ICO Image Format

The ICO file format is a type of image file used to store icons in Microsoft Windows. Here’s what you need to know about the ICO file format:

What does ICO stand for?

ICO stands for Icon File.

What is an ICO file?

An ICO file is a small bitmap image that contains one or more icons, which are used to represent applications, files, and folders in Microsoft Windows. The icon can be displayed in various sizes, such as 16×16, 32×32, 48×48, or 64×64 pixels.

How does an ICO file work?

An ICO file contains a collection of images with different resolutions and color depths. Each image is stored in a specific format, which allows the operating system to select the most suitable icon for display.

The ICO file format supports various features, including:

  • Multiple images with different resolutions (e.g., 16×16, 32×32)
  • Support for multiple color depths (e.g., 8-bit, 24-bit, 32-bit)
  • Optional alpha channel (transparency) support

What are the characteristics of an ICO file?

Here are some key characteristics of ICO files:

  • File extension: .ico
  • MIME type: image/x-icon
  • File size: Typically small, ranging from a few hundred bytes to several kilobytes
  • Image format: Bitmap (BMP) or PNG
  • Color depth: Varies, but typically 8-bit, 24-bit, or 32-bit
  • Alpha channel support: Optional

How are ICO files used?

ICO files are widely used in various contexts:

  • Application icons: ICO files are often used as the icon for a Windows application.
  • File and folder icons: ICO files can be associated with specific file types or folders to provide a visual representation.
  • Web page icons (Favicon): ICO files can be used as the favicon for a website, which is displayed in the browser’s address bar.

In summary, the ICO file format is a specialized image file format used to store and display icons in Microsoft Windows. Its ability to contain multiple images with different resolutions and color depths makes it an ideal choice for representing applications, files, and folders on the Windows platform.