How to Make an Icon for Windows
Over the life of the Microsoft Windows Operating System (OS), the screen icons that we all take for granted have evolved alongside the rest of the OS suite. Starting with Windows XP and continuing in Windows Vista, support for high-resolution icons on your computer has become available--resulting in sharper and more complex imagery being available for use on your computer. Newer capabilities of display include: varying angle and perspective looks to icons; the ability to display soft and rounded icon corners; varying light sources; the use of gradients; and permitting drop shadows to be displayed.
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Instructions
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Download an image processing application such as Adobe Photoshop and install it on your computer.
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Open a new file image and set its size to 32 by 32 pixels.
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Edit your image with your desired look for the new Window's icon.
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Save your image as a .ico file extension by selecting "File->Save As" and clicking on .ico on the drop-down menu.
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Exit Photoshop and right-click on the folder or window's shortcut that you want to change the icon of, and right-click and select the "Properties" menu option.
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Left-click the "Customize" tab and select the "Change Icon" menu option. Select your new .ico file and click the "OK" menu option.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't use the Windows flag in icons. It may be a violation of Microsoft copyright.
Resources
- Photo Credit Screenshots taken by the author
