Find out what any symbol means.
Search thousands of symbols, icons and markings — from clothing labels to dashboard warning lights.
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Choose a category to explore hundreds of symbols, signs and markings.
- 42 symbols
Laundry Symbols
Decode the care labels inside your clothes, from wash temperatures to tumble-dry and ironing instructions. These symbols help you avoid shrinking, fading, or damaging fabrics.
Browse category - 28 symbols
Recycling Symbols
Understand the chasing arrows, resin codes, and recycling labels on packaging and products. Learn what can go in your kerbside bin and what needs specialist recycling.
Browse category - 56 symbols
Car Dashboard Symbols
Identify warning lights and indicator icons on your car dashboard before a small issue becomes a costly repair. From engine warnings to tyre pressure alerts, we explain what each light means.
Browse category - 34 symbols
Hazard Symbols
Recognise safety and hazard pictograms used on chemicals, workplaces, and public signage. These globally standardised symbols warn about flammability, toxicity, corrosion, and more.
Browse category - 38 symbols
Keyboard Symbols
Find out what special characters, modifier keys, and shortcut symbols on your keyboard actually do. Perfect for Mac and Windows users learning new workflows.
Browse category - 47 symbols
Electrical Symbols
Read the symbols on plugs, switches, circuit diagrams, and appliance ratings. Understand voltage, earth, and safety markings before you wire or troubleshoot equipment.
Browse category - 31 symbols
Packaging Symbols
Decode marks on boxes, bottles, and food packaging—from recycling codes to storage and handling instructions. These labels tell you how to store, dispose of, and transport products safely.
Browse category - 25 symbols
Medical Symbols
Understand common medical and pharmacy symbols found on prescriptions, packaging, and healthcare signage. From the Rx symbol to biohazard marks, we explain what each one indicates.
Browse category - 33 symbols
Travel Symbols
Navigate airport signage, passport stamps, and transport icons with confidence. These universal symbols guide passengers through security, customs, and international travel.
Browse category - 29 symbols
DIY Symbols
Interpret tool markings, building plans, and hardware packaging symbols for home improvement projects. From drill bit sizes to load ratings, these icons keep your DIY work safe and accurate.
Browse category
Popular Symbols
The most searched symbols on SymbolBuddy right now.
- laundry symbols
Do Not Tumble Dry
This garment should not be dried in a tumble dryer.
- laundry symbols
Wash at 30°C
Machine wash at a maximum temperature of 30°C.
- recycling symbols
PET Recycling Code (1)
This plastic is polyethylene terephthalate (PET), resin identification code 1.
- recycling symbols
Widely Recycled
This packaging is collected for recycling by most local authorities.
- car dashboard symbols
Check Engine Light
The engine management system has detected a fault that needs attention.
- car dashboard symbols
Tyre Pressure Warning Light
One or more tyres are significantly under-inflated.
- hazard symbols
Flammable Symbol
The substance is highly flammable and can ignite easily.
- hazard symbols
Corrosive Symbol
The substance can cause severe skin burns and damage metals.
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Every symbol type
From laundry care labels to car dashboard lights, hazard signs to keyboard shortcuts.
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Every symbol explained by experts, with real-world context and practical advice.
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10,000+
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Frequently Asked Questions
SymbolBuddy is a free online reference that explains everyday symbols, icons, warning lights, and codes in plain English. Whether you spotted a mystery mark on a clothing label or a flashing light on your dashboard, SymbolBuddy helps you understand what it means and what to do next.
Yes. SymbolBuddy is completely free to browse and search. There are no subscriptions or sign-ups required to look up symbols and read our explanations.
Type a keyword or phrase into the search bar at the top of the page — for example "tumble dry" or "check engine light". You can also browse by category if you know the general type of symbol you are looking for.
SymbolBuddy covers laundry care labels, recycling codes, car dashboard warning lights, hazard and safety signs, keyboard shortcuts, electrical markings, packaging labels, medical symbols, travel signage, and DIY tool markings — with more added regularly.
We add new symbols and refresh existing entries regularly as standards change and users request new topics. Category pages and popular symbol guides are reviewed to keep explanations accurate and up to date.