Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Perfect Adaptive Icons

Phase 1: Preparation & Design

1. Set Up Your Canvas

Android: Create 108dp × 108dp artboard (export at 864×864px for xxxhdpi)
iOS: Start with 1024×1024px master file
Design Tools: Use Figma, Sketch, or Adobe Illustrator

2. Establish Safe Zones

ANDROID SAFE ZONES
┌─────────────────┐
│                 │ Outer: 72dp
│    ┌──────┐     │ Inner: 66dp
│    │ SAFE │     │ (Key elements here)
│    └──────┘     │
│                 │
└─────────────────┘

3. Design Principles

Simplicity: Recognizable at 24×24px
Contrast: Minimum 4.5:1 ratio
Branding: Use primary brand colors
Silhouette: Distinct shape when blurred

Phase 2: Platform-Specific Implementation

For Android:

Create Layer Assets
- Foreground (main icon): 72dp square
- Background: Full 108dp canvas
XML Implementation

<adaptive-icon>
  <background android:drawable="@drawable/icon_bg"/>
  <foreground android:drawable="@drawable/icon_fg"/>
</adaptive-icon>

Test Mask Shapes
- Circle
- Squircle
- Rounded Square
- Teardrop (some OEMs)

For iOS:

Asset Catalog Setup
- AppIcon.appiconset folder
- Include @1x, @2x, @3x versions
Dark Mode Support
- Create alternate assets for dark theme
- Use PDF vectors for crisp scaling

Phase 3: Testing & Optimization

Essential Tests

Visual Tests
- Multiple device sizes (phone, tablet, foldables)
- Different launchers (Pixel, Samsung, etc.)
- Light/Dark mode variants
Technical Checks
- File sizes optimized (<50KB per density)
- No alpha channel issues
- Proper mipmapping

Testing Tools

Android Studio Layout Inspector
Xcode Interface Builder
Online previewers: Appetize.io, Screenfly

Phase 4: Advanced Techniques

Dynamic Elements

Animated Icons (Android)
- AnimatedVectorDrawable
- MotionLayout integration
- Limit to 500ms duration
Seasonal Variations
- Alternate icons for holidays
- Theme-based auto-switching

Performance Optimization

Use WebP format where possible
Implement proper density buckets
Consider monochrome variants

Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Putting critical elements in clipping zone
🚫 Overly detailed designs
🚫 Ignoring platform guidelines
🚫 Skipping dark mode testing
🚫 Using wrong file formats

Pro Checklist

✔ Designed within safe zones
✔ Created all required densities
✔ Tested on 5+ device types
✔ Verified contrast ratios
✔ Optimized file sizes

Ready to implement?
Download Adaptive Icon Templates
Get Platform-Specific Guides

Need more help?
[ ] Animation tutorials
[ ] Dark mode strategies
[ ] Brand alignment tips

This comprehensive guide walks you through the entire process from blank canvas to polished, production-ready adaptive icons that work flawlessly across all devices and platforms.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Adaptive Icons