WordPress 4.0 brings in plugin icons to the plugin installer page, Andrew Nacin announced the development of this new project yesterday. This is undoubtedly a key highlight of WordPress version 4.0.

Along with making the plugin installer page more beautiful, the new updates will provide users a quick view of important details such as number of downloads, developer info and compatibility details in a good looking layout.

If you can create an attractive icon for your plugin it will make it stand out and probably increase the number of downloads to a certain extent.

If you do not create a custom icon for your plugin, an auto-generated default icon will take that space in the plugin installer page. However, it is always a good idea to create an icon with your logo or something which represents your plugin.

The default icons are generated using the GeoPattern library by Jason Long of GitHub, and the default icon will take the color of your plugin banner.

The plugin icons are 128 pixels square, and for HiDPI (retina) icons are supported at 256 pixels square. Plugin owners can create their respective icons under assets directory with PNG or JPG file.

Andrew Nacin outlines some tips for creating your Plugin icon

• Keep it simple! The Android and iOS Human Interface Guidelines both have some fantastic design tips.
• Avoid text, especially since these may be seen at smaller sizes in other contexts (and in languages other than English). And because this is an icon, not an ad.
• Use the right image format for what you’re doing. Don’t use JPGs for simple designs; don’t use PNGs for photos.
• Optimize your images! Use something like ImageOptim or your favorite web app, CLI tool, etc.
• Please no WordPress logos. Come up with your own brand. (If you already have a banner image, you likely already have a head start here.)
• If you haven’t worked with SVGs before, they’re pretty cool. Here’s a tutorial from Chris Coyier.
• Keep in mind this is an icon for your plugin, not a display ad.

So, get started with your plugin icon.

Article Via WordPress.org