{"id":35130,"date":"2019-11-19T11:29:45","date_gmt":"2019-11-19T16:29:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/?p=35130"},"modified":"2025-12-15T02:31:12","modified_gmt":"2025-12-15T07:31:12","slug":"symbols-and-meanings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/symbols-and-meanings\/","title":{"rendered":"Common Symbols and Meanings: How to Use Them in Design"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/37w41oj\" target=\"\u201c_blank\u201d\" rel=\"\u201cnofollow\u201d noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Common-Symbols-and-Meanings-How-to-Use-Them-in-Design-Blog-Header.png\" alt=\"Common Symbols and Meanings How to Use Them in Design Blog Header\" class=\"wp-image-51014\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Symbols are a powerful way to communicate ideas and emotions quickly and clearly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In design, using the right symbols can make your work more engaging and effective. Whether they are universally understood or specific to a culture, symbols can add depth and meaning to your designs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This article explores common symbols, their meanings, and how to use them to enhance your design projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>This guide to common symbols and meanings in design will cover:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#1\">Why are symbols used in graphic design?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#2\">Universal symbols and meanings: shapes and lines&nbsp;<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#3\">How to use shapes and lines in design<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#4\">Useful symbols and meanings for infographics, presentations, and reports<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#5\">How to use symbols and icons in infographics and creative designs<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#6\">How to use symbols and icons in professional documents<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#7\">How to use symbols and icons in web design<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#8\">Where to get symbols, icons, and illustrations for your designs<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/infographics\/symbols-and-meanings-infographic-53b5db7d-8d37-42b6-9880-a5ab2d648071\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"816\" height=\"1676\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2024\/06\/image.png\" alt=\"Symbols and Meanings Infographic\n\" class=\"wp-image-90156\" srcset=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2024\/06\/image.png 816w, https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2024\/06\/image-146x300.png 146w, https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2024\/06\/image-499x1024.png 499w, https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2024\/06\/image-768x1577.png 768w, https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2024\/06\/image-748x1536.png 748w, https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2024\/06\/image-730x1499.png 730w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 816px) 100vw, 816px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<center><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/infographics\/symbols-and-meanings-infographic-53b5db7d-8d37-42b6-9880-a5ab2d648071\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><button class=\"btn-cta\"><b>EDIT THIS INFOGRAPHIC TEMPLATE<\/b><\/button><\/a><\/center>&nbsp;\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Designers use symbols and icons to:<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Add a touch of creativity to infographics&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.flipsnack.com\/how-to-make-a-business-presentation-like-a-pro\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Make presentations<\/a> more memorable and engaging<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Break up text content in dense reports&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Help users navigate websites<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You are probably familiar with many of these symbols already.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Some of the most popular symbols are:<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><b>Heart symbol:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;this represents love, compassion and health.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Dove symbol:&nbsp;<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">this represents peace, love, and calm.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Raven symbol:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;this represents death and doom.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Tree symbol:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;this represents growth, nature, stability, and eternal life.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Owl symbol:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;this represents wisdom and intelligence.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Dragon symbol:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;this represents power, wisdom, strength, and mysticism.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Butterfly symbol:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;this represents rebirth, beauty, and transformation.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Dog symbol:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;this represents loyalty, protection, and companionship.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Lion symbol:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;this represents courage, leadership, and royalty.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Fox symbol:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;this represents slyness and cleverness.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But let\u2019s face it: while we all know that a heart represents love, and a dove represents peace, we often need to visualize more practical concepts like \u201cbusiness growth\u201d, \u201cmeeting agenda\u201d, or \u201cstatus update\u201d.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>This in-depth guide dives deep into symbols and meanings that are&nbsp;<i>actually useful<\/i>&nbsp;(for all of your graphic design needs).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First, let\u2019s talk about why symbols are so central to graphic design.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1\"><b>Why are symbols used in graphic design?<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s always better to show than tell.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Symbols, used in combination with text and images, can make messages more meaningful and memorable than text alone and have been used throughout the <a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/evolution-of-marketing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">history of marketing<\/a> and design.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;Understanding their&nbsp;<a href=\"\/\/asknebula.com\/meaning\/spiritual\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">symbolism and spiritual meanings<\/a>&nbsp;enhances their impact in design and communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They have the power to cross language barriers, and can help you engage with your audience on a deeper level than is possible with just words.