# Iconography

Icons are simple symbols that attract attention, aid navigation, signal an action, add emphasis, or provide feedback. Icons serve as recognizable cues that users can understand easily — typically without thinking too hard.

## USWDS Icon Component

Icons must be used consistently across our site and communications applications to accomplish their purpose well. For example, using an envelope icon for both email and a mailing address would likely confuse people. Viewers should be able to trust that a certain icon always means the same thing, no matter where it’s used.

All USWDS icons have passed WCAG 2.1 AA.

<figure><img src="https://4039545949-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FPm7UEzeiS1tbLCV1SFRu%2Fuploads%2FvGpiG89fAW5baOepVv6X%2Fsimpler%20grants%20uswds%20icons%20example.png?alt=media&#x26;token=c012d90c-41e8-4082-8ec2-571dc971d646" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

[View icon components from USWDS](https://designsystem.digital.gov/components/icon/)