A variety of icons and small graphics are sometimes required for various forums and platforms for presentation purposes. iConStruct is a tool for programmers (REALBasic and others) that allows them to quickly produce icons in a variety of sizes from a single image source. This software enables users to transform an image into a set of icons that are varied in color and size.
Pros
Easy user interface
Compatible across different operating systems
Suitable for users of all skill levels
Creates icon sets within seconds
Free tool
Cons
Lack of sizing options
Review
A portable application, iConStruct download is available for both Windows and Mac users (written in Xojo, a cross-platform development tool). It's simple to use and doesn't require a lot of technical knowledge. Because it's free, there's no cost to using it. Here’s all that this program offers:
Automated and Easy User-Interface
With its simple interface and automation of the majority of its procedures, this application is extremely easy to use. Many tools may be used to convert photos into various icon formats, however, iConStruct makes the process super easy. Any image that is dropped or uploaded into the software is quickly converted into 32-bit, 16-bit, and 8-bit icons with the program producing a bitmask immediately.
Updated Icon Previews
The application does all the heavy work for the user, so they don't have to be experts in the technologies or even comprehend them. Any changes made to any of the parameters in iConStruct's main window are immediately reflected in the window's previews.
To help new users who may not be familiar with the intricacies of a particular setting, iConStruct provides a visual representation of the influence it will have on the final output. The application is incredibly user-friendly and approachable because of the regular updates to the previews.
Icon Generator Features
iConStruct automatically produces masks based on a user-specified brightness threshold and scales images to standard icon sizes for you. A white (or extremely light) backdrop is recommended for the best effects when converting an image to an icon.
For 32-bit icon sets, masks are created as 8-bit grayscale pictures, with edge values ranging from 1 to 15 pixels wide. Values are set to either 100% of the brightness of relevant pixels in the icon, a user-defined fixed value, or a black-and-white gradient.
Web-safe colors are used to create 8-bit icons, which are dithered copies of the 32-bit icons. The matching masks are created as 1-bit black-and-white images. Individual icons and masks can be copied and pasted into other applications, as well as dragged into them, or the complete series of icons can be stored as transparent PNG or BMP files.
All the features in this app revolve around bitmasks and how they work with images. There aren't any sizing options because the software displays and produces every size it can manufacture as standard. If a specific size is desired, you will have to buy the full set. This is useful for exhibition purposes and previews.
Verdict
To summarize, the application is an excellent tool for creating icon sets. When it comes to functionality, iConStruct created by Roger Meier, offers enough to please everyone from the novice who only uses it on occasion to the professional who needs more advanced capabilities regularly. The lack of a precise size option is the most evident downside of this product.
Conclusion
Whether you are starting out or have been in the media and graphic design business, knowing what software to download and invest in, is key to a job well done. So, a review of the most recommended programs to help figure multimedia will help you in making a better decision.
With over 18 years of experience in creating web portals and online communities, developed GraphicsFamily to provide the world with best graphic resources and to encourage creative designers all over the world to learn, earn, share, and grow.
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Review by Adi Barbu
