Windows 7 icons are different. Microsoft Windows 7 introduces a new style in icon design. The Windows 7 icon style is all about fun, color, and energy-and, as there are now 32-bit versions of the icons, smooth edges.

Windows 7 icon style characteristics:

• Icon color is rich and complementary to the Windows 7 look.
• Angle and perspective of Windows 7 icons provide a dynamic energy to the images.
• Edges and corners of elements are soft and slightly rounded.
• Light source is coming from the upper left-hand corner with additional ambient light illuminating other parts of the icon.
• The use of gradients provides dimension and gives the icon a richer look.
• A drop shadow provides contrast and dimension.
• Outlines provide definition.
• Everyday objects, such as computers and devices, have a more modern consumer look.

Windows 7 Icon Format

Windows 7 introduces a new, richer image format for desktop icons not supported by earlier versions of Windows. The differences are as follows: