Why Convert BMP to ICO?
ICO (Icon) is the native Windows icon format and ideal for application icons and favicons:
- Multiple Sizes: Store several resolutions in a single file.
- Transparency: Supports alpha transparency for crisp edges.
- System Compatibility: Works seamlessly with Windows and browsers for favicons.
- Professional Look: Sharp icons across taskbar, desktop, and menus.
How to Convert BMP to ICO Online
It only takes a few seconds:
- Click Upload BMP and choose your image.
- Wait for processing to complete.
- Click Download ICO to save your icon.
The tool optimizes your icon for common sizes automatically.
ICO vs BMP: Key Differences
| Feature | BMP | ICO |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | General raster image | Icon container for apps/favicons |
| Transparency | None by default; limited in some 32-bit variants | Full alpha transparency |
| Multiple sizes | No | Yes (16–256px typical) |
| Editing workflow | Simple, uncompressed (large files) | Multiple bit depths/sizes in one file |
What is BMP?
BMP (Bitmap Image File) is a simple raster format that often stores pixels without compression, resulting in large file sizes. Great for simplicity and compatibility, but not efficient for icons or the web.
What is ICO?
ICO is the standard Windows icon format that can include multiple image sizes and color depths in one file, ideal for app icons and website favicons.
Supported Limits & Formats
- Accepted input: BMP (
image/bmp) - Maximum file size: up to 16 MB per file
- Output: ICO (
.ico, MIMEimage/x-icon) - Icon sizes: 16, 32, 48, 64, 128, 256 px
Use Cases: When to Convert BMP to ICO
- Favicon Creation: Generate a favicon.ico for websites.
- Application Development: Windows apps require ICO for icons.
- Desktop Shortcuts: Customize shortcut icons with clean edges.
- Brand Consistency: Keep logos sharp across DPI scales.
Troubleshooting
- Upload fails: Ensure the file is BMP and ≤ 16 MB.
- Jagged edges: Start from a higher-resolution BMP; the tool will downscale to multiple sizes.
- Favicon not showing: Clear browser cache and place
/favicon.icoat the site root with a correct<link rel='icon'>.
- Yes, the converter is completely free with no hidden charges or subscriptions.
- ICO is primarily for Windows and favicons; macOS/Linux can display ICO but app icons there typically use other formats.
- Common sizes are 16×16, 32×32, 48×48, 64×64, 128×128, and 256×256 pixels.
- You can upload images up to 16 MB per file.
- Files are processed automatically and not retained longer than necessary for conversion.
- This page converts one file at a time. For bulk needs, repeat the process or use a batch tool.
- Yes. ICO is designed for icons and can contain multiple sizes with transparency in a single file.
Disclaimer: ICO is best for icons and favicons. For general images, consider PNG or JPG.