Tips on Creating Icons???

from WinCustomize Forums
Hey Everyone. I am new here, but I would like to know if there are any suggestions to creating custom icons. I know that sounds vague, but currently I use PhotoShop and the method that I am using is:

I create a transparent PSD file that has a res of 320 X 320, create the graphic, then resize. The problem that I always get is an extreme loss of quality and detail. Is there any way to rememdy this?

I noticed that the icons that most of you use here are extremely impressive and I hope that someone can direct me in the right direction as to how some of this is accomplished. I am not necessarily looking for artistic tips, just application tips. Thanks,

Stewart.
1,977 views 9 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
If you take your 320x320 image and import it to something like Axialis Icon Workshop, you can produce great looking icons without the degradation of the image.

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Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Just remeber when you design them, that they will be smaller when done, dont let the image get to clutterd, or busy, becuse they will get blurd together at the smaller sizes.

Also, it helps to use as many clean lines, and edges as posible. Look at treetogs Icons for a great example of this.
Siege of Centauri
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
some small tips:

Usually I try to make the template exactly in the same size as the biggest icon I will use (most of them 128x128 pixels). Resizing to small is easier then to larger.

If you are using PS 6 or 7, then use vectors, they are by far better to resize later.

Now the most important tip, listen to mormegil, the best icon maker around. GO! GO!
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Question, is it me? or does Axialis seem to have a much better painting "engine" when it comes to image reduction. Not large images, usually 160x160-ish to 200 down to 48x48. I can reduce the same .png in PSP and IconWorkshop, and it always seems to retain better (to me) when done with axialis.
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Ingui : That's right.

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Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Tips on icons...

They hard complicated and i gave up trying
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
The best advice I can offer is, read posts #2 & #3.......