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Symbols can even be combined like words in a phrase to tell a powerful story, as seen in this creative <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/features\/flyer-maker\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">flyer design<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/posters\/plastic-marine-life-4c5cb3e3-ab2a-4cd9-bfdb-cfe7c879cb1a\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"747\" height=\"1056\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Creative-Icon-Poster-Template.png\" alt=\"symbols and meanings\" class=\"wp-image-35147\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<center><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/posters\/plastic-marine-life-4c5cb3e3-ab2a-4cd9-bfdb-cfe7c879cb1a\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><button class=\"btn-cta\"><b>EDIT THIS POSTER TEMPLATE<\/b><\/button><\/a><\/center>&nbsp;\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Common symbols used in graphic design (and the real world) are:<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><b>Arrow symbols:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> used to represent directions<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Cloud, rain, snow and sun symbols:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> used to represent weather<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Power, disk, wifi and bluetooth symbols:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> used to represent tech<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Wheelchair, information, bathroom and no-smoking symbols:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> used on different signs found in public places<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Universal symbols like these are so commonplace that they\u2019ve become so second-nature to us. We understand them immediately and intuitively\u2026there\u2019s simply no need for explanation!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"1050\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Universal-Symbols-Examples.png\" alt=\"symbols and meanings\" class=\"wp-image-35172\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><b><i>Design Pro Tip:<\/i><\/b><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Find these symbols in the Venngage icon library under the following categories: \u201cArrows &amp; Directions\u201d, \u201cWeather\u201d, \u201cTechnology\u201d, and \u201cSigns\u201d.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When used in graphic design, symbols and <a href=\"https:\/\/icons8.com\/icons\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">icons<\/a> can help break up dense passages of text, making it easier to digest.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But symbols and icons are not just communication tools. Designers use stylized, illustrated icons to add flair to things like infographics and presentations for a custom-made feel.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, the icon-focused presentation template shown below is a pretty <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/presentation-ideas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">creative presentation idea<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, with illustration-style icons dominating each slide:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/presentations\/real-estate-presentation-653e7920-7e8f-4987-90a9-b1cc7a313cf1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"1286\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Real-Estate-Creative-Presentation.png\" alt=\"symbols and meanings\" class=\"wp-image-35156\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<center><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/presentations\/real-estate-presentation-653e7920-7e8f-4987-90a9-b1cc7a313cf1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><button class=\"btn-cta\"><b>EDIT THIS PRESENTATION TEMPLATE<\/b><\/button><\/a><\/center>&nbsp;\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you\u2019re creating an infographic, a presentation, a logo, or a website, visual symbolism can take your design to the next level.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2\"><b>Universal symbols and meanings: shapes and lines<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Geometric shapes are the most basic symbols that carry meaning.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While designers typically combine basic geometric shapes to create more complex, meaningful symbols, geometric shapes still hold meaning on their own.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding the meaning of basic shapes is foundational to logo design and other forms of graphic design. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Related Reading:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/logo-design-tips\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Logo Design Tips to Take Your Brand to the Next Level<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Here the 10 basic shapes and lines and their meanings:<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><b>Circle:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Completeness, cycles, continuation, playfulness<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Square:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Stability, tradition, security, straightforward<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Triangle<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Transformation, movement, balance<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Intersecting lines:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Relationships, connectedness<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Spiral:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Growth, evolution, transformation<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Five-pointed star:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Excellence<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Arrow:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Direction, movement, force<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Curved lines:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Movement, connection, fluidity<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Diagonal lines:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Tension, excitement<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Zigzag:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Path, confusion<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Geometric-Shapes-Symbols-and-Meanings.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"125\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Geometric-Shapes-Symbols-and-Meanings.png\" alt=\"symbols and meanings\" class=\"wp-image-35174\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Curved lines and shapes tend to provide a sense of movement, fluidity, continuity, and informality.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shapes with hard corners and straight lines, in contrast, typically suggest stability and groundedness.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3\"><b>How to use shapes and lines in design<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><b>Graphic designers use basic shapes and lines to:<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Organize information through grouping and separation<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Highlight important information<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Add texture and depth<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Create structure<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Like in the infographic template below, the symmetry of geometric shapes is perfect for creating a sense of order and structure in a design.