.

Delete/Rename Icons in Library

The ability to delete or rename specified icon files from an existing icon library.

Sort Icons in Library

The program can categorize icon images within an existing library file according to specified criteria.

Edit Icons in Library

Icons can be accessed within an existing library file for editing.

Copy Icons Between Libraries

Icons can be copied from one library to another using clipboard, drag & drop or other method.

Other Features

Perform Batch Operations

The ability to apply a format or other effect to more than one image at once.

Customize Interface

Interface can be customized according to personal preference.

Manage Favorites File

Favorite documents (media files or graphics) can be added to a favorite's folder for quick retrieval.

Customize Windows Icons

Icon editor can extract Windows system icons and change them.

Create/Edit Cursors

Can create new or edit existing cursor files (CUR, ANI) within the icon editor.

Animate Icons/Cursors

Simulated movement can be added to icons/cursors.

Capture

A capture tool can be used to select onscreen images to import into the editor.

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