TopTenREVIEWS

RealWorld Icon Editor is a great icon, cursor and 3D image designing program. It has a customizable interface and can create icons ranging from 1x1 to 256x256 pixels. It has a full set of useful drawing tools and various effects including shadow, sharpen, flip, rotate and more.

Although RealWorld does not have a library system for creating or managing libraries, it is the best product we found that creates 3D images.

Creating Icons:

The opening screen for RealWorld Icon Editor displays several icon creation choices. You can choose to create 3D objects, original icons, applications or images. Alternatively, you can use images from a scanner, camera or the clipboard just to name a few. From this screen you can also convert images to icons or open files. From this work area you can also access helpful step-by-step tutorials.

Editing Icons:

With the editing tools you can change the color, shape, size or add effects to your icons as well as add text and import images. RealWorld Icon Editor enables you to select standard size or you can set your own size parameters.

Managing Icons:

RealWorld Icon Editor does not include library or management functions.

Ease of Use:

RealWorld is fairly easy to use. The 3D icon creation tools are a bit difficult to master, but the tutorials do a good job at explaining how to use these features.

Help/Support:

The help documentation is adequate; however the tutorials are accessed through the opening menu instead of the help files. User forums and email support are also available.

Summary:

RealWorld Icon Editor excels in creating attractive images with its 3D capabilities. Those looking primarily for 3D functions and image creation will appreciate this software. Nonetheless, it doesn't manage icon libraries or customize Windows icons.

For software with library functions as well as editing and creation tools, see one of our top three products.