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/infographics\/stocks-and-shares-9b9bbcf8-aa0e-4b5a-a5c9-6e053f3f8222\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"816\" height=\"1056\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Stocks-Infographic-Template.png\" alt=\"symbols and meanings stocks infographic template\" class=\"wp-image-35158\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<center><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/infographics\/stocks-and-shares-9b9bbcf8-aa0e-4b5a-a5c9-6e053f3f8222\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><button class=\"btn-cta\"><b>EDIT THIS INFOGRAPHIC TEMPLATE<\/b><\/button><\/a><\/center>&nbsp;\n\n\n\n<p>Large structural background shapes (like the circle above) add subtle complexity. Background shapes can also convey something about the relationships within the content of the design&#8211;creating groups or suggesting separation between topics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shapes like circles and squares can also be added behind other icons and symbols, emphasizing important information and creating a sense of repetition and depth in a design.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the list infographic below, layered borders and ovals make the icons a focal point. They feel like they\u2019re popping out of the page, demanding your attention:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/infographics\/myers-briggs-the-advocate-personality-eb1d169a-f173-478d-aec4-83f074f85df2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"816\" height=\"1056\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Myers-Briggs-Personality-Type-Infographic.png\" alt=\"symbols and meanings\" class=\"wp-image-35153\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<center><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/infographics\/myers-briggs-the-advocate-personality-eb1d169a-f173-478d-aec4-83f074f85df2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><button class=\"btn-cta\"><b>EDIT THIS INFOGRAPHIC TEMPLATE<\/b><\/button><\/a><\/center>&nbsp;\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The type of shape used impacts the overall feel of the design. Comparing the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/mind-map-examples\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mind map examples<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> below, curved circles and lines create a playful, creative feel, while the stability of squares and rectangles make the design feel more traditional and professional.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/mind-maps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"306\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/11\/mind-map-templates.png\" alt=\"symbols and meanings\" class=\"wp-image-35177\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<center><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/mind-maps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><button class=\"btn-cta\"><b>CREATE A MIND MAP<\/b><\/button><\/a><\/center>&nbsp;\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Geometric shapes and lines are particularly critical in logo design, where basic shapes often form the essence of the logo. The logo below, for example, is a simple yet effective play on a rotated triangle:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/logos\/nonprofit-organization-business-logo-537555f5-d940-45bd-97bb-5b65b018b2f2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Non-Profit-Logo-Template.png\" alt=\"symbols and meanings\" class=\"wp-image-35154\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<center><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/logos\/nonprofit-organization-business-logo-537555f5-d940-45bd-97bb-5b65b018b2f2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><button class=\"btn-cta\"><b>EDIT THIS LOGO TEMPLATE<\/b><\/button><\/a><\/center>&nbsp;\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you take a look around you, you\u2019ll likely notice many logo designs, like these ones from adidas, Google Drive, and Mitsubishi, that are based on simple geometric shapes.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/11\/geometric-logo-examples.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/11\/geometric-logo-examples.png\" alt=\"symbols and meanings\" class=\"wp-image-35173\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Read our in-depth guide for more <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/logo-design-tips\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">logo design tips<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4\"><b>Useful symbols and meanings for infographics, presentations, and reports<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Geometric shapes are just the start when it comes to visual symbolism. There are a great deal of common symbols with widely accepted meanings\u2026everything from a dog representing loyalty to a raised first representing activism.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But when you\u2019re designing a presentation, infographic, or report, you probably don\u2019t often need symbols for such abstract concepts.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Read on for some concrete symbol examples that should be helpful for designing documents for the workplace.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Symbols to represent culture and religions:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Yin Yang<\/strong> \u2013 Represents balance and duality in Taoist and Chinese philosophy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lotus Flower<\/strong> \u2013 Symbolizes purity, rebirth, and spiritual enlightenment in Hinduism and Buddhism.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fleur de Lis<\/strong> \u2013 Historically linked to French royalty; represents purity, tradition, and cultural heritage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Star of David<\/strong> \u2013 A prominent symbol of Judaism, representing divine protection and unity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Christian Fish (Ichthys)<\/strong> \u2013 Early Christian symbol of faith, often used to identify fellow believers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Eye of Horus<\/strong> \u2013 An ancient Egyptian symbol of protection, health, and power.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dharma Wheel (Dharmachakra)<\/strong> \u2013 Represents the teachings of the Buddha and the path to enlightenment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Chakra Symbols<\/strong> \u2013 Represent energy centers in the body in Hindu and yogic traditions; each chakra has its own symbol and meaning.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Adinkra Symbols<\/strong> \u2013 Visual symbols from West African cultures, especially Ghana, used to convey proverbs, beliefs, and social values.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Symbols-to-represent-culture-and-religions.png\" alt=\"Symbols to represent culture and religions:\" class=\"wp-image-104187\" width=\"700\" srcset=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Symbols-to-represent-culture-and-religions.png 1024w, https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Symbols-to-represent-culture-and-religions-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Symbols-to-represent-culture-and-religions-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Symbols-to-represent-culture-and-religions-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Symbols-to-represent-culture-and-religions-730x730.png 730w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Symbols that represent historical and geographic identity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Ancient egyptian symbols<\/strong>: Includes the <strong>Ankh<\/strong> (life), <strong>Scarab<\/strong> (rebirth) and other hieroglyphs representing spiritual beliefs and cultural values.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Native American symbols<\/strong>: Rooted in nature and storytelling. Common symbols include the <strong>Eagle<\/strong> (strength, vision) and <strong>Thunderbird<\/strong> (power, protection).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>American flag<\/strong>: A symbol of freedom, unity, and national identity in the United States, representing its history and values.