Generators help make icons reflective.
Icons are generally a smaller version of a representative image that appears in browser address bars, on computer desktops and in your file folders. Making an icon requires some graphic design skill using image manipulation software. Making the same icon reflective means adding another layer; an artist must understand both the software and basic principles of light. With practice and the proper tools, images can be created, adjusted and converted into usable icons.
Instructions
Making an internally reflective image.
1. Create a square image --- where height is equal to width.
2. Mask your background shape within that image. Fill it with a linear gradient that is light at the bottom and darker at the top.
3. Mask a highlight area at the top of your image. Create a new layer and, on that layer, fill the highlight mask with a linear gradient that is white at the top and transparent at the bottom. Adjust the transparency of your entire highlight layer as needed.
4. Mask a highlight area at the bottom of your image. Create a new layer and, on that layer, fill the shadow mask with a linear gradient that is transparent at the top and dark at the bottom. Adjust the transparency of your entire shadow layer as needed.
5. Add additional highlights, shadows and color gradients as needed to achieve the desired effect.
6. Save your image as a JPG.
Making an externally reflective image using an online generator.
7. Create a rectangular image --- where height is half the width.
8. Save your image as a JPG.
9. Upload your JPG to GenerateIt.com's Image Reflection Generator, adjust the reflection size and background as necessary, then click "Generate It."
10. Right-click over the newly generated image. Choose "Save," "Save As" or "Save Image As" depending on your browser.
Convert an image to an icon.
11. Convert your image into an ICO file for use as an icon. Upload your image to GenerateIt.com's Favicon Generator, select "Get It Now" and save the file.
12. Extract the contents of the file to a folder on your local drive.
13. Open the folder --- you will find that your original image has been converted into 16-by-16 and 32-by-32 pixel icon files.
