Icon editor

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

An icon editor (also known as icon maker) is software for creating and editing computer icon.

Icon editors usually contain a rudimentary raster image editor capable of modifying images of an icon pixel by pixel, by using simple drawing tools, or by applying simple image filters. Professional icon designers seldom modify icons inside an icon editor and use a more advanced drawing or 3D modeling application instead.

The main function performed by an icon editor is generation of icons from images. An icon editor resamples a source image to the resolution and color depth required for an icon. Some icon editor can apply preconfigured effects on the generated images during the conversion. Effects include softening, sharpening, edge enhancement, or drop shadow effect.

Other functions usually included into icon editors are icon extraction from executable files (exe, dll), creation of icon libraries, or saving individual images of an icon.

Simple icon editors and image to icon converters are also available as online services.

[edit] Icon software

• RealWorld Icon Editor - combination of icon editor and 3D graphics editor.
• Axialis IconWorkshop - tool supporting both Windows and Mac icons.
• IconBuilder - plug-in for Photoshop; focused on Mac.
• @icon sushi - Freeware tool supporting Windows icons.