Top 100 Icons for Digital Design: Essential Picks for Web, Apps👀

Main Points

Icons are vital for user-friendly digital interfaces, enhancing navigation and visual appeal in web and app design.
The top 100 icons cover essential categories like navigation, actions, social media, eCommerce, and notifications.
Free and premium icon sets from platforms like Flaticon, Icons8, and Font Awesome offer versatile, customizable options.
Best practices include choosing scalable vector icons (SVG), ensuring accessibility, and matching icons to your project’s style.
Popular icon styles include minimalist, material design, and colorful sets, catering to diverse design needs.

Why Icons Are a Design Superpower

Ever clicked a tiny house icon to go back to a website’s homepage or tapped a shopping cart to check out? Icons are the unsung heroes of digital design, making interfaces intuitive and visually engaging. Whether you’re building a website, app, or presentation, the right icons can transform user experience. But with millions of icons out there, which ones are the must-haves? This guide explores the top 100 icons every designer needs, from navigation staples to social media symbols, along with tips on where to find them and how to use them effectively. Let’s dive in and make your designs pop!

Why Icons Matter in Digital Design

Icons are more than just pretty visuals—they’re a universal language that simplifies communication. According to Speckyboy, icons improve user experience by 40% by guiding navigation and reducing text clutter. They’re essential for web, mobile, and graphic design, offering clarity and aesthetic appeal. Choosing the right icons ensures your project is intuitive, accessible, and professional.

[](https://speckyboy.com/top-50-free-icon-sets/)

The Top 100 Icons: Categories and Examples

We’ve curated a list of the top 100 icons based on their versatility, popularity, and utility across design projects. These icons, sourced from platforms like Flaticon, Icons8, and Envato, cover key categories. Below, we’ll highlight examples from each category, ensuring a mix of free and premium options for your needs.

[](https://elements.envato.com/100-most-used-icons-SJZUUTY)[](https://icons8.com/icons/set/top-100)[](https://www.flaticon.com/free-icons/100)

1. Navigation Icons (15 Icons)

Navigation icons guide users through interfaces. They’re essential for websites, apps, and dashboards.

Home: A house symbol for returning to the main page.
Menu: Three horizontal lines (hamburger) for navigation menus.
Arrow (Left, Right, Up, Down): Directs users to scroll or navigate.
Search: A magnifying glass for search functions.
Back/Forward: Arrows for browsing history.
Map: Indicates location or navigation features.
Compass: For exploration or GPS apps.
Pin/Location: Marks specific places or addresses.
Settings: A gear for adjusting preferences.
Dashboard: A grid for app or admin panels.
Bookmark: Saves pages or content.
Expand/Collapse: Plus/minus signs for menus or content.
Share: An arrowed arc for sharing content.
Filter: A funnel for sorting data.
Close: An “X” for exiting windows or dialogs.

2. Action Icons (20 Icons)

Action icons trigger specific functions, like saving or deleting, and are critical for user interaction.

Save: A floppy disk or checkmark for saving data.
Download/Upload: Arrows for file transfers.
Print: A printer icon for printing documents.
Edit: A pencil for modifying content.
Delete: A trash can for removing items.
Copy: Two overlapping sheets for duplicating.
Paste: A clipboard for pasting content.
Undo/Redo: Curved arrows for reversing actions.
Play/Pause: For media playback.
Stop: A square for halting media.
Fast Forward/Rewind: Double arrows for media navigation.
Add: A plus sign for adding items.
Remove: A minus sign for subtracting items.
Zoom In/Out: Magnifying glass with plus/minus.
Refresh: A circular arrow for reloading.
Lock/Unlock: Padlock for security toggles.
Power: A circle with a line for on/off.
Star: For favoriting or rating.
Check: A checkmark for task completion.
Cancel: A crossed circle for stopping actions.

3. Social Media Icons (15 Icons)

Social media icons connect users to platforms for sharing and networking.

Facebook: The iconic “f” logo.
Twitter/X: A bird or “X” for posts.
Instagram: A camera outline.
LinkedIn: The “in” logo for professional networking.
YouTube: A play button in a rectangle.
Pinterest: A stylized “P” for pinning.
TikTok: A musical note for short videos.
WhatsApp: A phone in a speech bubble.
Telegram: A paper airplane for messaging.
Snapchat: A ghost for temporary posts.
Reddit: An alien head for community forums.
Discord: A game controller for gaming chats.
Email: An envelope for messaging.
Messenger: A speech bubble with a lightning bolt.
Share Social: A generic share icon for multiple platforms.

4. eCommerce Icons (15 Icons)

eCommerce icons streamline online shopping experiences, from carts to payments.

Shopping Cart: A cart for adding items.
Checkout: A checkmark or bag for finalizing purchases.
Payment: A credit card for transactions.
Wallet: For digital payments.
Discount: A percentage sign for deals.
Tag: For product labels or pricing.
Barcode: For scanning products.
Shipping: A truck for delivery tracking.
Return: An arrow loop for product returns.
Gift: A present for promotions.
Coupon: A ticket for discounts.
Store: A shopfront for online stores.
Bag: A shopping bag for purchases.
Money: A dollar sign for currency.
Secure Payment: A lock with a card for safe transactions.

5. Notification and Status Icons (15 Icons)

These icons communicate alerts, statuses, or system updates.

