Line, Simple or Rounded: choosing an illustration style
Published: 10月 6, 2026
Every FreeIconBazaar subject is drawn in three styles: Line, Simple and Rounded. Here is how to decide which one suits your document.
The three styles
| Style | Character | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Line | Detailed and close to the real thing; a calm, serious look | Work manuals, procedures and software guides where accuracy matters |
| Simple | Cleaned-up lines that keep only the essentials; fits almost anywhere | Internal briefings, meeting slides, proposals and most everyday documents |
| Rounded | Shorter, rounder figures with a friendly, soft feel | Training, recruiting presentations, customer guides and internal announcements |
Three ways to choose
1. Purpose
If the goal is to get a task done correctly, Line works best because tools and hand positions are easy to read. If the goal is to spark interest or make reading feel easy, Rounded adds warmth. When unsure, Simple sits in between and rarely goes wrong.
2. Audience
For business partners or executives, the calm Line or Simple style fits. For new employees, students or the general public, Rounded feels more approachable. Choosing by how close you are to your readers is a useful shortcut.
3. Look of the document
Text-heavy documents built around thin-lined tables and charts suit Line or Simple. Documents with large type, generous white space or bright colors suit Rounded.
Never mix styles in one document
The most important rule: pick one style per document. Line and Rounded illustrations differ in line weight and body proportions, so mixing them makes the whole document look disjointed.
On FreeIconBazaar the same subjects exist in all three styles. Choose a style first and you can find every illustration you need within it. The Line, Simple and Rounded buttons above the list show one style at a time.
Set a style for a series
For documents you make again and again — a monthly newsletter, a multi-part training course — fix one style for the series. Readers will recognize “the usual document” at a glance.
Summary
- Line for accuracy, Simple for everyday use, Rounded for a friendly feel
- Choose by purpose, audience and the look of the document
- Never mix styles within one document
