Windows XP Icons

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

Windows XP icon style characteristics:

Icon color is rich and complementary to the Windows XP look.
Angle and perspective of Windows XP 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 XP Icon Format

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

"Pre-XP" Icon Format

Prior Windows XP, icons have the following attributes:

Limited to 256 colors.
Colors are tied to a fixed color palette, placing restrictions on the use of color. Colors must be pre-defined in the color palette before they can be used. Prevents the use of anti-alias and gradient effects.
Only two levels of transparency (completely transparent or completely opaque).

Windows XP Icon Format

Windows XP icons have the following attributes:

Can contain any of 16 million colors (True Color).
Does not use a color palette. Any of 16 million colors can be applied at will.
8-bit "alpha" channel provides 256 levels of transparency.