Trash Icons
A trash can reads clearly as "this goes away permanently" — the strongest visual signal for delete across almost every interface, from table row actions to file managers to removing an item from a cart. This page collects trash icon variants across Pathwork's libraries, from a simple open-lid can to more detailed versions with visible lines or a closed lid, so you can match the exact weight your delete button or action menu needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
This is mostly a stylistic choice between libraries rather than a meaningful distinction — some show the lid slightly open or off to the side (suggesting the can is 'open' and ready to receive something), while others show a closed can. Both represent the same delete action; pick whichever matches your icon set's visual style.
Red is a strong, commonly used convention for delete actions since it signals caution for a destructive action, but it's not strictly required — some interfaces keep the trash icon in a neutral color by default and only apply red on hover or as part of a confirmation step, reserving full red for higher-stakes deletions.
This depends on how destructive and reversible the action is — for low-stakes items (like removing a single item from a temporary list) immediate deletion is often fine, while for permanent or hard-to-undo actions (deleting an account, a document, a paid order) a confirmation dialog is generally recommended to prevent accidental clicks.
Trash implies permanent removal, while archive implies moving something out of the main view but keeping it retrievable (like an archived email). If your product supports both, using distinct icons (trash can vs. a box or folder-with-arrow for archive) helps users understand which action is reversible and which isn't.
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.
Since delete is often a destructive, harder-to-undo action compared to edit, it's common practice to add a bit of visual separation (spacing, a divider, or distinct coloring) between the two to reduce the chance of a user accidentally clicking delete instead of edit.