What are icons for WordPress?
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Icons for WordPress are graphical symbols used to represent various elements or actions within a WordPress website. Icons can be customized and added to enhance the visual appeal and functionality of a website. They are available in a variety of styles, such as line, flat, gradient, isometric, glyph and more, providing flexibility in design choices.
Icons for WordPress: Visual anchors to guide users through your site
Websites thrive on smooth navigation. Visual anchors, such as clear icons, contribute to a positive user experience (UX). These icons act as vibrant signposts that guide users through the website without relying heavily on text. This allows for clear and intuitive navigation, especially on modern WordPress websites.
Understanding visual anchors
We remember pictures better, so designers use icons, colours, and layouts (visual anchors) to make websites and apps easy to navigate and remember. This is especially important for WordPress sites, where a user-friendly experience is important.
Examples of visual anchors in everyday environments
Digital
Icons in website menus act like visual shortcuts. A shopping cart icon lets you find your purchases instantly, for example.
Dashboard
Dashboards use visual cues like charts, progress bars, and alerts to highlight key info and actions for you.
Social media platforms
Hearts, chat bubbles, and arrows: universal icons that guide you to like, comment, and share.
Physical
Clear signs with pictures and colours act like guideposts in airports, hospitals, and streets, helping you find restrooms, exits, or anything else you need.
Instruction manuals
Manuals use pictures and diagrams to spotlight key steps and warnings, making them easier to follow.
Icons rule! Our brains love pictures, so designers use visual anchors like icons to guide us in apps, websites, and even manuals. This makes everything easier to navigate and remember, especially on WordPress sites where user-friendliness is key.
Case studies or examples of websites that use icons effectively
- Dropbox: Simple icons guide users through files and folders (share, download).
- Airbnb: Amenity icons (WiFi, parking) speed up searches.
- Trello: Task management gets easier with action icons (add card, attach file).
These examples show how icons, when used thoughtfully, can significantly improve the usability and aesthetics of a website, making them indispensable tools in web design. As visual anchors, icons guide users through a website, improving navigation and engagement and contributing to a positive, memorable experience.
Best practices for using icons as visual anchors
Master the Mini! Clear icons strengthen usability and aesthetics. Here’s your guide to using them effectively:
Consistency in design and placement
Consistent style
Ensure a consistent style for all icons to ensure coherence. Icons should match in terms of stroke width, complexity and design approach (flat, three-dimensional, outline).
Consistent placement
Users should know where to expect certain types of information or actions. For example, navigation icons should appear in the same place on all pages.
Clarity and simplicity of icons
Simple design
Icons should be as simple as possible and still convey their message. Overly complicated icons can confuse users or slow down recognition.
Immediate recognizability
Choose icons that are immediately recognizable for their intended purpose. Users shouldn’t have to guess what an icon means.
Selection of universally recognized symbols versus the creation of user-defined symbols
Universally recognized symbols
Use universally recognized icons (e.g. a house for ‘Home”, a magnifying glass for ‘Search”) for common actions and functions. This makes use of users’ existing knowledge and shortens the learning curve.
Custom icons
Custom icons can be created for unique functions or branding purposes. Make sure these are intuitive and accompanied by text labels or tooltips when first used to aid understanding.
Colour, size and placement considerations
Contrast and colour
Use colours that contrast well with the background to increase visibility and consider the colour symbolism in your target audience’s culture. However, don’t rely solely on colour to convey meaning, as this can be problematic for colour-blind users.
Appropriate size
Icons should be large enough to be easily tapped on touchscreens without being so large that they overlap other content. Consider the context in which they’ll be used to find the right size.
Strategic placement
Place icons where users expect them or where they can best guide user actions. For example, a shopping cart icon is usually located at the top right of e-commerce pages.
Accessibility considerations for visually impaired users
Alternative text
Provide alt text for icons so that screen readers can describe them for visually impaired users. This will ensure that the function of each icon is conveyed.
