Icons are small pictures, graphics or symbols meant for use in computers, such as for menus, windows, screens and the Internet. Icons are used to represent a concept, function or feature in different ways. Like any graphic representations, icons enhance aesthetics. They convey meanings well even if language is a problem. Icons are great tools for self-expression, especially in instant messaging, and are used to represent emotions and identity.

Icons can also be understood by their categorization according to their design and association with the message. In resemblance icons, the image of the icon clearly communicates the function, the way icons for the Recycle Bin, My Computer or Word documents show what they mean. Exemplar icons use symbols to indicate meaning, like traffic symbols, and may not be as direct as resemblance icons. Symbolic icons may not convey clear meaning, but be abstract and imply deeper concepts. Arbitrary icons are chosen to be unique and may have no link to the message at all, like four squares connected to each other.

There are several kinds of icons which serve different purposes. Application icons are used in software programs such as Microsoft Office, as buttons and in tool bars. Website icons are used for navigation while using the Internet, like buttons displaying