3D icon trends for 2025—from simple shapes to fun interactions

In the world of digital design, 3D icons are having a moment! They’re everywhere—from the apps we use, new brands, and ads we see online to the immersive worlds of AR and VR. As they continue to gain traction, 3D icons are redefining how we interact with technology. But why are 3D icons so popular in 3D design right now?

Let’s take a look at the latest 3D icon design trends and explore how these small but powerful visuals are shaping the future of digital design.

Remember the days of flat design? When everything was sleek, minimal, and two-dimensional? Those days are fading fast as 3D icons take center stage. The shift isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s driven by the demand for more engaging and immersive user experiences. Today’s users want more than just flat visuals—they crave depth, texture, and interaction.

This transition has been significantly influenced by the growing popularity of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). Companies like Google and Meta, who are at the forefront of AR/VR development, have set the stage for this evolution. In these environments, flat icons feel out of place, while 3D icons integrate seamlessly, enhancing the user experience.

Unlike the old pseudo-3D skeuomorphic icons, which were essentially 2D designs with shadows and highlights to give the illusion of depth, today’s 3D icons are fully realized models. These icons are created using powerful tools like Cinema 4D, Blender, Spline, and Womp, allowing designers to craft detailed, textured, and animated icons that look as though they could leap off the screen.

Big brands are rapidly adopting 3D icons to elevate their digital experiences and connect with users on a deeper level. For instance, Instagram has been experimenting with 3D elements in their promotional materials and stories, using them to create more engaging and visually striking content.

Microsoft Design has embraced dynamic 3D icons that make user interactions and interfaces feel more intuitive and alive. It offers a comprehensive look at the company’s design philosophy, including tools and guidelines, with a strong emphasis on its innovative Fluent 2 Design System.

One of my favorite examples of 3D design from Microsoft is their Fluent Emojis. This impressive project combines Adobe Illustrator for crafting the initial 2D concepts, Cinema 4D for modeling, animation, and rendering, and Figma for finalizing vectors.

WIX, a leader in web design platforms, actively uses 3D designs on its website. It provides guidelines with comprehensive visual examples and allows users to add depth and sophistication to their sites with just a few clicks.

Meanwhile, Spotify has incorporated 3D elements in its branding and interface design, adding a fresh, modern look that enhances the overall user experience, particularly in its promotional campaigns and app features.

In 2024, simplicity is at the heart of 3D icon design. Designers are gravitating toward clean, geometric shapes like spheres, cubes, and smooth curves. These forms may be simple, but they’re far from basic. With the right textures, lighting, and shading, these icons gain depth and vibrancy that make them stand out on any screen.

This trend toward minimalism ensures that 3D icons are not only visually appealing but also scalable and adaptable across various devices, from smartphones to VR headsets. The emphasis on simplicity and blobby silhouettes also makes these icons more versatile, allowing them to fit seamlessly into any design language.

Whether you’re seeking inspiration or planning to integrate 3D icons into your project, make sure to explore the extensive Trendy 3D Icons collection available at Envato.

Another key trend is the move towards interactivity and playful interactions. 3D icons in 2024 aren’t just for show—they respond to user actions, making interfaces feel more dynamic and engaging. Picture a music app where the play button pulses gently with the beat, or a weather app where a 3D sun icon rotates and glows according to the forecast.

Such user interactions with the icons add a layer of fun and satisfaction, something that flat designs struggle to deliver.

3D icons are revolutionizing web and mobile design by making interactions more visually satisfying. For example, on e-commerce websites, a 3D shopping cart icon that animates as you add items can provide instant feedback, making the shopping experience more enjoyable.

In mobile apps, 3D icons can guide users through complex tasks with ease. A 3D notification icon that bounces or glows when tapped can make even routine interactions feel more engaging.

In AR and VR, 3D icons are not just enhancements—they’re essential. These icons integrate into the 3D space, making virtual interactions feel more realistic and immersive. Imagine navigating a virtual store where product categories are represented by floating 3D icons, which you can interact with as if they were real objects. This creates a seamless experience that feels natural and engaging, something flat icons simply cannot achieve.

And it’s actually already happening! Shopify has recently announced the integration of AR and VR shopping experiences, allowing customers to interact with 3D models of products directly through their devices. With this move, Shopify is enhancing the e-commerce experience by leveraging UI design, which has been shown to increase engagement and boost conversion rates for merchants.

Looking ahead, 3D icons will continue to evolve, becoming even more interactive and customizable. As AR and VR technologies advance, we’ll see 3D icons that not only move and animate but also change based on user preferences and behaviors. Imagine an icon that adapts its color scheme or animation style depending on the time of day or user mood, providing a deeply personalized experience.

For designers, staying ahead of these trends means embracing the tools and technologies that make 3D icon design accessible, such as Spline and Womp. Could you imagine a few years ago that now you’re able to create complex 3D graphics in your browser or your iPad while having a coffee in your living room?

Whether experimenting with new software or monitoring major brands’ boundary-pushing efforts, the key is to remain flexible and innovative. As 3D icons become more integral to digital experiences, those who can create engaging, dynamic visuals will be in high demand.

If you’re eager to try this trend by creating your own 3D icons, be sure to explore Envato‘s curated 3D icons collection to stay ahead of the curve and keep your designs on-trend! While you’re here, read up on the top 3D design trends predictions for 2025!