Download Icons

A download icon typically includes an arrow pointing down into a tray, box, or horizontal line beneath it, which distinguishes it from a generic directional down arrow used for things like scrolling or sort order. That tray or line element is what signals 'this lands somewhere' rather than just 'this points down'.

This is a common and helpful pattern for larger files or slower connections — swapping the download icon to a loading spinner while the file transfers, then briefly to a checkmark on completion, gives users clear feedback rather than leaving the static download icon in place with no indication of progress.

Download typically implies retrieving a file from a server to the user's local device, while 'save' more often implies persisting changes within an app (like saving a document you're editing). Some interfaces use similar or identical icons for both, but if the distinction matters, a floppy disk or similar 'save' icon is generally a clearer signal for in-app saving versus file download.

The icon alone is fine for a simple, single-format download, but if users are choosing between multiple file types or sizes (like PDF vs. CSV, or different resolutions), pairing the icon with a label showing the format and size helps set expectations before they click, especially for larger files.

Each icon keeps the license from its source library attached to it, and terms can differ depending on which library a specific icon comes from. Check the license shown on the individual icon's page before using it commercially.

Yes, this is a common pattern — flipping a download icon vertically ('transform: scaleY(-1)') or using its natural upward-arrow counterpart gives you an upload icon with a matching visual weight, so the pair looks intentionally related rather than using two icons from different libraries.