Touchable area
Ensure that touch targets for icons are large enough to be easily felt by users with motor impairments. A recommended minimum size for touch targets is 44×44 pixels.
Descriptive labels
If icons are not self-explanatory, they should be labelled with text labels or tooltips to clarify their purpose, which will benefit all users, including those with cognitive disabilities.
Smart icons = Easy navigation, happy users. Master these tips for a more usable and engaging website.
Implementing icons in WordPress
WordPress is a content management system (CMS) known for its flexibility, easy interface and ecosystem of themes and plugins. It allows users to create and manage websites of various types, from simple blogs to comprehensive e-commerce platforms. A key part of its appeal lies in its ability to integrate visual elements, including icons, which can act as visual anchors.
Themes and plugins that support the extended use of icons
WordPress provides a variety of themes and plugins that make it easy to use advanced icon features, letting users add icons to their websites.
Themes
Many modern WordPress themes have built-in support for icon libraries such as FontAwesome, Ionicons or custom SVG icons. These themes make it easy to insert icons into menus, widgets and page content.
Plugins
Icon-related plugins, such as “Menu Icons by ThemeIsle”,” allow users to add icons to their navigation menus directly from the WordPress admin area. Other plugins such as “WP SVG Icons” allow you to insert icons into posts and pages using shortcodes.
Step-by-step guide on adding icons to menus, posts, and pages
Add icons to menus
Install a menu icon plugin
First install and activate a plugin that allows icons to be integrated into menus, e.g. “Menu Icons by ThemeIsle”
Configure the menu icons
In the WordPress dashboard, navigate to Appearance > Menus. Click on any menu item and you’ll see an option to select an icon from a library or upload a custom icon.
Save and review
After selecting the icon, save the menu and visit your website to see the icons in action.
Add icons to posts and pages
Use a plugin or theme with icon support
Make sure your theme or a plugin that supports icons is active.
Inserting icons with shortcodes or blocks
Some plugins and themes allow you to insert icons directly via shortcodes or custom Gutenberg blocks. Check the specific documentation for the use of the shortcode or block.
Custom HTML
For themes/plugins that support SVG icons, you can insert SVG code directly into the HTML block of the editor.
Tips for optimizing icons for performance and SEO
Use SVGs for scalability and performance
SVG icons are resolution-independent and typically have a smaller file size compared to raster images, which can improve load times and performance.
Lazy Load Icons
If you are using icon fonts or larger icon files, consider lazy loading non-critical icons to speed up the initial page load.
Provide alt text for SEO
If you use icons as images, make sure you provide appropriate alt attributes so search engines can understand the content and context of the icons.
Minimize the use of icon fonts
Although practical, icon fonts can unnecessarily bloat the page if you only use a few icons from a large library. Consider using SVGs or a custom font that contains only the icons you need.
Cache your icons
Use caching mechanisms to store icons on the user’s device on the first visit to reduce load times on subsequent visits.
WordPress icons
Improve looks, usability & SEO. Choose smart themes, and plugins & follow best practices to turn icons into user-friendly guides.
Choosing the right icons for your site
Choosing the right icons for your website is all about consistency to strengthening your brand identity. To navigate the variety of options and ensure your icons match your website’s design theme, it’s helpful to know where to find quality icons and how to create your own if needed. Here’s a guide to help you choose and create the perfect icons for your WordPress website.