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2025\/06\/image-5-1024x683.png\" alt=\"Ancient Egyptian Symbols\" class=\"wp-image-104192\" width=\"700\" srcset=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2025\/06\/image-5-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2025\/06\/image-5-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2025\/06\/image-5-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2025\/06\/image-5-730x487.png 730w, https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2025\/06\/image-5.png 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.havefunwithhistory.com\/ancient-egyptian-symbols\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Source<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2025\/06\/image-6.png\" alt=\"Native Americal Symbols\" class=\"wp-image-104195\" width=\"525\" height=\"700\" srcset=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2025\/06\/image-6.png 525w, https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2025\/06\/image-6-225x300.png 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 525px) 100vw, 525px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Symbols to represent communication, collaboration:<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><b>Speech bubble symbol:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> used to represent speech and communication.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>People symbol:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> used to represent teamwork and collaboration.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Mail\/email symbol:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> used to represent messages and communication.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Presentation symbol:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> used to represent learning and teaching.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Handshake symbol:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> used to represent agreement and cooperation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Communication is traditionally represented with speech bubbles or email symbols, but there is so much more room for creativity here.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One way to branch out is to find symbols that represent the specific mode of communication that you\u2019re discussing, as seen in this <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/project-plan-template\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">project management plan<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/infographics\/violet-management-plan-infographic-f054b954-fee7-4713-9fd6-947e4463a1c5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"816\" height=\"1056\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Violet-Management-Plan-Infographic-Template-1.png\" alt=\"symbols and meanings\" class=\"wp-image-35197\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<center><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/infographics\/violet-management-plan-infographic-f054b954-fee7-4713-9fd6-947e4463a1c5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><button class=\"btn-cta\"><b>EDIT THIS INFOGRAPHIC TEMPLATE<\/b><\/button><\/a><\/center>&nbsp;\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Or, as seen in the communication symbol examples below, you can add a ton of variety to the mix by focusing on the human side of communication and showing the connections between collaborators.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Symbols-for-communication-collaboration.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Symbols-for-communication-collaboration.png\" alt=\"Symbols and meanings communication\" class=\"wp-image-35166\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><b><i>Design Pro<\/i><\/b> <b><i>Tip:<\/i><\/b><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Try the following search terms to find these symbols in the Venngage icon library: \u201ccommunication\u201d, \u201cmessage\u201d, \u201cspeech\u201d, \u201cwork\u201d, \u201cteamwork\u201d, \u201cteam\u201d.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<center><a href=\"https:\/\/infograph.venngage.com\/register\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\"><button class=\"btn-cta\">SIGN UP FOR VENNGAGE<\/button><\/a><\/center>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Symbols to represent business growth<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Business growth is something you might need to visualize in a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/business-proposal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">business growth proposal<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/marketing-plan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">marketing plan<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or a startup <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/best-pitch-decks\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pitch deck<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But because business growth means different things in different businesses, there isn\u2019t one best way to represent business growth visually.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Common symbols used to represent business growth are:<\/b><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><b>Plant symbol:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> used to represent growth, change, value, and positivity.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Rocketship symbol:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> used to represent rapid growth or product launches.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Up arrow:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> used to represent positive change.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Graph symbol:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> used to represent trends.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Dollar sign:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> used to represent money or revenue.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The slide template below, for example, uses four different symbols to represent a few different facets of business growth, including revenue, clients, and employees.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates?ref=home&amp;preview=14188bcf-de80-4300-afca-ee5742ac8b8a\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1600\" height=\"898\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Blue-Pink-Business-Keynote-Template.png\" alt=\"symbols and meanings\" class=\"wp-image-35140\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<center><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates?ref=home&amp;preview=14188bcf-de80-4300-afca-ee5742ac8b8a\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><button class=\"btn-cta\"><b>EDIT THIS BUSINESS PROPOSAL TEMPLATE<\/b><\/button><\/a><\/center>&nbsp;\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re focused on increasing recurring revenue, you may wish to visualize business growth with cash symbols. If you care more about improving other metrics, you might use icons showing data trending upward.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Or you could<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">take a metaphoric approach to showing business growth, like some of the business growth symbol examples below:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Symbols-growth.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Symbols-growth.png\" alt=\"Symbols and meanings growth\" class=\"wp-image-35168\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><b><i>Design Pro<\/i><\/b> <b><i>Tip:<\/i><\/b><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Try the following search terms to find these symbols in the Venngage icon library: \u201cwork\u201d, \u201cdata\u201d, \u201cgrowth\u201d, \u201cincline\u201d, \u201csuccess\u201d, \u201cmoney\u201d.