Designing the perfect icon for your educational app requires balancing visual appeal, platform requirements, and educational branding. Here's your complete guide to creating icons that stand out in both the App Store and Google Play.
Platform-Specific Requirements
iOS: 1024x1024px (App Store), multiple sizes needed
Android: 108dp x 108dp adaptive icons with safe zones
Keep critical elements within the central 72dp circle (Android)
Educational Branding Essentials
Use school-related imagery (books, pencils, graduation caps)
Choose vibrant but professional colors
Maintain clarity at small sizes (no tiny details)
Design Best Practices
Simple, recognizable shapes work best
Avoid text (except maybe a single letter)
Test against various background colors
Start with Sketching
Brainstorm education-themed concepts
Create 10-15 rough sketches
Select the 3 most promising ideas
Digital Design Phase
Use vector tools (Adobe Illustrator, Figma, Sketch)
Design at 1024x1024px then scale down
Create adaptive icon layers for Android
Optimization & Testing
Check visibility at 48x48px (Android homescreen size)
Test on multiple device mockups
Verify legibility against light/dark modes
Professional: Adobe Illustrator, Figma
Beginner-Friendly: Canva, Vectr
Testing: Android Studio Icon Preview, Appetize.io
Optimization: TinyPNG, SVGOMG
Pro Tip: "Educational icons should balance fun and professionalism - think playful but not childish."
For more detailed technical specifications, see our Adaptive Icons Guide.