Sources for high-quality icons (free and paid)
Free icon libraries:
FontAwesome
Provides a comprehensive set of icons used in many web projects. It’s free, but there is also a Pro version with additional icons and features. Get it here
Flaticon
Offers an extensive collection of free icons in various formats. Attribution is required for free use, but there is also a premium subscription for more icons and features without attribution. Get it here
Ionicons
A fully open-source icon set designed for web, iOS, Android and desktop apps. Excellent for projects that strive for a consistent look and feel across platforms. Get it here
Paid icon libraries:
Iconfinder
Offers a mix of free and paid icons. The premium plan provides access to a larger selection of high-quality icons. Get it here
The Noun Project
Contains icons from various designers that are accessible via a subscription. Offers a wide range of icons for different purposes. Get it here
Tools for creating custom symbols
Adobe Illustrator
A powerful vector graphics editor that is ideal for creating custom symbols that can be scaled to any size without loss of quality. Get it here
Sketch
A favourite among UI/UX designers, Sketch offers robust features for designing icons and interfaces with vector precision. Get it here
IconJar
Helps organize, find and use icons in your projects. While it’s not an icon creation tool, it’s great for managing custom icons created elsewhere. Get it here
Inkscape
A free, open-source vector graphics editor that can be used for creating and editing icons. Get it here
Adapting the icon style to the design theme of your website
Consistency
Make sure your icons match the overall style and tone of your website. For example, if your website has a minimalist design, you should opt for simple, clean icons.
Consider your brand
Icons should also reflect the personality of your brand. Playful brands can use colourful and whimsical icons, while a corporate website should use more straightforward and professional icons.
Match the size and colour of the icons
Icons should stand out well against the background of your website and complement your colour scheme. Adjust the size according to importance and clarity and make sure they’re neither too dominant nor too inconspicuous.
Test on different devices
Check how your icons look on different devices and screen sizes to make sure they are clear and effective on all devices.
By carefully selecting and customizing your icons. Whether you choose ready-made icons from reputable sources or create custom icons that fit your brand perfectly, the right icons can go a long way towards creating a memorable presence.
Real-world examples
See real-world examples of how successful websites use icons for navigation and user experience. Analyse their strategies to understand what makes them successful. By learning from both the successes and the common pitfalls, you’ll be able to use icons effectively and improve the visual appeal of your website.
Evernote blog (blog.evernote.com)
Success factors: The Evernote blog uses icons in its navigation menu and articles to guide users. The icons are simple, intuitive and consistent with the brand’s design language. They use recognizable icons for search, categories, and social sharing, which makes for smooth navigation.
Why it works: The clarity and simplicity of the icons combined with their strategic placement make for an intuitive experience. The icons are also designed in Evernote’s signature green colour, which promotes brand recognition.
TechCrunch (techcrunch.com)
Success factors: TechCrunch uses icons to effectively identify different sections and topics. The icons are designed in a unique style that matches the overall aesthetic of the website. They’re used judiciously alongside text labels so that their purpose is immediately clear.
Why it works: The combination of icons and text makes it easier to understand and accommodates both those who prefer visual cues and those who rely on text. The unique design of the icons also provides visual interest that matches the technically oriented content of the website.
WooCommerce (woocommerce.com)
Success factors: As an e-commerce platform, WooCommerce uses icons on its website to highlight various features and benefits of the software. The icons are colourful, appealing and meaningful enough to convey their meaning even without text.
Why it works: The use of colourful and descriptive icons makes the website more attractive and helps break down complex information about the product into easily digestible images. This approach improves user comprehension and retention.
Common mistakes to avoid
While icons can greatly improve usability, certain mistakes can lead to confusion and a cluttered interface. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Overuse of icons
Problem: Placing too many icons in one area can overwhelm users and make it difficult to find important information.
Solution: Use icons sparingly and only when they add value to the user’s navigation. Prioritize the content and use icons to complement it.
Use of non-intuitive icons
Problem: Using obscure or non-standard icons can confuse users as the intended message may not be immediately clear.
Solution: Stick with commonly recognized icons for common actions and functions. If you must use custom icons, combine them with text labels or tooltips to clarify their meaning.
Error when testing icons with real users
Problem: Assuming that the meaning of an icon is obvious without testing this assumption with real users can lead to misunderstandings.
Solution: Conduct user testing to get feedback on the effectiveness of your icons. Observing real users can provide insight into whether your icons are being understood as intended.