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Symbols to represent design, art, creativity:<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><b>Pencil symbol:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> used to represent drawing, sketching, and ideation.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Shape symbols:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> used to represent abstraction, creativity, and graphic design.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Browser symbol:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> used to represent user interface design.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Color palette symbol:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> used to represent graphic design, art, and interior design.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Lightbulb or brain symbol: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">used to represent brainstorming, creativity, and ideas.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When talking about design, there\u2019s a bit of pressure for your design to be unique. This is the perfect place to think outside the box when it comes to symbolism.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A clever symbolism example is the use of an empty box icon to represent whitespace in the logo design-themed infographic below:<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/infographics\/business-logo-design-infographic-51358ffd-e132-4f16-883e-b7237bc4d4b1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/infographics\/business-logo-design-infographic-51358ffd-e132-4f16-883e-b7237bc4d4b1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"816\" height=\"1056\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Business-Logo-Design-Infographic-Template.png\" alt=\"symbols and meanings\" class=\"wp-image-35199\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<center><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/infographics\/business-logo-design-infographic-51358ffd-e132-4f16-883e-b7237bc4d4b1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><button class=\"btn-cta\"><b>EDIT THIS INFOGRAPHIC TEMPLATE<\/b><\/button><\/a><\/center>&nbsp;\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Talking about creativity is also the perfect time to branch out into funkier illustrated icon styles. Illustrations were all the rage 2019, and we think they\u2019ll continue as a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/graphic-design-trends\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">graphic design trend in 2020<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, too.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are a few fun illustration-style design symbol examples from the Venngage icon library:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Symbols-design.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Symbols-design.png\" alt=\"Symbols and meanings design\" class=\"wp-image-35165\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><b><i>Design Pro Tip:<\/i><\/b><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Try the following search terms to find these symbols in the Venngage icon library:&nbsp; &nbsp; \u201cdesign\u201d, \u201cwebsite\u201d, \u201ccolor\u201d, \u201cpaint\u201d, \u201cdraw\u201d.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Symbols to represent safety, security:<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><b>Hard-hat symbol:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> used to represent safety in the workplace.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Lock symbol:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> used to represent <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.scalefusion.com\/creating-data-security-policy-for-organizations\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">data security<\/a> in browsers and other digital products.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Pylon symbol:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> used to represent physical safety and caution.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Shield symbol: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">used to represent both physical and digital security.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Umbrella symbol:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> used to represent protection.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One way to find unique symbols is to take the meaning you\u2019re trying to convey from one context and use it in another context.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, using symbols for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.oshaoutreachcourses.com\/blog\/construction-work-safety\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">construction safety<\/a> (like the ones below) in the context of tech security, or home security.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/presentations\/workplace-new-technology-presentation-2324fc06-e893-487c-b75d-d1f3e63207f9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2042\" height=\"1148\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Workplace-Health-and-Safety-Presentation-Template.png\" alt=\"symbols and meanings\" class=\"wp-image-35183\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<center><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/presentations\/workplace-new-technology-presentation-2324fc06-e893-487c-b75d-d1f3e63207f9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><button class=\"btn-cta\"><b>EDIT THIS PRESENTATION TEMPLATE<\/b><\/button><\/a><\/center>&nbsp;\n\n\n\n<p>Or just stick to the traditional symbols for safety like the locks and shields seen in the security symbol examples below.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Symbols-security.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Symbols-security.png\" alt=\"Symbols and meanings security\" class=\"wp-image-35170\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><strong><i>Design Pro <\/i><\/strong><b><i>Tip:<\/i><\/b><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Try the following search terms to find these symbols in the Venngage icon library:&nbsp; \u201cconstruction\u201d, \u201csafety\u201d, \u201clock\u201d, \u201cshield\u201d, \u201csecurity\u201d.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Symbols to represent alert, attention:<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><b>Exclamation mark symbol:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> used to show emphasis, importance.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Loudspeaker symbol:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> used to represent an announcement or alert.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Hand symbol:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> used to indicate that stopping is required.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Bell symbol:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> used to represent an alert or notification.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The classic symbol for attention is a triangle or diamond shape with an exclamation mark inside.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other more unique attention-grabbing alert symbol examples are bells, alarms, red lights, loudspeakers, or even a simple circle with an exclamation point. Anything that screams \u201clook at me\u201d works well for this application.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Symbol-alert.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Symbol-alert.png\" alt=\"Symbols and meanings alert\" class=\"wp-image-35159\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><b><i>Design Pro Tip:<\/i><\/b><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Try the following search terms to find these symbols in the Venngage icon library: &nbsp; \u201cpriority\u201d, \u201cannounce\u201d, \u201calert\u201d, \u201ccaution\u201d, \u201cwarning\u201d.