Convert ICO to BMP Online Free
Convert ICO icon files to uncompressed BMP bitmap format. Extract icons as raw bitmap images for use in Windows applications, image processing, or legacy software workflows.
To convert ICO to BMP, drop your ICO file into the converter above. ChangeThisFile decodes the icon and exports it as an uncompressed BMP bitmap directly in your browser. The conversion is free, instant, and your files never leave your device. The output is raw pixel data.
Convert ICO to BMP
Drop your ICO file here to convert it instantly
Drag & drop your .ico file here, or click to browse
Convert to BMP instantly
ICO vs BMP: Format Comparison
Key differences between the two formats
| Feature | ICO | BMP |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Icons and favicons | Raw image data, Windows apps |
| Compression | Uncompressed or PNG-compressed | Uncompressed (raw pixels) |
| Transparency | Full alpha channel | Limited (32-bit only) |
| Multiple sizes | Embeds multiple sizes | Single image |
| Color depth | Up to 32-bit | Up to 32-bit |
| Typical dimensions | 16x16 to 256x256 | Any size |
| Platform | Cross-platform (icons) | Native to Windows |
When to Convert
Common scenarios where this conversion is useful
Extracting icons for image editing
Convert ICO files to BMP for editing in paint programs and image editors that don't support ICO format natively.
Legacy software compatibility
Some older Windows applications and embedded systems accept BMP but not ICO for image input. Convert icons to BMP for these compatibility scenarios.
Icon asset documentation
When documenting icon sets, BMP provides a simple, universally readable format. Convert ICO files to BMP for inclusion in asset libraries and design documentation.
Raw pixel access for programming
BMP's simple uncompressed format makes it easy to read pixel data programmatically. Convert ICO to BMP for custom image processing scripts.
How to Convert ICO to BMP
-
1
Drop your ICO file
Drag and drop your ICO icon file into the converter area, or click browse to select it from your device.
-
2
Instant conversion
Your browser decodes the ICO and exports the pixel data as an uncompressed BMP bitmap. The largest embedded icon size is used.
-
3
Download your BMP
Save the converted BMP file. The output is an uncompressed bitmap with the same dimensions as the source icon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Usually yes, because BMP stores raw uncompressed pixel data. However, since icons are small (typically under 256x256), the BMP will still be a small file in absolute terms.
Standard 24-bit BMP doesn't support transparency. Transparent areas from the ICO will be filled with white. 32-bit BMP can store alpha data but not all applications support it.
The converter uses the largest icon size embedded in the ICO file, giving you the best quality bitmap output.
Yes. BMP is the native format for Microsoft Paint and opens directly. This makes ICO to BMP conversion a quick way to edit icon artwork.
Choose BMP when you need raw uncompressed pixel data, compatibility with legacy Windows tools, or the simplest possible image format for programmatic access. For general use, PNG is usually better.
Yes. All processing happens in your browser. Your ICO files are never uploaded to any server, keeping your icon files completely private.
Yes, ChangeThisFile also offers BMP to ICO conversion for creating icon files from bitmap images.
Yes. The converter runs in any modern browser. While BMP is a Windows format, Mac applications like Preview can open BMP files.
Related Conversions
Ready to convert your file?
Convert ICO to BMP instantly — free, no signup required.
Start Converting