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In today’s fast-paced digital world, users expect websites to be intuitive, visually appealing, and easy to navigate.

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to enhance user-experience is by adding ICONS into buttons, menus, and interactive elements.

Wait! If you don't know what an HTML button is, and you are a beginner, start here: How to Create an HTML Button - Guide.

What are Icon Libraries?

Icon libraries are collections of pre-designed, scalable, vector icons that developers and designers can easily integrate into websites using simple HTML, CSS, or JavaScript. 

Popular libraries like Font Awesome, Bootstrap Icons, and Material Icons provide thousands of free and premium icons for various use cases—from social media buttons to e-commerce shopping carts.

Why Do Websites Use Icons in Buttons?

Icons serve multiple purposes in web design:

Visual Clarity - Icons help users quickly identify actions (e.g., a trash can??? for "delete" or a magnifying glass for "search") without reading the text.

Modern Aesthetic - Well-designed icons make a website look polished and professional.

Space Efficiency - Icons take up less space than text labels, keeping interfaces clean.

Improved Engagement - Buttons with icons (like a "Download Now CTA) often see higher click-through rates.

But who actually uses these icon libraries, and why should you consider them for your website? 

Whether you're a business owner, marketer, or DIY web designer, understanding their benefits can help you create a more user-friendly and high-converting site.

Who Typically Uses Icon Libraries in HTML Buttons?

1. Front - End - Developers

Developers rely on icon libraries to save time and ensure consistency across projects. Instead of designing icons from scratch, they can quickly integrate ready-made icons using simple HTML snippets as:

Code

<button>

<i class="fas fa-shopping-cart"></i> Add to Cart

</button>

Explanation

The code you see is an HTML button structure with a shopping cart icon and text that reads "Add to Cart". Most likely you will find this button on a shopping site. This efficiency allows them to focus on functionality while maintaining a professional look.

2. Marketing Teams

Buttons with icons—such as DOWNLOAD, PHONE, OR EMAIL Icons - increase click-through rates by making (call to actions) CTAs more noticeable. Marketing teams often use these in:

• Lead Generation Forms
• Social Media Share Buttons
• Promotional Banners

3. Web Designers & UI/UX Teams

• Designers prioritize usability, and icons help:
• Reduce Text Clutter
• Improve Accessibility (when paired with proper ARIA labels)
• Create Intuitive Navigation (e.g., hamburger menus for mobile)

4. Entrepreneurs & Small Business Owners

Many non-coders use website builders (WordPress, Wix, Shopify) that include built-in icon libraries. For example:

• Restaurants use location and menu icons.
• E-Commerce Stores rely on shopping carts and payment method logos.

Industries that Benefit from Icon Libraries

Industry Common Icon Use Cases

E-Commerce Cart, wishlist, payment, and shipping icons

Saas & Tech Dashboard actions (edit, delete, settings)

HealthCare Appointment booking, phone, location icons

Education Download PDFs, video play buttons, email CTAs

Even Non-Coders use Icon Libraries

You don’t need to be a developer to benefit from icons. Here’s why they’re popular among beginners:

Built into Website Builders - Platforms like WordPress (with Elementor), Webflow, AND Squarespace offer drag-and-drop icon integration.

Professional Polish without Design Skills - Icons make DIY websites look more credible.

Faster Load Times - Modern icon libraries use lightweight SVG or font-based icons instead of bulky images.

How to get Started with Icon Libraries

Adding icons to your buttons is simple. Here’s a quick example using Font Awesome:

Include the Library in Your HTML:

Code

<link rel="stylesheet" href="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/font-awesome/6.0.0/css/all.min.css">

Explanation

The link you see above must be placed inside your HTML code in the top header section of your website. It links to the popular Font Awesome icon library.

Add an Icon Inside a Button:

Code

<link rel="stylesheet" href="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/font-awesome/6.0.0/css/all.min.css">

<button class="btn">

<i class="fas fa-envelope"></i> Contact Us

</button>

<button class="btn">

<i class="fas fa-envelope"></i> Contact Us

</button>

Explanation

Now add the HTML button to your site, and you will see an envelope icon appear next to the "Contact Us" button. It's important that you install the Font Awesome link first, if not, you will not see the icon. Give it a try, copy the code, and place it inside a code editor like JSFiddle to see the font icon in the button.

For a step - by - step guide, check out our Complete Guide to Adding Icons in HTML Buttons.

Final Thoughts

Icons improve usability, aesthetics, and conversion rates—whether you're a developer, marketer, or small business owner. By leveraging icon libraries, you can create a more engaging and professional website with minimal effort.