It is very rash to take this black and white approach and imagine taking place a transition from bitmaps’ pros and cons to vectors’ pros and cons. The reality will likely turn out to be the best of both. Small icon sizes do not need to be appear at multi-megapixel sizes, and it would be redundant to allow them to.

Also, this discussion does not have a large impact on Mac OS X Icons either. They have been resolution independent since OS X was introduced. And they bring a relevant hint as to the future of things to come. Namely, for large sizes the icon is interpolated on the fly; when the icon is shown smaller the system uses a set versions of the icon tailored for use at that size.

Wouldn’t this be the same as the current zoom feature, resulting in the edges of the zoomed screen to be hidden? If yes, it is not a good solution for the font size problem.

I can’t answer that, but you will be able to change the entire UI scale, which will increase the size of everything, including fonts.

Will I be able to change the font size system-wide?

I agree though. A file format like ICNS that can handle vectors would solve everything and be a welcome addition to any developer or designer’s toolset.

#3 Pro multi-image = people who program *and* work with graphics.

Avoid the problem of trying to force things into a false dichotomy. SVG 1.2 though still in final wrap up phases, has added a “multiImage” element. This allows for all or parts of a single file to be matched by DPI, much as game textures use level of detail to swap in versions.

This will allow a designer to create vector versions for higher res icons, but still targeted to size ranges. For example, an icon might render as a single letter at smaller sizes, but a complex image with multiple parts at a larget size.

Also, the smaller size versions could drop to pure bitmap and allow for all the hand-tweaking that icon authors usually need.

Even if SVG render support for this is not widely adopted, it is still a useful solution. Inkscape ( http://www.inkscape.org/ ) is one of the more popular SVG editors and has been adding various icon support features. Even if target platforms don’t support SVG with multiImage, an artist could use Inkscape to work in a single file for all versions and then batch export needed vector or bitmaps for final format.

#1 - Pro vectors = developers who love the idea of having one file that works for any situation and is completely future proof.

#2 - Pro bitmaps = designers who have actually worked with vectors and realise what a complete abortion the process can be at times!

Obviously Craig Hockenberry doesn’t fit into that sweeping generalisation. I like to think of Craig as a “designer sympathiser” :P

Seriously folks, vectors are trouble! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!!