A list of Open Source Icon Collections
Written by Mohd Danish on 12 Mar 2024Icons are the tiny superheroes of the design world. They can elevate user experience, add visual clarity, and inject personality into your project. But who wants to break the bank on icons, especially when there's a vast universe of fantastic free and open-source options available?
This post dives into a treasure trove of open-source icon collections, along with some well-regarded free alternatives, to unleash your design creativity without burning a hole in your wallet.
Popular Open-Source and Free Icon Sets
Feather Icons
Looking for clean, minimalist icons that just work? Feather Icons is your answer. With a focus on simplicity and ease of use, this collection offers 250+ beautifully crafted icons for all your basic needs.
Material Design Icons
Straight from the design masters at Google, Material Design Icons boasts a whopping 7,000+ icons that seamlessly integrate with any Material Design project.
Font Awesome (Free Version)
Yes, you read that right! Font Awesome offers a generous selection of icons in their free plan, including some seriously cool ones. While the free version doesn't grant access to their entire library, it's a solid starting point for many projects.
Ionicons
A high-quality icon library designed for web, mobile, and desktop applications, Ionicons offers a comprehensive collection with a focus on consistency and detail.
Iconoir
With over 1500+ high-quality icons, Iconoir offers a diverse range of styles to suit various project needs.
Tabler Icons
Designed with a focus on usability and clarity, Tabler Icons offer a comprehensive set of well-crafted icons for web and mobile applications.
Solar
If you're a fan of bold, colorful aesthetics, Solar boasts a collection of vibrant and playful icons that will add a pop to your design.
Phosphor
Embrace a touch of futuristic flair with Phosphor's collection of clean and modern line-based icons.
Streamline
Streamline boasts a unique and playful style, offering a vast collection of flat icons perfect for creating a more casual and lighthearted user experience.
Remix Icon
This library offers a unique approach with a focus on outline and filled icons that can be easily customized to fit your brand aesthetic.
Beyond the Usual Suspects: Exploring Unique Collections
The open-source world is brimming with hidden gems! Here are a few off-the-beaten-path collections to spark your design inspiration:
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Ant Design Icons: Embrace a touch of Eastern design influence with Ant Design Icons. Inspired by nature and everyday objects, this collection offers a fresh perspective for your projects.
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Simple Icons: As the name suggests, Simple Icons offers a collection of clean and straightforward icons perfect for minimalist design projects.
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FontAwesome 5 Brands (Free): Looking for icons for popular brands and social media platforms? FontAwesome offers a free selection of brand icons in their free plan.
Open-Source and Free Perks: Why They Rock
There are several advantages to using open-source and free icon collections:
- Free to Use (and Modify): No licensing fees or hidden costs! You can freely integrate these icons into your projects and even customize them to match your brand.
- Extensive Selection: With so many libraries and free alternatives available, you're guaranteed to find a collection that aligns with your project's style and needs.
- Active Communities: Many open-source libraries have thriving communities where you can find support, inspiration, and even contribute your own creations.
Finding the Perfect Fit
Choosing the right icon collection depends on your project's specific requirements. Consider these factors:
- Style: Do you need minimalist icons, something that follows Material Design, or a more unique aesthetic?
- Project Type: Are you designing a website, mobile app, or something else entirely? Some collections cater better to specific platforms.
- Number of Icons: How many icons do you need for your project?
- Customization Needs: Do you need icons that can be easily adapted to your brand colors?
**So, unleash your inner design