How to convert BMP to ICO
To convert BMP to ICO, upload your BMP file, choose ICO as the output format and press Convert. The finished ICO file is ready to save to your phone or computer in seconds, free, with no watermark and no sign-up. Your file is deleted from our server about 30 minutes after the conversion.
This free online converter changes BMP images into ICO files in seconds, with no software to install and no watermark. You can convert several files at once, resize them and choose the quality for formats that support it. Metadata such as location tags is removed from the output for privacy.
Reasons to switch from BMP to ICO
- Multiple sizes in a single file
- Works as a favicon
- Supports transparency
- Works with: Windows, every browser (favicon) and most editors
What to expect from this conversion
- Both formats store the pixels without loss, so the picture stays identical. Only the file size and compatibility change.
- The icon contains up to seven sizes from 16x16 to 256x256 pixels, built from your image on a square transparent canvas, which is what Windows and browser favicons expect.
BMP vs ICO
| Property | BMP | ICO |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Windows Bitmap | Windows Icon |
| Released | 1986, Microsoft | 1985, Microsoft |
| Compression | None (uncompressed) | Lossless |
| Transparency | No | Yes |
| Animation | No | No |
| Bit depth | 1 to 32-bit | up to 32-bit |
| Shown in browsers | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | legacy Windows software; embedded devices | website favicons; Windows application icons |
Steps to convert BMP to ICO
- Drop your BMP image file onto the converter, or click to choose it.
- Check that ICO is selected as the target and adjust the options if you want.
- Press Convert, then download your new ICO file when it finishes.
Tips for the best result
- Use quality 80 to 90 for photos: it is visually close to the original at a much smaller size.
- Set a width if the image will be shown on a small screen, which also reduces the file size.
- Choose a background colour before converting transparent images to a format without transparency.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert BMP to ICO?
Drop your BMP files on the converter, confirm that ICO is the target and press Convert. Download each file or the whole batch as a ZIP.
Is the BMP to ICO converter free?
Yes. It is free with no watermark, no sign-up and no limit on how many images you convert. The site is supported by ads.
Does converting BMP to ICO reduce quality?
Both formats store the pixels without loss, so the picture stays identical. Only the file size and compatibility change. The quality slider only affects formats that use lossy compression.
Will transparency be kept when I convert BMP to ICO?
BMP images do not contain transparency, so there is nothing to lose. ICO supports it if you edit the image later.
Which programs open ICO files?
ICO files open in Windows, every browser (favicon) and most editors.
How many images can I convert at once?
Up to 20 images per batch, each up to 60 MB. Files are deleted from the server about 30 minutes after conversion.