BMP to ICO converter
Convert BMP to ICO free online. Create favicon and Windows icon files from bitmap images. No signup, 500 MB limit, files auto-deleted in 1 hour.
Drop a file to convert here
or click to browse
About Windows Icon Format
Common Use Cases
- Creating Windows icons from bitmap images
- Favicon generation from BMP sources
- Desktop shortcut icons from BMP files
BMP and ICO are both Windows-native formats, but they serve different purposes. BMP is for general images while ICO is specifically for icons. Converting BMP to ICO packages your bitmap into the icon container format used by browsers and Windows.
BMP is a general-purpose uncompressed image format. ICO is a container specifically designed for multi-resolution Windows icons and website favicons.
Why Convert BMP to ICO?
Windows-native workflow
BMP is already a Windows format, so converting to ICO keeps everything in the Windows ecosystem. Ideal for creating custom desktop icons from existing BMP artwork.
Favicon creation
Convert any BMP image into an ICO file suitable for website favicons and browser tab icons.
Proper icon packaging
While BMP images can look like icons, Windows and browsers expect ICO format for proper icon display. This conversion wraps your image in the correct container.
Automatic sizing
The converter resizes your BMP to standard icon dimensions, handling the technical requirements automatically.
When to use each
Use BMP when...
- General image display on Windows
- Raw pixel data for processing
- Legacy application input
- Intermediate format in workflows
- Full-size image storage
Use ICO when...
- Website favicons
- Windows desktop shortcuts
- Browser tab icons
- Application icon resources
- Small icon-sized display
Common use cases
- Creating Windows icons from bitmap images
- Favicon generation from BMP sources
- Desktop shortcut icons from BMP files
How to use
- Upload your BMP file. Drag and drop a BMP onto the upload area or click to browse. We accept files up to 500 MB.
- Start the conversion. Click Convert File. ImageMagick resizes and packages your BMP as an ICO icon file.
- Download your ICO. Click the download link to save your icon. Files are auto-deleted within 1 hour.
Frequently asked questions
- Is BMP to ICO conversion free?
- Yes. Free users get a daily allowance, registered accounts get higher limits, and Premium or Lifetime members get unlimited conversions.
- What icon sizes are generated?
- The converter creates a standard-size icon from your BMP. Common sizes are 16x16, 32x32, and 48x48 pixels.
- Can I use this as a favicon?
- Yes. Save the output as favicon.ico and place it in your website root directory.
- Does the ICO support transparency?
- ICO supports transparency, but standard BMP files do not carry alpha data. The icon will have a solid background unless your BMP is 32-bit with alpha.
- Will a large BMP be resized?
- Yes. Large BMP images are automatically scaled to fit standard icon dimensions.
- Is there a size limit?
- Yes, 500 MB per file.
- How long are files kept?
- All files are auto-deleted within 1 hour. We never share your data with third parties.