Remember that feeling of firing up an old console, or navigating an early-internet website? There’s a distinct, nostalgic charm to pixel art – a simplicity that belies its expressive power. Two years ago, we at HackerNoon tapped into that retro aesthetic, launching the Pixel Icon Library. It was our love letter to the internet’s golden age, an open-source collection of pixelated icons designed with meticulous care on a 24px grid.
What started as a passion project quickly blossomed. The community’s response has been nothing short of phenomenal. We’ve seen over 10,000 users on Figma, racked up 12,000+ downloads on NPM, and hit nearly 30,000 downloads in total. From solo developers tweaking their side projects to design agencies crafting intricate client experiences, it became clear: these little pixelated gems were solving real problems, sparking creativity, and bringing a touch of authentic retro cool to modern digital landscapes.
That incredible feedback isn’t something we take lightly. It fueled us, pushed us to think bigger, and ultimately, to evolve. Many of you reached out, loving the icons but looking for more flexibility, especially around attribution and commercial use for professional projects. Today, we’re thrilled to announce a significant step forward: new licensing options designed to meet the diverse needs of our growing community, alongside our beloved free plan.
The Evolution of a Digital Darling: Why New Licenses Now?
When we first launched the Pixel Icon Library, our vision was simple: provide high-quality, pixel-perfect icons that evoke the internet’s early spirit, completely open-source. And we did just that. It quickly became a go-to resource for anyone wanting to add a touch of distinctive, well-crafted retro flair to their designs.
The beauty of open-source is its accessibility, but as the library grew, so did the complexity of its use cases. Developers and designers, especially those working on commercial projects or for multiple clients, often found themselves navigating the nuances of attribution. While giving credit is a small price for quality assets, for busy professionals, it can become an extra step, sometimes even a legal consideration for client contracts.
We heard you. That’s why, while our free, attribution-required license isn’t going anywhere, we’re introducing two new paid plans: Starter and Pro. These new tiers are our answer to your feedback, providing clear commercial licensing terms and, crucially, removing the attribution requirement. It’s about giving you more choices, more flexibility, and more peace of mind, allowing you to focus purely on creation.
Unpacking the Plans: Which Pixel Path is Right for You?
Choosing the right tool for the job is half the battle in design and development. And selecting the right license for your assets is just as crucial. We’ve crafted these three options to cater to a spectrum of needs, from hobbyists to high-powered agencies. Let’s break them down.
Free Plan: The Classic Choice, Still Going Strong
Our roots are in open-source, and that spirit endures. The Free Plan is exactly what you’ve come to know and love. You’re free to use the icons in unlimited projects, including for commercial purposes, and you can modify, recolor, and adapt them to your heart’s content. You can even share them as part of your end product.
The only term? Attribution. A simple “Icons from Pixel Icon Library by HackerNoon” in your site footer, credits page, or documentation is all it takes. This plan is perfect for personal projects, indie developers who appreciate the community aspect, or anyone who doesn’t mind a quick credit for fantastic assets. It’s our way of keeping great design accessible to everyone.
Starter Plan: Your First Step Towards Frictionless Design
For those who need to shed the attribution requirement for a specific project, the Starter Plan is your ideal entry point. This new license allows you to use the icons in one product or project – think a single website, an app, or even accompanying merchandise – without needing to give credit. This is a game-changer for many solo developers and small businesses launching their flagship product.
You can use them for personal or commercial purposes, modify them to perfectly match your brand’s design language, and deploy them across both digital and physical formats within that single project. The key here is “one project.” If you’re building multiple distinct products or working for different clients, you’ll want to consider the Pro plan. But for that singular, focused endeavor, Starter offers elegant simplicity.
Pro Plan: The Powerhouse for Professionals and Agencies
This is where things get truly exciting for the design and development pros out there. The Pro Plan is built for flexibility and scale, making it the ultimate choice for freelancers, design agencies, and internal design teams. With Pro, you gain the freedom to use the Pixel Icon Library in *unlimited* end products, projects, or client works, all without any attribution whatsoever.
Imagine the workflow: no more tracking attribution requirements for each new client. You can integrate these icons into your design systems, deploy them across countless websites, digital products, and printed materials, modifying them as needed for every unique brief. For agencies and teams, this is a particularly sweet deal: your staff can use the icons across multiple client deliverables, and your clients won’t need their own license if the icons are part of a completed project delivered by you. It’s about streamlining your process and elevating your entire portfolio with professional-grade assets.
Beyond the Basics: Practical Perks and FAQs Answered
Beyond the core differences, there are a few aspects of these new licenses that truly stand out, reinforcing our commitment to providing value and clarity.
One-Time Purchase, Lifetime Updates
Perhaps one of the most reassuring benefits across both Starter and Pro plans is that they are a one-time purchase. No subscriptions, no recurring fees. Buy once, own it forever. Plus, you’ll automatically receive any future icon updates or additions to the library. That’s a lifetime of fresh, pixel-perfect assets at your fingertips, without any further cost.
Freedom to Customize
Regardless of your chosen plan, you have the full creative license to modify, recolor, and adapt the icons to match your project’s unique aesthetic. Want to make them monochromatic? Go for it. Need them to fit a specific brand palette? Absolutely. Our icons are designed to be a versatile foundation for your creativity, not a rigid set of rules.
Agency and Freelancer Clarity
We understand the complexities of client work. The Pro Plan specifically addresses this, allowing agencies and freelancers to use the icons across all their client engagements without each client needing a separate license. This significantly simplifies legal paperwork and ensures you’re always covered, letting you focus on delivering exceptional work.
However, it’s crucial to remember that none of our licenses permit the redistribution or resale of the icons as standalone products or asset packs. They’re meant to be part of your finished end-product, not to be resold as a design resource itself. This maintains the value and integrity of the library for everyone.
If you’re eager to get started, the process is straightforward: head over to pixeliconlibrary.com/license, select the plan that fits your needs, complete your purchase, and you’ll be ready to download the full bundle and integrate these iconic pixels into your next project. We’ve even had our in-house designer, Devansh Chaudhary, document the entire building process in detail, if you’re curious about the craft behind the pixels.
Elevate Your Pixels, Empower Your Projects
The journey of the Pixel Icon Library has been a testament to the power of community and a shared appreciation for thoughtful design. These new licensing options aren’t just about expanding our offerings; they’re about listening to you, our incredible users, and providing the tools you need to create without friction. Whether you’re a student building a portfolio, an indie developer launching a new app, or an agency tackling a complex client brief, there’s now a Pixel Icon Library plan perfectly tailored for your ambitions.
We’re immensely proud of how these icons have found their way into so many unique projects. With these updated licenses, we’re excited to see what new digital masterpieces you’ll craft. So, dive in, choose your path, and let the timeless charm of pixel art elevate your next project to new heights. Happy designing!
