How to use icons in presentations: 7 rules for cleaner slides
Icons make slides faster to understand when they are used consistently. Seven simple rules, with free transparent pictogram icons you can use right away.
Icons are the quickest upgrade for a text-heavy slide. Used well, they let the audience understand a point before you say it. Used badly, they make a slide look like clip art. These seven rules keep them on the right side.
1. One icon, one idea
Pair each bullet point or key number with a single icon. If you need two icons to explain one point, the point is probably too long.
2. Pick one style per deck
Flat pictograms, line icons and 3D illustrations each look good, but not together. Choose one style for the whole presentation. Our pictogram icons share a flat, bold style so they work as a set.
3. Same size, same line
Make every icon on a slide the same height and align them on one line. Small differences in size are what make slides look messy.
4. Use your brand color
Recolor flat icons to one brand color (Picture Format → Color in PowerPoint, Format options → Recolor in Google Slides). One accent color looks more professional than many.
5. Leave white space
Give icons room. A good default is a gap of at least half the icon's width between the icon and the text.
6. Prefer transparent PNGs
Icons with a white box around them look pasted in. Transparent PNGs blend into any background, light or dark. See how to use transparent PNGs in slides.
7. Don't decorate every slide
Title slides, section breaks and key numbers benefit most. Leave dense charts and quotes clean.
Quick starter set
For a typical business deck, these cover most needs: light bulb (idea), target (goal), rising chart (growth), shield (security), team (people). All free for commercial use, no attribution needed.