SF Symbols

What Is SF Symbols?

SF Symbols is Apple's icon library providing over 6,900 vector-based symbols for use in apps across Apple platforms. It serves as a core resource in the icons category, offering paid access through the SF Symbols app for designers and developers to browse, customize, and export symbols that align with the San Francisco system font. SF Symbols fits into design workflows by enabling consistent iconography that supports text alignment, accessibility features like Dynamic Type, and rendering modes, streamlining UI development for iOS, macOS, and related platforms.

What SF Symbols Does

• Delivers over 6,900 symbols in nine weights and three scales (small, medium, large) that automatically align with text labels.
• Supports multiple rendering modes including Monochrome, Hierarchical, Palette, and Multicolor for varied visual effects.
• Allows creation and annotation of custom symbols using vector editing tools within the SF Symbols app.
• Provides export options in formats like SVG and PNG for integration into design comps or asset catalogs.
• Includes localization enhancements and color customization to match app palettes.
• Features Draw animations and Variable Draw for organic stroke effects, plus gradients for added dimension in SF Symbols 7.

How SF Symbols Can Be Used

• In UI design for navigation bars, tab bars, toolbars, context menus, and widgets to represent tasks or content categories without needing separate icon files.
• During app prototyping by copying symbol images in PNG or SVG for mockups in tools like Figma or Sketch.
• For developer handoff, where symbols bundle as fonts in iOS projects, ensuring optical alignment with San Francisco font.
• In custom symbol workflows: duplicate built-in symbols, edit vectors with annotations for layers and enclosures, then export for use.
• To implement accessibility by supporting Dynamic Type, Bold Text, and variable rendering that adapts to user preferences.
• With Magic Replace for smooth transitions between related symbols, preserving enclosures and applying animations like Draw On/Off.

Who Is SF Symbols For?

SF Symbols targets UI designers and developers building for Apple platforms, including iOS, macOS, iPadOS, and watchOS apps. It suits teams needing a scalable icon library with system-level integration, from junior designers prototyping interfaces to experienced developers implementing accessible, performant icons. Projects involving consistent branding, multilingual support, or advanced animations benefit most, as symbols remain within the Apple ecosystem for native use. Visit SF Symbols