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Symbols to represent metrics, research:<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><b>Magnifying glass symbol:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> used to represent research and analysis.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Graph symbol:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> used to represent trends and associations.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Target symbol:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> used to represent goals.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Microscope symbol:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> used to represent research and discovery.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Gear symbol:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> used to represent work or progress.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When it comes to symbolizing metrics and data, the options are practically limitless. You could stick with the standard visuals showing charts and trends, but there is so much more out there.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some of my favourites are the more intricate illustrated icons that combine magnifying glasses with data to show analysis in action, as seen in this advertising plan design:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/infographics\/icon-advertising-plan-infographic-47869a9d-a407-4e21-a369-a3e7de20a565\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"816\" height=\"1056\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Icon-Advertising-Plan-Infographic.png\" alt=\"symbols and meanings\" class=\"wp-image-35151\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<center><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/infographics\/icon-advertising-plan-infographic-47869a9d-a407-4e21-a369-a3e7de20a565\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><button class=\"btn-cta\"><b>EDIT THIS INFOGRAPHIC TEMPLATE<\/b><\/button><\/a><\/center>&nbsp;\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here\u2019s just a small taste of the possibilities for symbols for metrics and research:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Symbol-metrics.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Symbol-metrics.png\" alt=\"Symbols and meanings metrics\" class=\"wp-image-35161\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><b><i>Design Pro Tip: <\/i><\/b><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Try the following search terms to find these symbols in the Venngage icon library:&nbsp; &nbsp; \u201canalysis\u201d,\u201creport\u201d, \u201cdata\u201d.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Symbols to represent goals, strategy:<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><b>Target symbol:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> used to represent a goal or a success.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Path symbol:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> used to represent a plan or procedure.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Mind map symbol:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> used to represent planning, connections, or strategy.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Checklist symbol:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> used to represent planning or strategy.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The tried and true way to symbolize goals is to use a target icon. Which is great, and all&#8230;but we can do better.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You could show progress to a goal with a partially completed checklist, like the one featured in the infographic below:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/infographics\/improve-nonprofit-use-of-data-dce9ad1a-bc7b-4fcf-bc40-9eb29d333c85\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"816\" height=\"1056\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Nonprofit-Strategy-Infographic-Template.png\" alt=\"symbols and meanings\" class=\"wp-image-35155\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<center><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/infographics\/improve-nonprofit-use-of-data-dce9ad1a-bc7b-4fcf-bc40-9eb29d333c85\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><button class=\"btn-cta\"><b>EDIT THIS INFOGRAPHIC TEMPLATE<\/b><\/button><\/a><\/center>&nbsp;\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When it comes to visualizing strategy, consider using icons that show many connecting parts or a winding path to some target, as seen in these strategy symbol examples:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Symbols-goals.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Symbols-goals.png\" alt=\"Symbols and meanings goals\" class=\"wp-image-35167\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><b><i>Design Pro<\/i><\/b> <b><i>Tip:<\/i><\/b><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Try the following search terms to find these symbols in the Venngage icon library:&nbsp; \u201ctarget\u201d, \u201cgoal\u201d, \u201cobjective\u201d, \u201ctrend\u201d, \u201cstrategy\u201d.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Symbols to represent information, ideas, insight:<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><b>Lightbulb symbol:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> used to represent invention, ideas, and creativity.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Spreadsheet symbol:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> used to represent information and organization.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Lightning bolt symbol: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">used to represent insight, clarity, and inspiration.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Document symbol:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> used to represent knowledge and communication.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We have been using a lightbulb to represent ideas for ages. It\u2019s effective, but probably a bit overused.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some alternatives? Use sparks to represent flashes of insight, like the design below, use branched, connecting lines to show creativity, or combine the lightbulb with other symbols to create a scene.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/infographics\/creative-process-570ed30e-b0b3-43f4-acd0-fc83288ca225\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"700\" height=\"906\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Creative-Process-Infographic-Template.png\" alt=\"symbols and meanings\" class=\"wp-image-35148\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<center><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/infographics\/creative-process-570ed30e-b0b3-43f4-acd0-fc83288ca225\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><button class=\"btn-cta\"><b>EDIT THIS INFOGRAPHIC TEMPLATE<\/b><\/button><\/a><\/center>&nbsp;\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some more idea and information symbol examples with some variations on the simple lightbulb:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Symbols-ideas.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Symbols-ideas.png\" alt=\"Symbols and meanings ideas\" class=\"wp-image-35169\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><b><i>Design Pro Tip:<\/i><\/b><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Try the following search terms to find these symbols in the Venngage icon library:&nbsp; \u201cmindmap\u201d, \u201cmind\u201d, \u201cidea\u201d, \u201clist\u201d, \u201cabout\u201d.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Symbols to represent change, progress:<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><b>Gear symbol: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">used to represent progress, work, and innovation.