When developing a mobile application, there are many important details to consider in advance. One of these details is app icons and splash screens—visual elements that create the first impression for users. In this article, we will discuss what they are for, how they should be, and provide recommendations for creating them. We will also suggest a convenient service for generating sets of app icons and splash screens to simplify the task.
What is an App Icon?
An app icon is the image users see on their screens when launching an app. It serves as the "face" of the app and should immediately grab attention, be memorable, and reflect the essence of the product. This is the first thing users see when interacting with your app, and it's important that the icon looks professional on all devices.
What is a Splash Screen?
A splash screen is the screen that appears immediately after launching the app and shows an image or logo while the main data is loading. It helps create a smoother and more appealing experience for the user, setting expectations before transitioning to the main interface. Usually, the splash screen displays the logo or key brand graphics.
Why are App Icons and Splash Screens Important?
- Increase Brand Recognition. App icons and splash screens create the initial impressions of the app, enhance the brand, and make it recognizable among others.
- Consistent Style. App icons and splash screens should be stylistically aligned with the overall design of the app and brand logic to avoid disrupting user perception.
Requirements for App Icons and Splash Screens for iOS and Android
App Icons for iOS
For apps submitted to the App Store, Apple has strict requirements for app icon sizes:
- Sizes: from 20x20 px (for notifications) to 1024x1024 px (for the App Store).
- Format: PNG.
- Transparency: Transparent areas are not supported; the background must be solid.
- Corner Rounding: The system automatically applies rounding and shadows to the icon.
Key Sizes for iOS:
- 20x20 px, 40x40 px — for notifications.
- 60x60 px, 120x120 px — for home screen icons.
- 1024x1024 px — for the App Store.
App Icons for Android
For apps listed on Google Play, the requirements for app icons are also clearly defined:
- Sizes: the main icon size is 512x512 px (for Google Play), but you also need to consider sizes from 48x48 px (for system launcher) to 192x192 px (for high-resolution screens).
- Format: PNG (32-bit recommended).
- Transparency: Supported, but ideally, the background should be partially or fully filled.
Key Sizes for Android:
- 48x48 px, 72x72 px — for system launcher icons.
- 96x96 px, 192x192 px — for high-resolution screens.
- 512x512 px — for Google Play.
Splash Screens for iOS
Splash screens for iOS also have strict size requirements:
- Format: PNG or JPEG.
- Sizes: 828x1792 px for iPhone, 1125x2436 px for iPhone X, 1536x2048 px for iPad.
Splash Screens for Android
For Android, splash screens must meet the requirements for various devices:
- Format: PNG or JPEG.
- Sizes: from 480x800 px to 1080x1920 px depending on device screen resolution.
What is a System Launcher?
A system launcher is the interface of your device that manages the display of app icons on the home screen. On Android devices, the launcher is responsible for displaying icons, creating folders, and customizing the home screen. Proper display of the icon in the system launcher is crucial for ensuring easy access to your application.
How to Create App Icons and Splash Screens
Creating quality app icons and splash screens requires attention to detail, especially when adapting them for multiple devices and resolutions. However, there are convenient services that can assist in generating sets of required sizes.
Service for Generating App Icons and Splash Screens
One of the most convenient and popular services is AppIcon.co. It allows you to easily create app icons and splash screens for iOS and Android:
- Upload a high-resolution image (e.g., 1024x1024 px for icons).
- The service will automatically generate the necessary sizes for both platforms.
- Download the ready set of app icons and splash screens.
Design Recommendations
When creating app icons and splash screens, it is essential to consider several key aspects:
- Maintain Brand Style. All design elements should harmonize with the overall visual style of your app and company.
- Use High-Quality Images. Low-quality raster graphics can significantly damage the perception of the product.
- Follow Proportions and Readability. The icon should be clearly distinguishable even on small screens.
- Test on Different Devices. Before publishing, be sure to check how the app icon and splash screen appear on various devices and resolutions.
App icons and splash screens are crucial visual elements for a mobile application. They help create a positive first impression and strengthen the brand. To simplify the creation of these elements, you can use specialized services like AppIcon.co. If you need help with design, our team is always ready to offer our services.
Leave comments on what service you use for generating splash screens and app icons, or share if you create them yourself and in which program.
