BMP to ICO Converter
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Supports: BMP
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Need help?How to Convert BMP to ICO
- Upload Your BMP File — Click "Choose Files" or drag and drop your BMP image. Batch upload is supported for converting multiple icons at once.
- Select Icon Size — Under Image Resolution, choose a preset size. For ICO output, available presets include 256px, 192px, 128px, 64px, 48px, 32px, 24px, and 16px. Pick 32px for standard favicons or 256px for high-resolution Windows desktop icons.
- Adjust Quality — Use the Quality Preset dropdown (Highest, Very High, High, Medium, Low) to control output fidelity. "Very High" is the default and recommended for most icons.
- Convert & Download — Click "Convert" and download your ICO file. Batch convert multiple BMP files in one session.
Why Convert BMP to ICO?
BMP (Bitmap) is an uncompressed raster format that stores every pixel directly, resulting in large file sizes. ICO is the standard icon format for Windows, bundling one or more images at specific sizes into a single file. Converting BMP to ICO is essential for creating website favicons, Windows application icons, desktop shortcuts, and taskbar icons. Unlike BMP, ICO files are recognized natively by browsers and operating systems for icon display.
ICO Size Guide
| Use Case | Recommended Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Browser favicon (tab) | 16×16 or 32×32 | Most browsers use 16px in tabs, 32px for bookmarks |
| Windows desktop icon | 48×48 or 256×256 | Explorer uses 48px default, 256px for large icon view |
| Windows taskbar | 24×24 or 32×32 | Taskbar pins typically render at 24-32px |
| Application icon | 256×256 | Modern Windows apps expect 256px for high-DPI displays |
| Apple Touch Icon | 180×180 | Use PNG instead of ICO for iOS devices |
BMP vs ICO Comparison
| Feature | BMP | ICO |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | None (uncompressed) | PNG compression internally |
| Transparency | Limited (32-bit BMP only) | Full alpha channel support |
| Multi-size | Single image only | Multiple sizes in one file |
| Typical file size (32×32) | ~3 KB | ~1-2 KB |
| Browser favicon support | No | Yes |
| Windows icon support | No | Yes (native) |
What BMP files does this tool accept?
This converter accepts BMP bitmap images. BMP is an uncompressed format common on Windows. The tool processes your BMP and outputs a properly formatted ICO file at your chosen resolution preset (16px through 256px).
Does converting BMP to ICO preserve transparency?
Standard BMP files do not support transparency, so the output ICO will have an opaque background. If you need transparent icons, start with a PNG source instead. The quality preset setting controls the visual fidelity of the conversion.
What size should I use for a website favicon?
Use 32×32 for the best balance across browsers. Most browsers display favicons at 16×16 in tabs but use 32×32 for bookmarks and shortcuts. Select the 32P preset under Image Resolution when converting.
Can I batch convert multiple BMP files to ICO?
Yes. Upload multiple BMP files at once and convert them all to ICO in a single session. Each file is processed individually with your chosen resolution and quality settings, then available for download as separate ICO files.
What is the difference between ICO and PNG for favicons?
ICO is the traditional favicon format supported by all browsers including older versions of Internet Explorer. PNG favicons are supported by modern browsers and allow larger sizes. For maximum compatibility, ICO at 32×32 is the safest choice. Modern sites often provide both via HTML link tags.