Convert BMP to ICO Online Free
Convert BMP bitmap images to ICO icon format for website favicons and Windows desktop icons. The converter handles resizing and format conversion automatically.
To convert BMP to ICO, drop your BMP file into the converter above. ChangeThisFile processes the bitmap and creates an ICO icon file entirely in your browser. The conversion is free, instant, and your files never leave your device. Perfect for creating favicons from Windows bitmap images.
Convert BMP to ICO
Drop your BMP file here to convert it instantly
Drag & drop your .bmp file here, or click to browse
Convert to ICO instantly
BMP vs ICO: Format Comparison
Key differences between the two formats
| Feature | BMP | ICO |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | General image storage | Icons and favicons |
| Compression | Uncompressed (raw pixels) | Uncompressed or PNG-compressed |
| Transparency | Limited (32-bit only) | Full alpha channel support |
| Multiple sizes | Single image | Can embed 16x16, 32x32, 48x48, 256x256 |
| Typical dimensions | Any size | 16x16 to 256x256 |
| File size | Very large | Very small (icon dimensions) |
| Platform | Windows native | Cross-platform (icons/favicons) |
When to Convert
Common scenarios where this conversion is useful
Creating favicons from Windows bitmaps
If your logo or brand image was created as a BMP in a Windows application, convert it to ICO for use as a website favicon that all browsers recognize.
Windows application development
Visual Studio and other Windows IDEs require ICO format for application icons. Convert your BMP artwork to ICO for inclusion in your software project resources.
Custom desktop shortcuts
Create custom Windows desktop shortcuts with unique icons by converting your BMP images to ICO format, then assigning them through shortcut properties.
Converting legacy icon artwork
Older design tools saved icon artwork as BMP. Convert these legacy files to proper ICO format for use in modern applications and websites.
How to Convert BMP to ICO
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1
Drop your BMP file
Drag and drop your BMP image into the converter area, or click browse to select it from your device.
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2
Instant conversion
Your browser decodes the BMP and encodes it as an ICO file using the Canvas API. The image is automatically scaled to standard icon dimensions.
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3
Download your ICO
Save the converted ICO file. Use it as favicon.ico on your website or as a Windows application icon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Start with at least a 256x256 pixel square BMP for best quality across all icon display sizes. The converter handles resizing. Square images produce the best icons.
Yes. Place the file as favicon.ico in your website's root directory. All browsers recognize this standard location and display the icon in tabs and bookmarks.
Yes, dramatically. A large BMP is resized to icon dimensions (typically 32x32 or 48x48 pixels), which naturally produces a very small file. The reduction can be 99%+.
ICO supports full alpha channel transparency. However, if your source BMP doesn't have transparency data (most 24-bit BMPs don't), the ICO won't have transparent areas either.
Yes. The output is a standard Windows ICO file compatible with all applications that accept ICO format, including Windows Explorer, web browsers, and development tools.
Yes. Right-click a folder, go to Properties > Customize > Change Icon, and select your converted ICO file to use it as a custom folder icon.
Yes. All processing happens in your browser. Your BMP files are never uploaded to any server, ensuring your images remain private.
Yes. The converter runs in any modern browser regardless of operating system. Mac users can create ICO files for cross-platform web projects or Windows software development.
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