How to Download Free Emoticons

Emoticons are symbols used to show emotional meaning in a message format. As a combination of the words emotion and icon, emoticons show meaning by using symbols or iconns. For example, a smiley face is perhaps the most common emoticon. They are frequently used in online communication, particularly in such messaging programs as MSN Messenger and AOL Instant Messenger. While messaging programs come with basic emoticons, you can download free emoticons for a wider library.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Messaging program

Instructions

1. Search for online services that offer free emoticons. Make sure that you specify "free" in your search, as many services feature emoticons for sale.

2. Choose the service you'd like to use to for downloads. You'll undoubtedly have many sites to choose from in your search. Sites such as My Emoticons, Sweet IM and Smiley Central all offer emoticon downloads free of charge.

3. Browse the emoticons available from the site you choose.

4. Download the emoticons you choose to your computer. Most sites will feature a clear "Download" button. Click the button and you can then save the file to your computer.

5. Use your new emoticons in the messenger or email program of your choice.

Tips & Warnings

• Narrow your search for emoticons by searching for those that work with the particular messenger program you use.

• In addition to basic emoticons, you can also download animated emoticons.

• Be careful when downloading anything online. You should have an active anti-virus program on your computer to catch any possible virus downloads.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• My Emoticons
• Sweet IM
• Smiley Central