Does OpenMoji follow the Unicode Emoji standard?

Updated

Yes. OpenMoji states that it "carefully supports the Unicode Emoji standard," and the project currently tracks Emoji v17.0 (with the site itself at release 17.0.0). That means the set is organized around the same emoji definitions used by major platforms and operating systems, so you can use it where you need emoji that map to standard Unicode code points rather than a proprietary icon set.

What "following the standard" means here

OpenMoji is an open-source emoji project from 80+ students and 2 professors at HfG Schwäbisch Gmünd, plus external contributors. Its compatibility claim rests on a few concrete things:

  • Unicode Emoji v17.0 support — the collection is aligned to a specific version of the Unicode emoji standard, not an arbitrary set of drawings.
  • 4,495 emojis across many categories, so coverage extends well beyond a small custom pack.
  • 270 flags, from Andorra to Zimbabwe to Pirates.
  • Fitzpatrick skin tone support, including multiple skin tone combinations.

Because the designs correspond to Unicode emoji, they can be used in contexts where the emoji is identified by its standard code point — the same identifier other platforms use.

Where OpenMoji goes beyond the standard

Compatibility with Unicode doesn't mean OpenMoji is limited to it. The project also ships special interest categories that go beyond standard Unicode, aimed at technologies and design. So you get standard-aligned emoji plus extra handcrafted ones for niche topics.

Style and format choices

OpenMoji describes a consistent style guide so all emojis fit together, and offers both colored and outlined versions to support different use cases. All emojis are free to use under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Quick reference

Question Answer
Follows Unicode Emoji standard? Yes, per the project
Unicode version Emoji v17.0
Total emojis 4,495
Flags 270
Skin tones Fitzpatrick scale + combinations
Styles Colored and outlined
License CC BY-SA 4.0 (free to use)

What to check before relying on it

  • Version alignment: If your target platform supports a different Unicode emoji version, some newer emoji may not render or match everywhere. Confirm the version your platform uses against OpenMoji's v17.0.
  • License obligations: CC BY-SA 4.0 allows free use but carries attribution and share-alike conditions. If you're embedding emojis in a product, review what those terms require for your use.
  • Style fit: OpenMoji's single style guide keeps its own set consistent, but it will look different from Apple, Google, or Microsoft emoji. If visual consistency with a specific platform matters, that's a design decision, not a compatibility one.

You can browse the collection or try OpenMoji on your phone directly from the site to see how the standard-aligned set looks in practice.