Icons in Computer – 14 Examples, Types, and Functions

Icons in computer definition

Icons in computer systems are small graphical representations used to visually depict programs, files, folders, or functions. These icons in computer interfaces help users identify and access digital elements easily without needing to type commands. Whether you’re opening an application or organizing your desktop, these icons act as visual shortcuts to streamline interaction.

What are Icons in Computer?

An icon in computer is a symbol or image displayed on the screen to represent a specific file, program, tool, or command. These icons simplify complex operations and make navigating a system more intuitive, especially for non-technical users.

For instance, the settings icon usually appears as a gear, while the trash icon looks like a wastebasket. These universally recognized symbols enhance the user experience by making interfaces more accessible and user-friendly.

History of Icons in Computers

Icons started in the 1980s with early computers like Apple’s Lisa (1983), which introduced the Trash icon. They grew from simple black-and-white symbols to colorful designs in Windows 11 and macOS Ventura. Icons are now essential for user-friendly devices worldwide.

Example: The Trash icon, one of the oldest, still helps you delete files in 2025.

Types of Icons in Computer

There are types of icons in computer systems, each designed for specific functions. The 5 types of icons include:

1. System Icons
   Represent operating system functionalities like Wi-Fi, battery, or volume.
2. Application Icons
   Depict software programs such as browsers or media players.
3. File Icons
   Represent specific file types, like documents, images, or videos.
4. Shortcut Icons
   Provide quick access to files or applications directly from the desktop.
5. Navigation Icons
   Assist users in browsing through applications or settings, such as back and forward arrows.

Examples of Icons

Here are some examples of the icons:

1.  Home Icon

The home icon looks like a little house. Tapping the home icon takes you back to the main home screen. On the home screen, you can access all your apps, widgets, and files. When you get lost in a submenus, the home icon helps you navigate back to the beginning.

2.  Settings Icon

The settings icon is shaped like a gear. Tapping the settings icon leads to the control panel. In the settings menu, you can change preferences. You can change display brightness, notification sounds, WiFi networks, and battery usage. The settings icon is the gateway to customizing your device experience. 

3.  App Icons

App icons are colorful squares. Each app icon represents a software application. Tapping an app icon opens the app so you can use it. The imagery helps identify the app at a glance. For example, the camera icon is for the camera app. Opening apps with icons is faster than browsing menus.

4.  Folder Icons

Folder icons look like little folders. Folder icons represent groups of apps or files stored together. Tapping a folder icon pops open a window. The window shows the folder’s contents. Folders organize apps to reduce clutter on the home screen. Folder names summarize the contents, like “Social Media.”

5.  Trash Icon

The trash icon looks like a wastebasket. It deletes files when you drag and drop them on it. The trash icon provides a visual cue to get rid of unneeded items. These include documents, photos, downloads, and other data. The trash temporarily stores deleted items before permanent removal.

6.  Share Icon

The share icon looks like a box with an arrow coming out. Tapping the share icon displays options for sharing files. You can share via messaging apps, social media, email, and more. It allows swift distribution of content. You can share content with friends, family, or the public.

7.  Back Icon

The back icon is shaped like an arrow pointing to the left. Tapping the back icon returns you to the previous screen. It allows you to retrace your steps if you change your mind or get stuck. The back icon is essential for navigating through menus and submenus.

8.  Forward Icon

The forward icon looks like an arrow pointing to the right. It is the opposite of the back icon. Tapping the forward icon takes you to the next screen or page. Use it to move forward again after hitting the back icon.

9.  Refresh Icon

The refresh icon resembles a circular arrow. Tap the refresh icon to reload the current screen or page. Refreshing updates content to show new data or changes. It is handy when pages fail to load fully or seem outdated.

10. Search Icon

The search icon is shaped like a magnifying glass. Tapping the search icon lets you find apps, files, settings, and information. In the search bar, you can type keywords to look for specific items. Search helps you locate content quickly on large devices.

11. Attachment Icon

The attachment icon looks like a paper clip. It is used when composing emails or messages. Tapping the attachment icon allows you to select files to include. Attachments let you send documents, photos, videos, and other data to recipients.