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Curved arrow symbol:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> used to represent cyclicity or process.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Checkmark symbol:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> used to represent success or show that goals have been met.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Outside of the business world, symbols to represent change are related to rebirth, renewal and transformation&#8230;symbols like the sun, the moon, and water.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The key to visualizing change in a professional context is to go way more concrete. Find symbols that show a beginning state and ending state, suggest movement, or show a path from one place to another.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are a few change and progress symbol examples to get you thinking:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Symbols-change.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Symbols-change.png\" alt=\"Symbols and meanings change\" class=\"wp-image-35164\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><b><i>Design Pro Tip:<\/i><\/b><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Try the following search terms to find these symbols in the Venngage icon library: &nbsp; \u201csync\u201d, \u201ctransition\u201d, \u201cchange\u201d, \u201cprogress\u201d.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This just scrapes the surface of how creative you can get with symbolism in graphic design, but hopefully it\u2019s enough to get you started. For more inspiration, check out our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/infographic-design-6-ways-to-use-icons\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">infographic icon design guide<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5\"><b>How to use symbols and icons in infographics and creative designs<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Use icons to reinforce key ideas<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A powerful way of using icons in creative designs is to use icons to reinforce points you\u2019d like your audience to latch onto.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Used this way, icons and symbols become visual cues that will guide your audience\u2019s eyes towards important areas of your design. That\u2019s why you\u2019ll often see icons next to list items or infographic section headers, as shown below.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/infographics\/build-a-personal-brand-list-infographic-0c36ecbb-aa5b-4aa4-82a8-eced07c5364b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"816\" height=\"1056\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Build-a-Personal-Brand-List-Infographic-Template.png\" alt=\"symbols and meanings\" class=\"wp-image-35142\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<center><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/infographics\/build-a-personal-brand-list-infographic-0c36ecbb-aa5b-4aa4-82a8-eced07c5364b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><button class=\"btn-cta\"><b>EDIT THIS INFOGRAPHIC TEMPLATE<\/b><\/button><\/a><\/center>&nbsp;\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Get inspired by stylized, illustrated icons<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An easy way to add character to an infographic (or other informal design) is to use more intricate, illustration-style icons as the core of the design.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start the design process by finding an icon style that you like, then simply pull colors from those icons for the rest of your design. This is a pretty foolproof way to create a unique, eye-catching design that\u2019s still cohesive (like the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">infographic template<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> below).<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/infographics\/6-event-poster-design-tips--hacks-049c3e9f-ca55-431e-93f1-b83062ec8a6d\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"816\" height=\"1056\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Event-Poster-Design-Hacks-Template.png\" alt=\"symbols and meanings\" class=\"wp-image-35149\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<center><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/infographics\/6-event-poster-design-tips--hacks-049c3e9f-ca55-431e-93f1-b83062ec8a6d\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><button class=\"btn-cta\"><b>EDIT THIS INFOGRAPHIC TEMPLATE<\/b><\/button><\/a><\/center>&nbsp;\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Use consistent icon styles<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s critical that all of your icons match throughout any design or multi-page document.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Combining mismatched icons, even if they look great on their own, is a major design faux-pas that is sure to turn off your readers.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here is an example of a simple <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/infographics\/process\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">process infographic<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with a cohesive icon set that lends a clean, polished effect.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/infographics\/7-steps-77cc79d9-7dff-4e2a-bbcf-e90d545769b8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/thumbnails.venngage.com\/template\/77cc79d9-7dff-4e2a-bbcf-e90d545769b8.png\" alt=\"symbols and meanings\" class=\"wp-image-35143\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<center><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/infographics\/7-steps-77cc79d9-7dff-4e2a-bbcf-e90d545769b8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><button class=\"btn-cta\"><b>EDIT THIS INFOGRAPHIC TEMPLATE<\/b><\/button><\/a><\/center>&nbsp;\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6\"><b>How to use symbols and icons in professional documents<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Designing formal documents like status reports and project plans requires a different approach than fun, creative designs like infographics.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Use minimal, monocolor icons for a sleek, professional look<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In formal documents it\u2019s usually best to skip over the stylized, illustrated icons in favor of more minimal single-color icons and symbols.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This will ensure your business proposals and pitch decks hit all the right notes in your next pitch meeting.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/presentations\/simple-corporate-pitch-deck-dbf0cd30-0cf8-4631-94fc-43c3502b86bb\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2046\" height=\"1150\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Simple-Corporate-Pitch-Deck-Template.png\" alt=\"symbols and meanings\" class=\"wp-image-35157\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<center><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/presentations\/simple-corporate-pitch-deck-dbf0cd30-0cf8-4631-94fc-43c3502b86bb\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><button class=\"btn-cta\"><b>EDIT THIS PITCH DECK TEMPLATE<\/b><\/button><\/a><\/center>&nbsp;\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Use symbols and icons to break up long passages of text<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Symbols and icons are a useful tool for improving the readability of dense documents. Your readers will thank you if you intersperse some relevant visuals into any longer passages of text, giving them a place for their eyes to rest.