How to Choose the Best API for SVG Icons & Vector Graphics

Graphic Design

Explore the best options for integrating SVG graphics and icons into your software products, and what factors should play into your decision.

Jeremy Elliott

Dec 21

A Developer’s Guide to the Best Vector Icon and Symbol API Integration

When it comes to building modern apps, websites, and SaaS products, icons play a major role in creating good user experiences.

Whether you’re a developer working on a mobile app, or a CTO managing a team, the right icon API can make your roadmap easier by giving you an option to plug-and-play millions of scalable, customizable icons.

In this post, we’ll explore the best option for integrating SVG graphics and icons into your software products via REST API, and what factors should play into your decision.

Why Icons and SVG Graphics Are Essential for App Development

If you’re building digital products, your UI elements and any graphics you use need to be flexible and responsive. That’s where SVG icons come into play.

Unlike raster images, SVGs scale perfectly on any device, from high-resolution desktops to small mobile screens. Additionally, SVG icons can be used in a wider range of digital formats and code. This is why choosing an SVG icon API is so important for developers.

SVG icons, like those in this Canva template, can be scaled up and down without losing resolution since they’re not raster (or pixel-based).

Icons simplify complex actions and improve user navigation. Whether you’re adding icons to an app’s analytics dashboard or designing custom icons for a mobile UI, they enhance user experience by making the interface more intuitive and engaging. By using a scalable vector format, you ensure that your icons look crisp at every size, while reducing file sizes and improving load times.

Key Features to Look for in a Vector Icon API

When you’re evaluating an API for icons, there are several critical features you should consider:

Reliability: Developers need an API that guarantees uptime and delivers assets quickly. If your app relies on iconography, even a slight delay can frustrate users or cause functionality issues.
Customizability: Every app has its own style, and your icons need to fit seamlessly into yours. A good vector graphics API should allow you to adjust an icon’s color and size with ease. The best Icon API will allow you to make these adjustments on the fly, ensuring that icons blend with your brand’s visual identity (or the design style your end user is after in some cases).
Speed: Performance is key for any API. Users expect your app to load quickly, and your icon API should be optimized to deliver icons without adding latency.
Documentation: Look for an API with comprehensive, developer-friendly documentation. You’ll need easy-to-follow guides that help developers get started without a steep learning curve.

Introducing Noun Project’s Icon API: Features and Benefits

Noun Project’s Icon API stands out as a comprehensive solution for developers looking to integrate scalable, customizable icons into their apps and websites.

That’s why brands like Squarespace, Adobe, Typeform, and more choose Noun Project as the best API for vector icons and graphics.

With over 7 million icons available, the library covers nearly every conceivable category, allowing developers to find icons that fit any need.

Ease of Use: The icon and symbol API is easy to integrate into any project, thanks to its well-documented resources. Whether you’re developing a mobile app or an enterprise-level SaaS product, Noun Project’s Icon API supports fast, seamless integration.
Customizable Icons: Icons can be easily customized in real time. Adjust colors, sizes, and formats (SVG or PNG) to ensure consistency across platforms.
Fast Response Time: The API is optimized for performance, ensuring that icons load quickly and without delays, enhancing the overall user experience.

How to Integrate Icons into Your App Using the Noun Project API

Let’s break down the simple steps to integrating icons into your app using the Noun Project Icon API:

Sign Up for a Free Sandbox API Key: Head over to Noun Project’s API page and sign up for a free trial API key. This will allow you to test out the API’s full potential in your data dashboard or find the right icons for mobile apps.

Contact Sales When You’re Ready to Upgrade: Once you’ve reached enough API calls, or you want additional features such as full access to all 7 million icons, you can reach out to sales and request pricing for your level of usage. We offer plans for any level of usage, whether you need vector icons for SaaS products or icons for mobile apps, Noun Project’s API can support it.

Use Cases:

Noun Project’s Icon API can power a variety of needs. Here are some questions you may be asking if you need access to our powerful SVG icons and symbols API.

What is the best API for icons in infographics?
Where can I find customizable icons API for UI design?
How to add icons to data visualizations using an API?
What API integration to use for a logo builder app?
What graphic design API can I use for screen print designs?
Who has the best clip art REST API?

An example of Typeform’s Noun Project API in action, allowing users to select icons instead of written responses in their surveys.

Conclusion

Choosing the right icon API is crucial for developers looking to create fast, responsive apps with clear, intuitive interfaces. Noun Project’s Icon API offers a reliable, customizable solution for any project, ensuring that your icons look great on every device and integrate seamlessly into your design.

Have questions, or need help setting up your integration? Contact us here!