By analyzing successful examples and paying attention to common pitfalls, you can use icons more effectively as visual anchors in your WordPress website. The goal is to improve navigability without sacrificing clarity and simplicity.
Icons, when used effectively, can make a WordPress website navigable, and visually appealing. They are powerful tools for conveying information concisely and attractively, bridging the gap between different expectations and website goals.
Encouragement to experiment
I encourage you to experiment with icons on your WordPress website and explore their potential to improve navigation and user interaction. Whether you’re refining an existing design or creating a new website from scratch, the strategic use of icons can significantly improve the UX of your website.
I’d love to hear about your experiences or questions about using icons on your WordPress sites. Have you found that certain icons are more effective than others? Are there any challenges you’ve encountered when integrating icons into your design? Share your experiences and questions in the comments below – let’s learn from each other and improve our web design practices together.
Additional resources
To further assist you in leveraging icons on your WordPress site, here are some resources for high-quality icons and design guidance:
Icon libraries:
Tools for creating custom icons:
These resources will give you the tools and knowledge to effectively incorporate icons into your WordPress website and contribute to an engaging and successful website.
FAQs icons for WordPress
What are icons in WordPress?
Icons in WordPress are graphical symbols representing various elements or actions on a website. They can be customized to enhance both the site’s visual appeal and functionality. Icons come in various styles like line, flat, gradient, isometric, and glyph.
Why are icons important for WordPress sites?
Icons serve as visual anchors, guiding users through a website with clear and intuitive navigation. They act as visual shortcuts, helping improve the user experience (UX) by making navigation more intuitive and less reliant on text.
What are WordPress icons?
WordPress icons are graphical elements used within the WordPress admin interface or on WordPress websites to enhance user interface and experience.
Where can I find icons for WordPress?
WordPress provides a set of icons called Dashicons specifically designed for the WordPress admin interface. For website use, you can source icons from libraries such as Font Awesome, or use custom SVG files.
What are WordPress Dashicons?
Dashicons are the official icon font of the WordPress admin as of WordPress 3.8. They include various icons for different sections like posts, media, and settings.
How can I add social media icons to my WordPress site?
You can add social media icons to your WordPress site using plugins like Social Media Widget or by manually inserting custom icons through HTML/CSS.
Where can I find free WordPress icons for business or ecommerce?
Free icons can be sourced from libraries such as FontAwesome, Iconmonstr, or Google Material Icons. Make sure to check the licensing to ensure they are free for commercial use.
How do I add a favicon to my WordPress site?
You can add a favicon, or site icon, from the WordPress Customizer. Go to Appearance > Customize > Site Identity and upload your favicon image there.
What is the recommended size for a WordPress favicon?
The recommended size for a favicon in WordPress is 512×512 pixels, which WordPress will then scale for various devices.
How can I change the site icon on my WordPress site?
Change the site icon by navigating to Appearance > Customize > Site Identity in your WordPress dashboard, where you can upload a new icon.
What icons are used for WordPress services or hospitality themes?
Icons for services or hospitality can be themed-specific like bed icons for hotels or tool icons for services. These can typically be added through theme settings or custom HTML.
Can I use emojis in WordPress?
Yes, WordPress supports the use of emojis in posts, pages, and comments. They can be included directly through the text editor.
How do I create a custom site icon for WordPress?
Create a custom icon using graphic software like Adobe Photoshop or online tools like Canva, then upload it in the Site Identity section of the WordPress Customizer.
What are WordPress icons?
WordPress icons are graphical symbols used in the WordPress dashboard and themes to represent various functions, features, and content types.
What are free WordPress icons?
Free WordPress icons are graphical symbols available at no cost, used to represent functions, content, or features on a WordPress website.
Are there any free site icons available specifically for WordPress sites?
While WordPress doesn’t offer its own library of site icons apart from Dashicons, free icons can be downloaded from sites like Flaticon or Icons8, ensuring they are suitable for web use.