| File extension | .ico |
| Category | Image File |
| Description | The .ico file extension is a file format that is used by Microsoft Windows to display an image to represent computer icons, such as programs, shortcuts, Start Menu items or directories. To associate an image with a file in Microsoft Windows a .ico file must be used. An example of an icon is the small computer image associated with 'My Computer' or the Notepad icon that is associated with the Notepad.exe application within Microsoft Windows. |
| Actions |
View other image file formats |
| Technical Details | The .ico file type was introduced by the first edition of Windows and has slowly evolved in terms of maximum pixel size and the level of colour support. Windows 7 currently supports icon sizes up to 256 x 256 pixels at 32 bit (comprising 24 bit colour, and 8 bit transparency). However to ensure backwards compatibility with previous versions of Windows 8 bit versions are recommended. |
| Associated programs |
Adobe Photoshop
Microsoft Paint
Windows Picture and Fax Viewer |
|
| Developed by |
Microsoft |
| MIME type |
image/ico
image/x-icon
application/ico
application/x-ico
application/x-win-bitmap
image/x-win-bitmap
application/octet-stream |
|
| Useful links |
More info on ico files
Guide to Windows 7 ico files |
