pictograms
Images representing words
Pictograms are pictures or symbols that represent words, ideas, or information.
They appear in signage, statistics, and ancient writing systems.
A pictogram of a flame warns of flammability; a row of human figures shows population data.
Unlike alphabetic writing, pictograms communicate meaning through visual resemblance to what they represent: The cave paintings included pictograms of animals and hunting scenes.
Symbolic picture-based writing
- cuneiformStylus-impressed ancient script
- logographsSymbols representing words
- ideogramsSymbols representing ideas directly
- glyphsCarved symbolic figures
characters · petroglyphs · runes · Aztec · Mayan · Sumerian · Egyptian · ancient
Marks conveying meaning
- iconsRepresentative small images
- wayfindingNavigating through physical spaces
- restroomFacility with toilets
- exitWay to leave
airport · parking · accessibility · warning · prohibition · information · directional · universal
Digital pictograph for messaging
- iconsRepresentative small images
- avatarsDigital or divine incarnations
- stickersAdhesive-backed paper images
- interfaceShared connection point
app · buttons · toolbar · cursor · desktop · notification · menu · graphics
Semantic graphical language system
- AACSound compression format
- nonverbalNot using speech
- universalAffecting all equally
- wordlessLacking spoken content
instructions · IKEA · multilingual · accessibility · simplified · international · cross-cultural · symbols
Global athletic contest
- athleticsCompetitive physical activities
- eventsThings that take place
- disciplinesBranches of knowledge
- swimmingLocomotion through water
gymnastics · cycling · rowing · fencing · archery · weightlifting · equestrian · judo
hieroglyphics
Symbolic picture-based writing
- cuneiformStylus-impressed ancient script
- logographsSymbols representing words
- ideogramsSymbols representing ideas directly
glyphs · characters · petroglyphs · runes · Aztec · Mayan · Sumerian · Egyptian · ancient · inscription
symbols
Marks conveying meaning
- iconsRepresentative small images
- wayfindingNavigating through physical spaces
- restroomFacility with toilets
exit · airport · parking · accessibility · warning · prohibition · information · directional · universal · public
emoji
Digital pictograph for messaging
- iconsRepresentative small images
- avatarsDigital or divine incarnations
- stickersAdhesive-backed paper images
interface · app · buttons · toolbar · cursor · desktop · notification · menu · graphics · pixel
Blissymbols
Semantic graphical language system
wordless · instructions · IKEA · multilingual · accessibility · simplified · international · cross-cultural · symbols · comprehension
Olympics
Global athletic contest
- athleticsCompetitive physical activities
- eventsThings that take place
- disciplinesBranches of knowledge
swimming · gymnastics · cycling · rowing · fencing · archery · weightlifting · equestrian · judo · basketball
- OlympicsOlympics, Olympic Games, Summer Olympics, Winter Olympics, Olympic medal
- visualsimage, illustrations, photograph, images, diagram
- graphic designlogo, font, typography, layout, color
- ancient communicationsmoke signal, hieroglyphs, carrier pigeon, pictographs, courier
- communication systemsalphabet, sign language, Braille, Morse code, hieroglyphics
- safety signswarning sign, warning signs, danger sign, caution sign, warning labels
pictogramsletters
Alphabetic characters or mail
phonograms · Roman alphabet · syllabaries · alphabets · phonetic alphabet