How to Convert a Bitmap to an Icon

Pop-a-BMP-to-ICO

An icon is an image file format, represented by the file extension .ico, recognized by the Windows OS and used in many ways. Icons are generally used to represent files, folders, and disk drives as buttons, menu and taskbar items. Some are also used in web browsers to represent websites.Icons should be clean, clear, and tiny, although bigger ones are now being used. They usually need to visible on a variety of monitors set at different resolutions. The most often used size is 32x32 pixels with 16 bit colors. Other common sizes include 16x16, 48x48, and 256x256. Color depths used include 4, 8, and 32 bit colors.XP added the ability for 48x48 and 72x72 pixel icons with up to 32 bit colors. Vista added the ability for 256x256 pixel icons with up to 32 bit colors. For the larger size, Microsoft recommends the compressed PNG format.Icons require specific configurations in order for Windows to recognize them. There are many methods of converting bitmap images to icons. It can be done manually using coding in a few computer languages but this method is for experts. There are dozens of programs online that will convert bitmaps without all of the hassle.This how to will show how to use "Pop-a-BMP-to-ICO" to create a 32x32 pixel, 32-bit color, uncompressed icon.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Pop-a-BMP-to-ICO
• A bitmap image

Instructions

1. 

   Open an image of any format or size with a graphics editor.

2. 

   Crop the image to the area desired and try to get it as square as possible. Know that much of the details and colors will be lost, depending on the size of the icon being created, so do not choose too large of an image area with many colors.

3. 

   Resize the cropped image to the size of the icon being created. It might not always be necessary but it helps with the conversion process.

4. Download, install, and open the program "Pop-a-BMP-to-ICO."

5. 

   Click "Open / Convert Bitmap" button.

6. Locate the bitmap image that is to be converted and open it.

7. 

   Click "Yes" when the "Convert this image to icon" box pops up.

8. Locate the new icon image in the same folder as the bitmap image is located.

Resources

• Pop-a-BMP-to-ICO