Icons are the symbolic representation of an action or information, providing visual context and improving usability.
See the Iconography and SVG guidelines to explore the full icon library.
also known as <svg>, Symbol, Glyph
Props
Usage guidelines
- As symbolic communication for elements that do not have room for text, like the number of pins in a carousel. In this case, ensure the icon choice is easily recognizable and makes sense to international users.
- To convey a critical meaning that cannot be communicated with words, like a downward chevron in a Button to indicate it reveals a menu.
- To help with quick scanning by adding rhythm and hierarchy to the design.
- For purposes that are decorative or for visual embellishment, such as how illustrations are typically used. Contact us if this is needed.
- As a visual reinforcement for associated text, without adding new meaning.
- To communicate status or health. Use Status instead.
- As an interactive element (e.g., utilizing hover, focus, click/tap). Use IconButton instead.
Best practices
Use icons intentionally, ensuring the Icon choice is easily recognizable and makes sense in the context.
Repurpose icons. Using icons for their intended meaning supports good comprehension.
Pair text and icons when possible to provide better clarity.
Don't create interactive Icons using TapArea. Use IconButton instead.
Accessibility
Icons are a great way to help users who have difficulties with reading, focus attention, and low vision impairments.
ARIA attributes
If the icon appears without text, the Icon requires accessibilityLabel, a text description for screen readers to announce and communicate the represented
Icon, as shown in the first example.
Avoid using the generic words like "image" or "icon"; instead, use verbs that describe the meaning of the icon, for example: “pins".
If an icon has a visible label that describes what the icon represents, accessibilityLabel can be an empty string, as shown in the second example.
import { Flex, Icon, Text } from 'gestalt'; export default function Example() { return ( <Flex alignItems="center" height="100%" justifyContent="center" width="100%" > <Flex alignItems="center" gap={2}> <Icon accessibilityLabel="Number of views" color="default" icon="eye" /> <Text size="300" weight="bold"> 4 </Text> </Flex> </Flex> ); }
import { Flex, Icon, Text } from 'gestalt'; export default function Example() { return ( <Flex alignItems="center" height="100%" justifyContent="center" width="100%" > <Flex alignItems="center" gap={2}> <Icon accessibilityLabel="" color="default" icon="tag" /> <Text size="300" weight="bold"> Shopping spotlight </Text> </Flex> </Flex> ); }
Legibility and touch area
Ensure that icons use a contrast ratio of 4.5:1 between icon color and background color.
Localization
Be sure to localize all text strings. Note that localization can lengthen text by 20 to 30 percent.
Variants
Colors
Icons can be created using the following color options. brandPrimary should only be used to represent the Pinterest logo, as it is not accessible. See the
design tokens for more info.
Size
These are the guidelines for icon sizes (in px):
12
Used sparingly in tight spaces. When possible, use a text label next to the icon, as it can be hard to see for visually impaired people.14
Used often following body text content any time an icon is needed.16
Used often any time an icon is needed. Default icon size.24
Used frequently any time an icon is needed.32
Used occasionally, on more dense UI.32+
Should be used sparingly and only in places where the UI is very dense and a larger icon is required.
Custom icon
Icon accepts both Gestalt icons and custom icons, as shown in the second example. For custom icons, follow the iconography and SVG guidelines.
import { Flex, Icon } from 'gestalt'; export default function Example() { return ( <Flex alignItems="center" height="100%" justifyContent="center" width="100%" > <Icon accessibilityLabel="Go to next steps" icon="directional-arrow-right" /> </Flex> ); }
import { Flex, Icon } from 'gestalt'; export default function Example() { return ( <Flex alignItems="center" height="100%" justifyContent="center" width="100%" > <Icon accessibilityLabel="Go to next steps" dangerouslySetSvgPath={{ __path: 'M23 5v14a4 4 0 0 1-4 4H5a4 4 0 0 1-4-4v-5.5h10.258l-1.94 1.939a1.5 1.5 0 0 0 2.121 2.122L17 12l-5.561-5.561a1.501 1.501 0 0 0-2.121 2.122l1.94 1.939H1V5a4 4 0 0 1 4-4h14a4 4 0 0 1 4 4', }} /> </Flex> ); }
Compact icon
Icons are available as part of a Compact Icon set. These icons have a 16x16 viewboxes and are used in places where space is limited. Refer to your designer for guidance on when to use Compact Icons.
They can be used with the IconCompact component.
import React, { useState } from 'react'; import { Flex, IconCompact, SelectList } from 'gestalt'; export default function Example() { const compactIconsList = IconCompact.icons; const [selectedValue, setSelectedValue] = useState(compactIconsList[0]); return ( <Flex alignItems="center" height="100%" justifyContent="center" width="100%" > <Flex alignItems="center" direction="row" gap={4}> <SelectList id="select-list-example" onChange={({ value }) => { setSelectedValue(value); }} > {compactIconsList.map((value) => ( <SelectList.Option key={value} label={value} value={value} /> ))} </SelectList> <IconCompact accessibilityLabel="Add a new item" color="default" icon={selectedValue} /> </Flex> </Flex> ); }
Writing
Use a descriptive label to describe the Icon
- Be succinct. Exclude unnecessary words.
- Be informative and accurate
- Write in the active voice
- Avoid technical jargon
- Use the words "image" or "icon" in the description label; instead, use words that indicate the purpose of the icon.
Component quality checklist
Quality item | Status | Status description |
|---|---|---|
Figma Library | Ready | Component is available in Figma for web and mobile web. |
Responsive Web | Ready | Component responds to changing viewport sizes in web and mobile web. |
Related
IconButton
Use IconButton when only an icon is needed to represent an action instead of text.
Button
Use Button to allow users to take an action.