The IAN symbol libraries currently contain 3061 custom made vector symbols designed specifically for enhancing science communication products with diagrammatic representations of complex processes. You can download them individually, or as an entire package in AI, SVG, or PNG formats.

Download all 3061 symbols

AI version is for Adobe Illustrator and provides the symbols as palettes within the Illustrator tools. This is the best option if you have Illustrator.

SVG version is vector (fully scalable) and is the best option if you have other vector compatible software. The palettes format works with Inkscape's Symbol Dialog feature.

PNG version is convenient if you don't have any experience with vector editing software.

AI (palettes) SVG (individual) SVG (palettes) PNG (individual) PNG (palettes)

Illustrator (AI)

* requires Adobe Illustrator CS2 or better

  1. Extract zip file
     
  2. Copy "IAN Symbols" folder to:
    Windows
    C:/Program Files/Adobe/Illustrator X/Presets/[language]/Symbols

    MacOS
    Applications/Adobe Illustrator X/Presets/[language]/Symbols
     
  3. Copy the IAN Swatches folder to your ...Presets/[language]/Swatches folder.

Notes:

  • Prior to CS4, there was no language folder inside the Presets folder
  • If you try to open these files directly, they will appear blank
  • You may need to restart Illustrator for it to load the libraries
  • If you are not familiar with Illustrator symbol palettes, see the "Accessing the Libraries" section below

SVG

* requires vector software such as Inkscape (free), Adobe Illustrator or CorelDraw

The zip package can be unzipped anywhere. Then simply open each file directly.

PNG

* can be imported into MS PowerPoint and Word, or edited with Adobe Photoshop etc

The zip package can be unzipped anywhere. The symbols in this version are raster which is great for quick use in documents, but they are not easily editable or scalable.

 

ACCESSING THE LIBRARIES

SVG and PNG

Simply open each file directly in your graphics software.

 

Illustrator (AI)

The symbols are accessed via Window > Symbol Libraries > IAN Symbols.

NOTE: If you open the illustrator files directly, they will appear blank.

 

EDITING A SYMBOL

When opening a symbol from the SVG or AI palette versions, or via the image library import in the online diagrammer, you need to break the link to the symbol before it can be edited.

  • Illustrator: Right click > Break Link to Symbol
  • Inkscape: Edit > Clone > Unlink Clone

You may also need to ungroup the symbol (often a few times) to be able to access all elements in the symbol.

Symbol Library Catalog (PDF)

This PDF contains thumbnails of all the IAN Symbols split across the 56 albums. It is searchable by symbol title and also hyperlinks each thumbnail to its page in the IAN Media Library for easy downloading. A great quick reference guide.

Online Diagram Creator

All of the IAN symbols are available to be used directly within Vecta.io

The IAN/UMCES Symbol and Image Libraries are provided completely cost and royalty free for any use, with attribution.

Required Attribution: Integration and Application Network (ian.umces.edu/media-library).

They are licensed under Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Want to submit a symbol? Email ian@umces.edu for instructions on how to have your artwork included in our expanding library!