Notification: A bell for alerts.
Warning: An exclamation in a triangle for cautions.
Error: A red “X” for issues.
Success: A green checkmark for completed actions.
Info: An “i” in a circle for details.
Battery: For power status.
Wi-Fi: Signal bars for connectivity.
Bluetooth: The “B” symbol for device pairing.
Signal: Bars for mobile network strength.
Clock: For countdowns or time settings.
Calendar: For scheduling or events.
Alarm: A clock with bells for reminders.
Mute: A speaker with a slash for silencing.
Volume: A speaker with waves for sound levels.
Sync: Circular arrows for data synchronization.

6. Miscellaneous Icons (20 Icons)

These versatile icons cover various industries and functions, from education to weather.

User: A silhouette for profiles.
Group: Multiple silhouettes for teams.
Camera: For photography or video.
Video: A camcorder for recording.
Music: A musical note for audio.
File: A document for general files.
Folder: For organizing files.
Cloud: For cloud storage or computing.
Heart: For likes or favorites.
Chat: A speech bubble for messaging.
Globe: For websites or global settings.
Book: For education or reading.
Pencil: For writing or notes.
Weather (Sun, Cloud, Rain): For weather apps.
Lightbulb: For ideas or creativity.
Lock: For privacy or security.
Key: For access or passwords.
Shield: For protection or antivirus.
Phone: For calls or contact.
Download: For saving files or apps.

Where to Find These Icons

Several platforms offer free and premium icon sets that include these top 100 icons. Here are the best sources:

Flaticon: Over 1,963 “100” icons and millions more in SVG, PNG, and EPS formats. Free with attribution, or premium for unlimited use.
Icons8: Offers 100+ top icons in various styles (iOS, Material, Windows). Free in PNG, premium for SVG and animated formats.
Envato Elements: Provides the “Top 100 Most Used Icon Set” with customizable vector files for web and app design. Subscription-based.
Font Awesome: Open-source library with scalable icons like navigation and social media symbols. Free for basic use, pro for advanced features.
Iconfinder: Over 18 million icons, including minimalist and colorful sets, with free and pro options.

Best Practices for Using Icons

To maximize the impact of these icons, follow these tips:

Choose Scalable Formats: Use SVG for crisp, resizable icons, as recommended by Streamline.
Match Your Design Style: Select minimalist, material, or colorful icons to align with your project’s aesthetic, per Speckyboy.
Ensure Accessibility: Add alt text or ARIA labels for screen readers to make icons inclusive.
Keep It Simple: Avoid clutter by using clear, recognizable icons, as seen in top apps like Gmail.
Test Across Devices: Ensure icons display correctly on mobile and desktop screens.

Challenges in Choosing Icons

Selecting the right icons isn’t always easy:

Overload of Options: With millions of icons, narrowing down choices can be overwhelming. Use curated sets like Flaticon’s.
Consistency: Mixing styles (e.g., flat and 3D) can look disjointed. Stick to one style per project.
Licensing: Free icons often require attribution; premium options offer more flexibility but cost more.

Why These Icons Are Essential

The top 100 icons listed here are the backbone of intuitive design. They cover navigation, actions, social media, eCommerce, and more, making them versatile for any project. According to Incipia, simple, recognizable icons (like single-letter logos) often outperform complex ones, boosting user engagement. Whether you’re designing a minimalist app or a vibrant website, these icons ensure clarity and style.

[](https://incipia.co/post/app-marketing/best-practices-on-app-icons-from-the-top-100-apps/)

Conclusion: Elevate Your Design with Icons

Icons are the secret sauce of great design, making your projects user-friendly and visually stunning. From the home icon to the shopping cart, these top 100 icons cover every essential function. Explore platforms like Flaticon, Icons8, and Font Awesome to find free or premium versions, and follow best practices to integrate them seamlessly. Ready to level up your design game? Start with these icons and watch your interfaces shine!

FAQs About Top 100 Icons

Where can I find free icons?
Flaticon, Icons8, and Font Awesome offer free icons in SVG and PNG formats, often with attribution required.

What’s the best format for icons?
SVG is ideal for scalability and editing, while PNG works for static images.

[](https://www.flaticon.com/)

How do I choose icons for my project?
Match the icon style to your design, ensure clarity, and test across devices for consistency.

Can I customize these icons?
Yes, vector icons (SVG, EPS) can be edited for color, size, or style using tools like Figma or Adobe Illustrator.

[](https://speckyboy.com/top-50-free-icon-sets/)

Citations

Envato Elements, “100 Most Used Icons,” 2024.

[](https://elements.envato.com/100-most-used-icons-SJZUUTY)

Flaticon, “1,963 Free Icons of 100,” 2025.

[](https://www.flaticon.com/free-icons/100)

Icons8, “Top 100 Icons, Logos, Symbols,” 2024.

[](https://icons8.com/icons/set/top-100)

Speckyboy, “Top 50 Free Icon Sets for UI Designers in 2025,” 2025.

[](https://speckyboy.com/top-50-free-icon-sets/)

Streamline, “Best Icons Sets for 2023,” 2023.

[](https://blog.streamlinehq.com/best-icons-2023/)

Font Awesome, “Icon Library and Toolkit,” 2025.

[](https://fontawesome.com/)

Incipia, “Best Practices on App Icons from the Top 100 Apps,” 2023.

[](https://incipia.co/post/app-marketing/best-practices-on-app-icons-from-the-top-100-apps/)

Iconfinder, “18,300+ High-Quality Icons,” 2024.

[](https://www.iconfinder.com/icons)

Quick Mind Info

Friday, June 27, 2025

Icons for Digital Design👀