Editing Icon (computing) (section)

== Placement and spacing ==

In order to display the number of icons representing the growing complexity offered on a device, different systems have come up with different solutions for screen space management. The computer monitor continues to display primary icons on the main page or desktop, allowing easy and quick access to the most commonly used functions for a user. This screen space also invites almost immediate user customization, as the user adds favourite icons to the screen and groups related icons together on the screen. Secondary icons of system programs are also displayed on the [[task bar]] or the system [[dock (computing)|dock]]. These secondary icons do not provide a link like the primary icons, instead, they are used to show availability of a tool or file on the system.<ref name="Beyond the Desktop Metaphor"/><ref>Pamela Ravasio and Vincent Tscherter (2007). "User' Theories of the Desktop Metaphor, or Why we should seek Metaphor-Free Interfaces", pg 270 ff</ref>

Spatial management techniques play a bigger role in mobile devices with their much smaller screen real estate. In response, mobile devices have introduced, among other visual devices, scrolling screen displays and selectable tabs displaying groups of related icons. Even with these evolving display systems, the icons themselves remain relatively constant in both appearance and function.

Above all, the icon itself must remain clearly identifiable on the display screen regardless of its position and size. Programs might display their icon not only as a desktop hyperlink, but also in the program title bar, on the Start menu, in the Microsoft tray or the Apple [[Dock (macOS)|dock]]. In each of these locations, the primary purpose is to identify and advertise the program and functionality available. This need for recognition in turn sets specific design restrictions on effective computer icons.