Icon Masterclass: How to Choose the Perfect Bootstrap Icons for Your Content and Categories

## Introduction In modern user interface design, icons serve as a universal language. A well-chosen icon can transcend language barriers and quickly convey the meaning of a function or content. Bootstrap Icons is a vast and high-quality open-source icon library, but finding the most suitable icons for "content" and "content categories" among hundreds of options can be a challenge. This article provides a clear guide and expert advice to help you. --- ## 1. Icons for Representing Content These icons typically refer to specific information entities, such as articles, files, and data. In your project (e.g., `wiki.lib00`), selecting distinct icons for different content types can help users quickly identify information. ### A. Documents & Text - `file-text` / `file-earmark-text`: The most common icons for text documents and articles. - `journal-text` / `newspaper`: Suitable for logs, blog posts, or news items. - `card-text`: Represents card-based or summary text. - `sticky`: Used for notes, memos, or important reminders. - `file-pdf`, `file-word`, `file-zip`: Clearly indicate specific file types. ### B. Multimedia - `image` / `card-image`: For picture or album content. - `camera-reels` / `film`: Represents video content or movies. - `music-note`: For audio or music files. - `play-btn`: A universal indicator for playable media. ### C. Data & Code - `table`: Represents tabular data or spreadsheets. - `bar-chart` / `pie-chart`: Used for charts, reports, or data analysis. - `database`: Refers to database records or datasets. - `code-slash` / `braces`: Suitable for code snippets or JSON/API data. ### D. General Objects - `box`: A generic item, product, or software package (e.g., `lib00-package`). - `app`: An application, functional module, or a standalone tool. --- ## 2. Icons for Representing Content Categories These icons are used to organize, group, and navigate content, helping users understand the information structure. ### A. Folders & Collections - `folder` / `folder-fill`: The most classic way to categorize, used for directories or folders (like `wiki.lib00-docs`). - `collection`: Represents a group of related items or a curated collection. - `stack`: A stack of items, visually representing a series or a set. - `archive`: Used for archiving, a category for less frequently used content. - `inbox`: A specific-purpose container for incoming items. ### B. Lists & Views - `list-ul` / `list-ol`: List view, representing a list of items within a category. - `grid` / `grid-fill`: Grid view, representing a category displayed with cards. - `kanban`: Kanban view, often used for task categorization (e.g., To Do, In Progress, Done). - `layout-split`: Split-pane view, indicating different content sections or layouts. ### C. Tags & Markers - `tag` / `tags`: One of the most flexible categorization methods, allowing for multi-dimensional classification. - `bookmark` / `star`: For bookmarks, favorites, or featured items—a user-defined categorization method. - `funnel` / `filter`: Represents a filter, indicating a dynamically generated category based on specific criteria. ### D. Hierarchy & Structure - `diagram-3` / `sitemap`: Represents categories with hierarchical or tree-like structures, perfect for sitemaps or organizational charts. - `share`: A branching or network structure, can be used to represent shared or related categories. --- ## Professional Advice from DP@lib00 When selecting icons, follow these best practices to ensure your interface is clear and user-friendly: 1. **Maintain Consistency**: Use a consistent icon for the same type of "content" or "category" throughout your application. This helps build the user's mental model and reduces the learning curve. 2. **Context is Key**: The meaning of an icon is highly dependent on its context. For example, `folder` is the most explicit category icon, while `grid` emphasizes the presentation format of its content. 3. **Strive for Clarity**: Prioritize icons that are widely recognized and have a low cognitive load. For icons that may be ambiguous, it's best to accompany them with a text label or provide a tooltip on hover to ensure the message is conveyed accurately.