Understanding Safe Padding

One of the most common mistakes when designing an app icon is making the logo touch the very edges of the 1024x1024 canvas. When deployed to a device, the operating system applies a mask (like a circle or squircle) which will cut off your artwork.

The iOS "Squircle" Mask

Apple requires you to submit a perfectly square image without transparency. iOS then applies a continuous-curve mask known as a "squircle". If your logo elements exist in the very corners of your square, they will be eliminated.

Best Practice: Keep critical elements within the center 80% of your canvas. Leave at least 10% padding on all sides.

The Android Safe Zone

Android's Adaptive Icons (Android 8.0+) are even more aggressive. Out of a 108dp canvas, only the center 72dp is considered the "safe zone." This means you must leave a substantial amount of negative space around your logo to ensure it isn't clipped by OEM circular or teardrop masks.