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/white-papers\/business-information-technology-white-paper-e11ddd1c-bad2-4ee4-af7c-5da9d5a3bf94\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"1033\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Business-Information-Technology-White-Paper-Template.png\" alt=\"symbols and meanings\" class=\"wp-image-35144\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<center><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/white-papers\/business-information-technology-white-paper-e11ddd1c-bad2-4ee4-af7c-5da9d5a3bf94\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><button class=\"btn-cta\"><b>EDIT THIS WHITE PAPER TEMPLATE<\/b><\/button><\/a><\/center>&nbsp;\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7\"><b>How to use symbols and icons in web design<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Symbols and icons are essential to many website interfaces. Used properly, they can help guide users through a site, while saving screen space and making interfaces more visually appealing.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>For symbols to be effective in a website interface, they must be:<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Easy to understand<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unambiguous and universal<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Simple and compact<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Users should be able to understand, without thinking, what that symbol means. If they can\u2019t, this can lead to some serious usability issues.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s best to stick with glyph-style icons&#8211;icons that are ultra-simple and designed for use on the web. They won\u2019t distract from the content of your website and they can be colored to match your <a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/brand-style-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">brand style guide<\/a> (just like InVision does, below).<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Website-Icons-and-Symbols-Example.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2848\" height=\"806\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Website-Icons-and-Symbols-Example.png\" alt=\"symbols and meanings\" class=\"wp-image-35184\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8\"><b>Where to get symbols, icons, and illustrations for your designs<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Venngage icon library is a go-to resource for all kinds of icons, from basic shapes and symbols to stylized illustrations.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the Venngage icon library you can find a wide variety of icons in 4 different icon styles:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><b>Outline\/glyph icons:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> minimal, modern filled icons perfect for professional designs<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b><b>Colored icons: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">simple, geometric icons with a few colors<\/span><\/b><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Flat icons: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2D icons made with geometric shapes and bold colors<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Illustrated icons: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">detailed icons with distinct, illustrated styles<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Styles-of-Icons.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Styles-of-Icons.png\" alt=\"symbols and meanings\" class=\"wp-image-35175\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Just use the search function to find icons by keyword, then filter for the icon style of your choice!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Venngage-Icon-Search-1024x577.png\" alt=\"Venngage Icon Search\" class=\"wp-image-90161\" width=\"700\" srcset=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Venngage-Icon-Search-1024x577.png 1024w, https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Venngage-Icon-Search-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Venngage-Icon-Search-768x433.png 768w, https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Venngage-Icon-Search-1536x865.png 1536w, https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Venngage-Icon-Search-2048x1153.png 2048w, https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Venngage-Icon-Search-730x411.png 730w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The best part?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We\u2019re always updating our icon library to include new icons. Check out our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/march-update-new-icons-new-fonts\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">latest font and icon additions<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get more information on how to work with Venngage icons in our <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/support.venngage.com\/article\/820-how-to-use-icons\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">how-to guide<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Symbols are a powerful way to communicate ideas and emotions quickly and clearly. In design, using the right symbols can make your work more engaging and effective. Whether they are universally understood or specific to a culture, symbols can add depth and meaning to your designs. This article explores common symbols, their meanings, and how [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":58,"featured_media":51014,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false},"categories":[187,188],"tags":[228],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v17.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Visual symbolism is core to graphic design. 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This guide to common symbols and meanings will cover universal symbols, how to use symbols, and more.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/symbols-and-meanings\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Venngage\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Venngage\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2019-11-19T16:29:45+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-12-15T07:31:12+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Common-Symbols-and-Meanings-How-to-Use-Them-in-Design-Blog-Header.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"576\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@venngage\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@venngage\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Midori Nediger\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"22 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/\",\"name\":\"Venngage\",\"description\":\"Learn to Communicate with Data\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/symbols-and-meanings\/#primaryimage\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Common-Symbols-and-Meanings-How-to-Use-Them-in-Design-Blog-Header.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Common-Symbols-and-Meanings-How-to-Use-Them-in-Design-Blog-Header.png\",\"width\":1024,\"height\":576,\"caption\":\"Common Symbols and Meanings How to Use Them in Design Blog Header\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/symbols-and-meanings\/#webpage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/symbols-and-meanings\/\",\"name\":\"Common Symbols and Meanings: How to Use Them in Design - Venngage\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/symbols-and-meanings\/#primaryimage\"},\"datePublished\":\"2019-11-19T16:29:45+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-12-15T07:31:12+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/1e6ef71ec4df828e0f82e52c92b4fdb1\"},\"description\":\"Visual symbolism is core to graphic design. 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