The use of type has been revolutionized by computer technology, and a plethora of fonts have emerged. Fonts vary from simple text-based designs to more elaborate fonts that should really be considered art by themselves. Some of the more elaborate fonts, for instance, can be enlarged to such an extent that they look like pictures, some fonts, often called "dingbat" fonts, are made up entirely of graphic elements, pictures and symbols. Other fonts are beautifully designed, such as script fonts, and these can be used as headings on websites or on letterheads.
Logos are one of the most important types of graphic design. Logos have always been important to companies and organizations, and some are so well known that they are among the most famous images in the world. Though logos are a vital part of expressing a brand name in a visual form, they normally consist of a simple design. Logos are used on websites, and also act as a navigational tool. An example of this is when a visitor to a website clicks on the site's logo, and is directed to the home page.
Symbols are used in graphic design in ways that vary from the practical to the humorous. Emoticons are a way in which symbols are used in a humorous way, whereas indicator arrows are more practical, and help Internet users to navigate websites. Symbols guide the way in everything from road maps to public bathroom doors, and have become their own language that transcends national and cultural languages. Entire sets of international symbols are in use all around the world for identifying types of facilities, such as restaurants and airports, and for marking roadways. Such symbols are deliberately simple as they need to be easy to remember in the process of navigating a highway or a website.
Graphics software allows for even simple images to be transformed into something more dynamic for graphic design. This includes photographs and art. Computer programs such as Microsoft's Paint and Adobe Photoshop can also be used to retouch photos in ways never possible by older methods, and to create and improve graphics to an almost limitless degree. Graphics software gives every computer user the capacity to create art with little effort. Graphics software also gives graphic artists the opportunity to create vector art, which can be infinitely enlarged without losing the smoothness and integrity of its lines and shapes. With the advent of 3D programs, graphic images have entered a whole new dimension, literally, and can be brought to life as motion graphics in movies and video productions.