Stock vs. Custom Icons: Which Is the Better Choice?

Iconography Design

When it comes to using icons for business, most companies turn to stock icons for convenience. These icons can be found on many free graphics websites and can generally get the job done. But if your intent is to capture the attention of your audience and impress them, you want to go with custom icons design. Your visual presentation speaks volumes about your value and uniqueness as a company. Getting proper custom icon design is an important element in your visual presentation and should not be overlooked.

Icons are used in everything from brochures, PowerPoint presentations, websites, product/service descriptions, to applications. You may think that going with custom icon design may be overdoing it but you really have to think about how the icon fits into your branding. In order to represent your brand in the best possible way, you want to have your icons mimic elements of your brand. This can include anything from the colors, font, style and design.

By using icons that fit into the visual aspects of your brand, you create a more cohesive presentation. You can’t assume that a stock icon will be overlooked. People will generally be able to tell that you used a stock icon by simply looking at it. Most stock icons are basic, dull and recognizable for the wrong reasons (they’ve been used too much). Stock icons can also clash with your brand’s visual presentation and really seem out of place.

Custom icons are also vital if you need icons to design an application. Your objective should always be to create the best user interface and user experience design for your application or a website. The icons in your app will really be one of the main elements that bridge the gap to the user. For example, icons can be used to make the app feel intuitive. When you look at popular apps, you’ll see that they are typically used to represent a relevant function or direction in the app. The unique icons in apps also set them apart from competing apps.

Of course, that doesn’t mean you should never use stock icons. Stock icons can come in handy if you want to use a few graphic elements for a simple PowerPoint presentation in the office. However, you have to remember that if your goal is to grab attention and leave an impression, custom icons will add the extra visual elements you need to make your visual presentations truly unique.


When it comes to visual branding, custom icon design plays a significant role in capturing the attention and impressing your audience. While stock icons may serve the purpose adequately, they lack the uniqueness and value that custom icons bring to the table. Custom icon design allows you to align the visual representation of your brand with the icons, ensuring a cohesive and impactful presentation. By incorporating elements such as colors, fonts, and styles that reflect your brand identity, custom icons become an essential component of your visual branding strategy.

Icons have a widespread usage across various platforms, including brochures, presentations, websites, and applications. Using stock icons may seem like a convenient choice, but they often lack the creativity and personal touch that can enhance your brand’s visual presentation. Stock icons can be easily recognized as generic and overused, which can undermine the professionalism and uniqueness of your brand. Custom icons, on the other hand, allow you to create a visually cohesive and distinct representation that aligns perfectly with your brand’s identity and values.

In the realm of application design, custom icons become even more crucial. A well-designed icon can contribute to an intuitive user interface and a seamless user experience. Popular applications often utilize unique icons that represent relevant functions or directions, setting them apart from competitors. Custom icons in applications serve as visual cues that guide users and create a memorable and engaging experience. By investing in custom icon design, you can elevate the quality of your application and differentiate yourself in a crowded market.

While stock icons may have their uses, such as in simple presentations, custom icons are essential when your goal is to grab attention, leave a lasting impression, and create a truly unique visual presentation. Custom icons enhance the visual appeal, uniqueness, and branding alignment, making them a valuable asset in your visual communication arsenal. By investing in custom icon design, you can elevate your brand’s visual identity and make a lasting impact on your audience.