12. Download Icon

The download icon is a downwards pointing arrow. It signifies content being downloaded from the internet onto your device. Tapping downloads displays their status and speed. The icon turns into a box when downloads are completed successfully.

13. Upload Icon

The upload icon is an upward-pointing arrow. It represents files transferred from your device to online services. Uploads attach files or share content like social media posts. The upload icon changes when your transfer finishes.

14. Bookmark Icon

The bookmark icon is shaped like a ribbon or tag. It lets you save links to web pages and articles to revisit later. Tapped bookmarks are stored for quick access instead of typing URLs. The icon denotes valuable content worth saving.

Here’s a summarized table of various icons and their functions:

Icon	Description	Function
Home Icon	Looks like a house. Takes you back to the main home screen from anywhere.	Navigation to main screen
Settings Icon	Shaped like a gear. Opens device settings for customization, including display, sound, network, and more.	Customizing device preferences
App Icons	Colorful squares representing software applications. Tapping opens the respective app quickly.	Accessing and launching apps
Folder Icons	Small folders indicating grouped apps or files. Opens to show contents, organizing items on the home screen.	Organizing apps and reducing clutter
Trash Icon	Wastebasket symbol. Deletes files when items are dragged and dropped onto it.	Temporary storage for deleted items
Share Icon	Box with an outgoing arrow. Displays options to share files via messaging, social media, email, and more.	Sharing content with others
Back Icon	Arrow pointing left. Returns to the previous screen or step in navigation.	Navigating backward through menus
Forward Icon	Arrow pointing right. Moves forward to the next screen or step after using the back icon.	Navigating forward after using the back icon
Refresh Icon	Circular arrow. Reloads the current screen or page to update content.	Updating and refreshing content on-screen
Search Icon	Magnifying glass. Opens a search bar to find apps, files, settings, and information quickly.	Searching for specific items or information
Attachment Icon	Paper clip symbol. Used in email or messaging to attach files like documents, photos, and videos.	Attaching files for sending
Download Icon	Downward arrow. Indicates downloading content from the internet to your device.	Monitoring and managing downloads
Upload Icon	Upward arrow. Represents uploading files or sharing content to online services or social media platforms.	Managing and tracking uploads
Bookmark Icon	Ribbon or tag shape. Saves web page links or articles for quick access later.	Bookmarking and saving valuable content

How Do Icons Improve User Experience?

Icons make computers better by:

• Saving Time: Click an icon to open an app instead of searching menus.
• Clear Visuals: Icons like PDF or MP4 show file types instantly.
• Easy Navigation: Back or Home icons help you move through screens.
• Accessibility: Simple visuals help all users, from kids to seniors.

Example: The Search icon lets you find a file in seconds by typing a keyword.

Icons Across Operating Systems

Icons look different depending on your system:

1. Windows: Recycle Bin, This PC, Edge browser (blue “e”).
2. macOS: Trash, Finder, Safari (compass).
3. Linux: File Manager, Terminal icons.

Example: Windows uses a wastebasket for Recycle Bin, while macOS calls it Trash with a similar icon.

5 Common Desktop Icons in Computer Systems

Computer icons name list includes familiar and commonly used icons. The five common icons of desktops are:

• This PC/My Computer: Opens your storage drives (e.g., C:).
• Recycle Bin: Stores deleted files temporarily.
• Network: Shows Wi-Fi or internet status.
• Documents: Opens your personal files folder.
• Browser Shortcut: Opens browsers like Chrome or Firefox.

Example: The Recycle Bin icon on your Windows desktop lets you recover deleted files easily.

Uses of Icons in Computer Systems

Icons of computer are indispensable for:

• Simplifying Navigation
  They act as visual shortcuts to commonly used features or files.
• Enhancing Accessibility
  Icons like the search or help icon make finding resources more intuitive.
• Providing Visual Clarity
  Icons distinguish between various file types and applications, such as documents, images, and programs.

List of Computer Icons and Their Functions

Here is a list of computer icons and their functions:

1. Folder Icon: Organizes and stores files and directories.
2. Trash Icon: Temporarily saves deleted files.
3. Settings Icon: Adjusts system or application configurations.
4. Search Icon: Locates files or applications within a system.
5. Network Icon: Displays connectivity status.

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