What is the BMP format used for?

BMP is a raster image format developed by Microsoft, often used for storing uncompressed images with exact pixel data, frequently in Windows-native applications.

Why convert BMP images to ICO format?

Converting BMP to ICO packages bitmap images into multi-resolution icon files, suitable for Windows icons and website favicons that require different sizes and color depths.

Can ICO files store multiple images?

Yes, ICO files can contain several images at different resolutions and color depths, allowing the operating system or browser to select the best one to display.

Are ICO files suitable for large photographs?

No, ICO files are primarily intended for small images up to 256×256 pixels and are not designed for large or photographic images.

Convert BMP Images to ICO Format Online

Easily convert your BMP (Bitmap) images into ICO icon files for use in Windows applications, website favicons, and software resources. This online tool packages bitmap images into multi-resolution ICO containers compatible with various UI elements.

Upload Your File | Maximum Size Upto 25MB

Quick Access To 13 BMP File Conversion Pairs

What Is This Tool?

This online file converter transforms BMP (Bitmap) images into ICO icon files. ICO is a Windows icon format that stores one or more small bitmap or PNG images at different sizes and color depths, allowing optimum display in Windows interfaces and web browsers.

How to Use This Tool?

Upload your BMP image file to the converter
Choose ICO as the output format
Optionally resize the image to fit icon size limits (up to 256×256)
Click the convert button to generate the ICO file
Download the resulting ICO file for your Windows or web icon needs

Key Features

Converts BMP raster images into ICO icon containers
Supports multiple icon resolutions and color depths in one file
Creates ICO files compatible with Windows taskbar, Start menu, and favicons
Preserves pixel data to provide exact icon appearance
Generates icons suitable for software resources and website favicons

Examples

Convert a BMP logo into an ICO favicon for website tabs and bookmarks
Create a multi-resolution ICO from a BMP artwork for application executable icons
Generate toolbar and system tray icons by packing BMP variants into a single ICO

Common Use Cases

Turning BMP images into application icons for Windows UI elements
Producing ICO files for website favicons compatible with modern browsers
Creating installer or software resource icons from bitmap artwork
Packing multiple bitmap resolutions into one ICO for adaptive display

Tips & Best Practices

Ensure BMP images are resized to fit icon size limits, typically up to 256x256 pixels
Use images with clear edges and simple color palettes for better icon clarity
Be mindful that transparency effects from BMP may not fully carry over to ICO
Test your ICO icons in various Windows versions and browsers for compatibility
Consider using PNG-compressed ICO entries for smaller file size and lossless quality

Limitations

ICO format is designed for small images; large BMPs require downscaling before conversion
Transparency from BMP source may not be consistently preserved across all icon viewers
ICO files can contain uncompressed images, potentially resulting in large file sizes
Handling of PNG-compressed ICO entries varies between tools and platforms, which may affect interoperability

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BMP format used for?: BMP is a raster image format developed by Microsoft, often used for storing uncompressed images with exact pixel data, frequently in Windows-native applications.
Why convert BMP images to ICO format?: Converting BMP to ICO packages bitmap images into multi-resolution icon files, suitable for Windows icons and website favicons that require different sizes and color depths.
Can ICO files store multiple images?: Yes, ICO files can contain several images at different resolutions and color depths, allowing the operating system or browser to select the best one to display.
Are ICO files suitable for large photographs?: No, ICO files are primarily intended for small images up to 256×256 pixels and are not designed for large or photographic images.

Key Terminology

BMP (Bitmap): A Microsoft raster image format storing pixel data and headers, often uncompressed and used for lossless image storage in Windows.
ICO: A Windows icon file format containing one or more small images at multiple sizes and color depths, used for UI and website icons.
PNG Compression: A lossless compression method used in some ICO files to reduce size without losing image quality.

Quick Knowledge Check

What is the primary purpose of converting BMP files to ICO format?

To compress large photographs for web use

To package bitmap images into multi-resolution icon containers

To add advanced metadata and color profiles

Which of the following is a limitation of ICO files?

They only support RGB color without alpha

They are mainly designed for small images up to 256×256 pixels

They can contain unlimited image resolutions

What does an ICO file typically contain?

Multiple images at various sizes and color depths

Only a single uncompressed bitmap

Audio data for application sounds