Axialis IconWorkshop 6.94

Overview

Axialis IconWorkshop is a professional icon editing studio that lets you design and export icons that can be used in almost all operating systems, including Windows, UNIX, Mac OS, and even smart phone operating systems like iPhone OS, Windows Phone, and Android.

Installation

At a file size of about 37 MB, Axialis IconWorkshop consumes a bit more disk space than the typical application, particularly due to the extensive library of icon components that are included within the software. However, the setup process is virtually self-explanatory, as you'll simply need to follow the instructions given in a step-by-step wizard-style guide.

Interface

The user interface is strikingly simplistic because every feature can be accessed via a self-explanatory button icon. The top navigational pane provides access to all of the main features without appearing to be too cluttered. All of the icon editing tools are located along the right side of the main window in a Microsoft Paintshop-like fashion. Advanced features can be accessed via a right-click context menu, or through one of the 10 menus located along the top left – File, Edit, Image, Draw, Color, Library, Favorites, View, Window, and Help.

Pros

• The first icon editor that lets you create icons for every device and operating system

• Supports resolutions of up to 256 x 256 for Windows Vista/7 and 1024 x 1024 for UNIX, iPhone OS, Windows Phone, Android, and Lion operating systems

• Promotes productivity by providing a simplified workshop in which no complicated adjustments or pixel by pixel editing is necessary

• Lets you convert icons between Windows and Mac formats with a single click of the mouse

• Compatible with the latest industry standards, so you can import images from Adobe Photoshop and instantly incorporate them into your icons using a plethora of options

• The only icon creation software that lets you use image objects to create icons within a drag and drop interface. You can use the professionally designed image objects that are provided with the software, or you can import your own high-quality PNG image objects.

• Lets you quickly create icons from imported images in a variety of formats, including JPEG, BMP, PNG, GIF, PSD and more

• The only icon creator that lets you create/edit image strip icons that can be integrated into toolbars. This feature is useful for developers who are tired of struggling with wide bitmaps, as it allows you to work with each icon within a toolbar separately.

• Lets you create and edit bitmap images in a variety of file formats

Cons

• Can't import files from an external hard drive

• Can't copy and paste imagery from Photoshop – instead you have to import photos manually

Alternatives

There are several other icon editing applications available that are similar to Axialis, including IconLover, LiteIcon, IcoFX, and IconBox. Of these alternatives IcoFX is by far the most popular, however it is freeware, so it doesn't include as many features as the paid version of Axialis IconWorkshop.

Conclusion

If you're looking for a powerful icon editing software that will let you create icons for any operating system or device, Axialis IconWorkshop provides a plethora of exclusive features and a user interface that anyone would enjoy using.