Convert BMP to ICO
About BMP
The Bitmap (BMP) file format is a simple, uncompressed raster graphics format developed by Microsoft for the Windows operating system. Because it's typically uncompressed, BMP files store raw pixel data, resulting in very large file sizes. While this ensures maximum quality, its inefficiency makes it impractical for web use or easy sharing. It's now largely a legacy format.
About ICO
The ICO (Icon) file format is used for computer icons in Microsoft Windows. An ICO file contains one or more small images at multiple sizes and color depths, allowing them to be scaled appropriately. The most common use for ICO files on the web is for 'favicons', the small icon displayed in a browser's tab.
BMP vs ICO
| Feature | BMP | ICO |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | uncompressed or RLE | uncompressed or PNG compressed |
| Transparency | false | true |
| Animation | false | false |
| Quality Rating | 2 | 3 |
| Patent Status | royalty-free | royalty-free |
| Year Introduced | 1990 | 1985 |
| Developed By | Microsoft | Microsoft |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any reason to use BMP today?
In modern workflows, there are very few reasons to use BMP. Its primary advantage was its simplicity and wide support in early Windows applications. For almost any purpose, formats like PNG (for lossless quality) or TIFF (for professional work) are far superior choices.
Does BMP support compression?
While the BMP format does support a simple lossless compression method called Run-Length Encoding (RLE), it is rarely used and not very effective. The vast majority of BMP files you encounter will be uncompressed.
Can I use a PNG for a favicon instead of an ICO?
Yes, modern browsers have excellent support for using PNG files as favicons. You can simply link to a .png file in your HTML header. However, the .ico format can still be useful as it can contain multiple icon sizes in a single file, which some browsers and platforms use in different contexts (like bookmarks or desktop shortcuts).
What's the maximum size for an ICO file?
While historically icons were very small (16x16 or 32x32 pixels), the ICO format can technically support icons up to 256x256 pixels. This allows for high-resolution icons on modern displays.
Transform Your Videos with AI Subtitles & Closed Captions
Get started with 10 minutes of free transcription. No credit card required.