Hey Hackers!

Two years ago, we launched “The Pixel Icon Library by HackerNoon”, an open-source collection of pixelated icons designed using a 24px grid for perfect alignment and consistency. Inspired by our retro aesthetic, these icons encapsulate the internet’s golden era.

Since launch, the library has reached:

You can download the full bundle on our Pixel Icon Library!

The incredible response from our community – from solo developers to design agencies – showed us that our icons were solving real problems. And your feedback pushed us to take things to the next level…

Introducing NEW Paid License Options

Great news: our free, attribution-required license isn't going anywhere! But we heard from many of you who wanted the option to use our icons without attribution or needed clearer commercial licensing for client work.

So today, we're launching two new paid plans alongside our existing free option:

The main benefit? No attribution required for paid plans, plus crystal-clear commercial licensing terms for professional use.

Let's break down each plan.

Free Plan:

You are free to:

Under the following terms:

Attribution Example: “Icons from Pixel Icon Library by HackerNoon

Starter Plan

You are free to:

Under the following terms:

Pro Plan

You are free to:

Under the following terms:

Note for agencies and teams: Studios, agencies, and teams may use the icons across multiple projects, clients, and deliverables created by their own staff. Clients do not need their own license if the icons are part of a completed project delivered by you. Separate licenses are required only if a client, contractor, or external partner intends to use, modify, or redistribute the icons independently.

How to Get Your License

  1. Visit pixeliconlibrary.com/license
  2. Select the plan that's best for you
  3. Complete your purchase on our Services page
  4. Download the full bundle from our Pixel Icon Library

How We Built It

Our in-house designer, Devansh Chaudhary, documented the process in two in-depth articles:


FAQs

What's the difference between the Free, Starter, and Pro plans?

The Free plan (CC BY 4.0) lets you use the icons anywhere - personal or commercial - but you must give credit. The Starter plan removes attribution and covers one project or product. The Pro plan removes attribution too but lets you use the icons across multiple projects or clients.

Do I have to pay again for future updates?

Nope. All paid plans are one-time purchases with lifetime access. You'll get any future icon updates automatically.

Can I use the free icons in commercial work?

Yes, you can. For Free Plan, just make sure to credit Pixel Icon Library somewhere visible (for example, in your site footer).

If I buy the Starter plan, can I use it for multiple projects or clients?

No. The Starter License is for one project, product, or client only. If you want to use the icons in another project or for another client, you'll need another Starter License or better yet upgrade to Pro.

What if I'm a freelancer working with different clients?

Go for the Pro License - it covers all your client work without needing to buy separate licenses each time.

Can I use the icons in a paid template, theme, or asset pack I'm selling?

No, none of the licenses allow redistribution or resale of the icons (even if modified). They must be used within your own or your client's end product.

Can I edit or recolor the icons?

Absolutely. You can tweak, recolor, and adapt them however you like for your project - just don't redistribute the icons as your own library.

Can I use the icons in both a website and an app?

Yes - if they're part of the same project, that's totally fine under Starter. If they're different projects or brands, you'll need Pro.

Do I get a license document or receipt?

Yes - after purchase, you'll get a receipt and a downloadable text license file for your records.