Best Practices for Designing Your Mobile App Icons #
TL;DR #
For Admiral apps, just send us a high-quality, transparent background, square image at 1536×1536 pixels. We’ll handle the rest!
App icons are more than just tiny images—they’re visual anchors for your app. They show up on app stores, home screens, and multitasking views, helping users instantly identify and trust your brand. A strong icon can be the difference between being tapped or ignored.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through best practices for designing effective mobile app icons, including design tips and platform-specific specifications for both Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Whether you’re starting fresh or updating an old design, you’ll find actionable insights here.
What’s the Purpose of an App Icon? #
Your app icon isn’t just your logo resized. While it can include your logo, an app icon should:
- Represent the specific app, not just your company brand.
- Convey the core function or feeling of the app.
- Stand out in search results and app drawers.
It’s your app’s first impression—so make it count. A well-crafted icon helps build brand trust, increase click-through rates, and drive more downloads.
Attributes of a Great App Icon #
To rise above the noise, your icon should be:
- Unique – Differentiate from competitors and avoid generic visuals.
- Simple – Minimalist designs are easier to recognize, especially at small sizes.
- Recognizable – Make sure it’s clear what your app does at a glance.
- Visually Balanced – Keep elements centered and harmonious.
- High Contrast – Improves visibility and accessibility across all screen types and lighting conditions.
Platform Requirements #
Apple App Store #
Apple’s icons must scale cleanly across many devices. Here are key sizes:
- 180×180px (@3x) for iPhone
- 167×167px (@2x) for iPad Pro
- 152×152px (@2x) for iPad & Mini
- 1024×1024px for App Store listing
Apple Design Tips:
- Avoid transparency — use solid backgrounds.
- Skip text unless it’s integral to your brand.
- No screenshots or UI mockups — they won’t scale well.
- Keep it flat — gradients and 3D effects often get lost at small sizes.
Google Play Store #
Google also has strict icon guidelines:
- Size: 512×512px
- Format: 32-bit PNG, transparent background
- Max File Size: 1024 KB
- Color Space: sRGB
Google automatically rounds corners and adds shadows, so design your icon within a safe zone:
- Main content: Fit inside a 384×384px area.
- Fill the canvas: Your background should extend to the full 512×512px.
- Avoid badges or text overlays.
Best Practices When Designing Your Icon #
Whether you’re designing from scratch or polishing an existing one, keep these tips in mind:
1. Be Unique and Instantly Recognizable #
Avoid clichés. Your icon should reflect what makes your app special. A custom symbol or meaningful graphic works better than overused generic icons.
2. Embrace Simplicity #
Less is more. Keep your icon clean and focused on one or two core visual elements.
3. Maintain Balance #
Ensure symmetry and even spacing. Avoid cramming too much into one side or leaving areas feeling empty.
4. Prioritize Contrast and Accessibility #
Use bold contrasts so your icon remains visible under various conditions and screen settings, including dark mode or low brightness.
Final Thoughts #
A great app icon does more than look good—it creates trust, boosts discoverability, and enhances usability. By following these best practices and platform guidelines, you’re setting your app up for better visibility, engagement, and downloads.
If you’re building an app for the Admiral Platform, just send us a 1536×1536 transparent PNG, and we’ll optimize it for all devices automatically. One file. Zero hassle.
Need design help? We’re always here to review and assist with your icon submission—just reach out!
Steps for Publishing the Android App. #
To publish your Android App a developer account must be set up for the person or organization.
Note: Creating a developer account costs $25 (one-time payment) and requires identity verification for the account and/or organization.
Step 1: Register for a Publisher Account #
- Visit the Google Play Developer Console – You need to have a Google Account to continue, which you can create here.
- Sign in to the account and agree to the terms and conditions and pay the fee.
- Choose which account type you want to create. Google Play offers two developer account types, Personal and Organization, which you can learn more about here.
- Complete your account setup by filling in your details and confirming registration.
- An email will be sent to you to verify your completed registration. Please be aware that it can take up to 24 hours for your Google Play Developer account to activate.
- Once you have that completed, you should have access to the Google Play Developer Account, and can access the Developer Console where apps are published.
Step 2: Add Admiral User Account #
In order to develop your Android app, we need access to your account.
- 1. Open the Play Console.
- 2. On the left menu, go to Users and permissions.
- 3. To add new users, go to Invite new users.
- 4. Enter support+mobile@admiralplatform.com in the ‘Email address’ field.
- 5. Do not set an expiry date.
- 6. Click ‘Account Permissions’ and select ‘Admin’.
- 7. Click ‘Invite user’.
