SoftOrbits Icon Maker — Create Custom Icons in Minutes

SoftOrbits Icon Maker Review: Features, Pros & TipsSoftOrbits Icon Maker is a desktop application designed to help users create, edit, and export icons for applications, websites, and user interfaces. It targets both beginners who want quick results and intermediate users looking for a straightforward icon-design workflow. This review covers its core features, strengths and weaknesses, practical tips, and recommendations for different user types.

Overview and purpose

SoftOrbits Icon Maker focuses on turning images, sketches, and shapes into polished icons in common sizes and formats (ICO, PNG, BMP, etc.). It bundles a set of simple vector and raster tools, templates, and an export manager that builds icon sets for multiple platforms at once. The app’s UI is designed around a canvas with layered editing, a preset library, and an export wizard for creating multi-resolution icon files.

Key features

• Icon templates and presets

  • A library of ready-made templates and backgrounds to speed up icon creation.
  • Presets for platform-specific icon sizes (Windows ICO, macOS ICNS as PNG sets, Android launcher icons).

• Import and conversion

  • Import raster images (JPEG, PNG, BMP) and vector-like SVG files.
  • Convert photos or logos automatically into icon-friendly images with cropping and background removal tools.

• Layered editing

  • Basic layer support: move, scale, rotate, change blending and opacity.
  • Simple vector-like shape tools (rectangles, circles, polygons) and drawing primitives.

• Filters and effects

  • Shadows, glows, bevels, and basic lighting effects to produce typical glossy or flat icon styles.
  • Color adjustments (hue/saturation, brightness/contrast) and simple filters (blur, sharpen).

• Text and symbol support

  • Add text labels with font selection and formatting.
  • Built-in symbol/icon shapes for common UI metaphors.

• Export and multi-resolution output

  • Export single icons or generate multi-size ICO/ICNS files and PNG sets for mobile/desktop.
  • Batch export feature for generating many icon variants at once.

• Undo/redo, templates saving, and basic project files for returning to work later.

Pros

• Easy learning curve: Intuitive interface suitable for beginners.
• Quick exports: One-click generation of multi-resolution icon files.
• Useful presets: Templates and platform-size presets save time.
• Lightweight: Runs on most mid-range Windows PCs without heavy resource usage.
• Affordable: Typically priced lower than full-featured graphic suites.

Cons

• Limited advanced vector tools: Not a substitute for Illustrator or Affinity Designer for complex vector work.
• Basic layer system: Lacks advanced grouping, masks, and non-destructive adjustment layers.
• Mac support limitations: Historically Windows-focused; macOS users may find fewer native options or delayed updates.
• Fewer integrations: Lacks direct cloud sync, version control, or plugin ecosystem.

Comparison to alternatives

Practical tips and workflow suggestions

1. Start from high-resolution art: Import a clear PNG or SVG; the app will scale down more cleanly than scaling up.
2. Use templates as a base: Choose a template that matches the aesthetic you want, then tweak colors, shadows, and text.
3. Keep layers simple: Name layers and group by visual purpose (foreground, background, effects) to avoid confusion.
4. Prepare separate exports for different platforms: Use the export wizard’s presets but preview each size, because small icon sizes often require simplification.
5. Test at real sizes: Frequently view the icon at its actual target pixel sizes (16×16, 32×32, 48×48) to ensure legibility.
6. Simplify details for small sizes: Remove thin lines and small text from 16–24 px icons; favor bold shapes and high contrast.
7. Save as project file: Keep editable project files for future updates; re-export rather than editing exported PNG/ICO files.
8. Use color palettes with sufficient contrast: Consider accessibility and appearance on both light and dark backgrounds.
9. Batch process icon sets: If you create multiple app icons, use batch features to apply consistent effects and exports.
10. Combine SoftOrbits with a vector tool when needed: For complex logos, do vector preparation in a dedicated vector editor, then import the cleaned file for icon styling and export.

Who should use SoftOrbits Icon Maker?

• Beginners who need to create app or website icons quickly without learning complex vector tools.
• Indie developers and small teams needing affordable icon creation and multi-resolution export.
• Designers who want a fast, focused tool for icon finishing and batch exporting, alongside a primary design tool.

Not ideal for:

• Professional illustrators or design teams who rely on advanced vector features, complex masking, or plugin workflows.
• Users needing deep cross-platform native support for macOS-first workflows (depending on current releases).

Real-world examples and use cases

• Creating a desktop application ICO: Import your logo, apply a subtle drop shadow, and export a multi-resolution ICO for Windows installers.
• Preparing app store assets: Generate PNG sets at required launcher icon sizes for Android and multiple PNG export sizes for iOS.
• Designing favicons and UI icons: Simplify a complex logo into a favicon-friendly silhouette and export 16×16 and 32×32 PNGs.

Final verdict

SoftOrbits Icon Maker is a capable, user-friendly icon creation tool that covers the essential needs of most hobbyists, indie developers, and small teams. It excels at quick icon generation and export with low cost and minimal learning time. If you require advanced vector editing, exclusive macOS native support, or an extensive plugin ecosystem, pair it with a more powerful vector editor or choose a different tool.

References and resources

• Check the app’s official documentation and template library for the latest presets and export options.