How to Convert BMP to ICO
Converting BMP to ICO is straightforward with our online converter. Upload your BMP file using the form above, and our server processes it instantly. The conversion creates an ICO file optimized for Windows icons, with support for multiple icon sizes embedded in a single file.
ICO (Icon) format is designed specifically for Windows application and website favicon icons. The converter transforms your BMP image into ICO format, automatically generating standard icon sizes (16x16, 32x32, 48x48). This multi-resolution approach ensures icons display crisply at different sizes throughout the Windows interface.
The process completes in seconds, delivering an ICO file ready for use. For best results, start with square BMP images—icons work optimally when width equals height. The converter handles rectangular images but may crop or distort to fit the square icon format.
Why Convert BMP to ICO Format
The primary reason to convert BMP to ICO is creating Windows application icons and website favicons. ICO is the standard format for Windows program icons, taskbar icons, and desktop shortcuts. While modern Windows supports PNG icons in some contexts, ICO remains the universal standard with the widest compatibility across all Windows versions from XP through Windows 11.
ICO files store multiple icon resolutions in one file, eliminating the need for separate files at different sizes. When you convert BMP to ICO, the resulting file contains 16x16, 32x32, and 48x48 pixel versions. Windows automatically selects the appropriate size based on display context—small icons for lists, large icons for desktop shortcuts.
Website developers convert BMP logos to ICO for browser favicons. The favicon.ico file appears in browser tabs, bookmarks, and address bars. Converting a BMP logo to ICO ensures maximum browser compatibility, as all browsers support ICO favicons while support for other formats varies.
Image Quality Considerations
Icon size constraints significantly impact quality when converting from BMP to ICO. Standard icon sizes range from 16x16 to 256x256 pixels. If your BMP is larger, the converter downsamples it, potentially losing detail. For sharpest results, create your BMP at the exact icon size you need—typically 256x256 or 128x128 pixels for modern high-DPI displays.
Simple designs convert better than complex images. Icons appear at small sizes where fine details become invisible. Graphics with clean lines, solid colors, and high contrast work optimally. Photographs or images with gradients may appear muddy when reduced to icon sizes. Design specifically for small-scale display for best icon quality.
ICO supports transparency for professional-looking icons that blend with varying backgrounds. However, BMP doesn't support transparency, so your converted ICO will retain any background from the source BMP. For transparent icons, create your source image in PNG format first, then convert PNG to ICO, or manually edit the BMP background to a solid color that will serve as the transparent color key.
Common Use Cases
Windows application icons: Software developers convert BMP logos to ICO for application icons displayed in program files, start menu, and desktop shortcuts. ICO format ensures compatibility across all Windows versions and provides multiple resolutions from a single file.
Website favicons: Web developers convert company logos from BMP to ICO for browser favicons. The favicon.ico file appears in browser tabs, bookmarks bars, and browser history, providing brand recognition and professional appearance across all web browsers.
Custom folder icons: Windows users customize folder appearances by converting BMP images to ICO and applying them as custom folder icons. This organization method helps visually distinguish project folders, photo albums, or document collections in Windows Explorer.
Game development: Indie game developers convert BMP artwork to ICO for game executable icons and in-game cursor graphics. ICO's multi-resolution support ensures crisp display on different monitor resolutions and DPI settings.
Format Comparison
Understanding the technical differences between BMP and ICO helps you choose the right format:
| Converting BMP to ICO is straightforward with our online converter. Upload your BMP file using the form above, and our server processes it instantly. The conversion creates an ICO file optimized for Windows icons, with support for multiple icon sizes embedded in a single file. | ICO (Icon) format is designed specifically for Windows application and website favicon icons. The converter transforms your BMP image into ICO format, automatically generating standard icon sizes (16x16, 32x32, 48x48). This multi-resolution approach ensures icons display crisply at different sizes throughout the Windows interface. | The process completes in seconds, delivering an ICO file ready for use. For best results, start with square BMP images—icons work optimally when width equals height. The converter handles rectangular images but may crop or distort to fit the square icon format. |
|---|---|---|
| The primary reason to convert BMP to ICO is creating Windows application icons and website favicons. ICO is the standard format for Windows program icons, taskbar icons, and desktop shortcuts. While modern Windows supports PNG icons in some contexts, ICO remains the universal standard with the widest compatibility across all Windows versions from XP through Windows 11. | ICO files store multiple icon resolutions in one file, eliminating the need for separate files at different sizes. When you convert BMP to ICO, the resulting file contains 16x16, 32x32, and 48x48 pixel versions. Windows automatically selects the appropriate size based on display context—small icons for lists, large icons for desktop shortcuts. | Website developers convert BMP logos to ICO for browser favicons. The favicon.ico file appears in browser tabs, bookmarks, and address bars. Converting a BMP logo to ICO ensures maximum browser compatibility, as all browsers support ICO favicons while support for other formats varies. |
| Icon size constraints significantly impact quality when converting from BMP to ICO. Standard icon sizes range from 16x16 to 256x256 pixels. If your BMP is larger, the converter downsamples it, potentially losing detail. For sharpest results, create your BMP at the exact icon size you need—typically 256x256 or 128x128 pixels for modern high-DPI displays. | Simple designs convert better than complex images. Icons appear at small sizes where fine details become invisible. Graphics with clean lines, solid colors, and high contrast work optimally. Photographs or images with gradients may appear muddy when reduced to icon sizes. Design specifically for small-scale display for best icon quality. | ICO supports transparency for professional-looking icons that blend with varying backgrounds. However, BMP doesn't support transparency, so your converted ICO will retain any background from the source BMP. For transparent icons, create your source image in PNG format first, then convert PNG to ICO, or manually edit the BMP background to a solid color that will serve as the transparent color key. |
| Windows application icons: Software developers convert BMP logos to ICO for application icons displayed in program files, start menu, and desktop shortcuts. ICO format ensures compatibility across all Windows versions and provides multiple resolutions from a single file. | <strong>Website favicons:</strong> Web developers convert company logos from BMP to ICO for browser favicons. The favicon.ico file appears in browser tabs, bookmarks bars, and browser history, providing brand recognition and professional appearance across all web browsers. | <strong>Custom folder icons:</strong> Windows users customize folder appearances by converting BMP images to ICO and applying them as custom folder icons. This organization method helps visually distinguish project folders, photo albums, or document collections in Windows Explorer. |
| Game development: Indie game developers convert BMP artwork to ICO for game executable icons and in-game cursor graphics. ICO's multi-resolution support ensures crisp display on different monitor resolutions and DPI settings. | Understanding the technical differences between BMP and ICO helps you choose the right format: | Compressed or uncompressed |
| Typical sizes | Any resolution | 16x16 to 256x256 pixels |
| Windows icon use | Not standard | Native icon format |
| Favicon support | None | Universal browser support |
| File size | Large (uncompressed) | Small (optimized for icons) |