Files with ico extension can be typically found as icons, most notably program icons for Windows executables. A single .ico file contains one or more icons in different pixel sizes.
Software that open ico file
ICO file extension - Icon image
What is ico file? How to open ico files?
File extension ico is used for an icon graphic file format that contains icons at various sizes (16x16, 32x32, 64x64, 128x128, 512x512 pixels etc.) and various numbers of colors (16 colors, 32, 64, 128, 256, 16-bit etc.).
ICO file format is frequently used to change icons for files, folders or programs interface icons of graphical user interface (GUI) of modern operating systems.
MIME types:
image/x-icon
Updated: January 3, 2025
The default software associated to open ico file:
Company or developer:
Axialis Software
Axialis IconWorkshop is a full-featured program that allows you to create icons for Windows, Mac and Unix. It is also able to paint icons for Windows 10 (768x768) and Macintosh icons up to 1024x1024 for Macs with Retina display with variable transparency (alpha channel).
It supports various conversions of icons to standard picture file formats and vice versa as well as conversion of icons between Mac and Windows formats.
Company or developer:
Aha-Soft
IconUtils is solution used to create icons and cursors for Microsoft Windows. IconUtils is able to create and edit icons as well as create and edit static and animated cursors. You can export final icon/cursor as ICO, BMP, JPEG, CUR, PNG, WBMP, XBM, XPM, PSD (Adobe Photoshop) and RC (Resource Compiler) files.
Company or developer:
IcoFX Software
IcoFX is a professional icon and cursor editor for Microsoft Windows. IcoFX is able to create, grab and edit icons. It is designed to work with various versions of Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 and Macintosh icons supporting transparency.
It allows users to convert Macintosh icons to Windows icons and vice versa. With IcoFX you can extract icons from other files, including Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 and Macintosh files.
Company or developer:
ChickenByte
​IconBox is a graphic utility and icon manager for Mac OS X. It is iPhoto like application that enables you to store, manage & change all your icons or dock icons using simple drag & drop like functionality.
The first icon organizer for Mac OS X now has full icon & dock customization capabilities and online tools for searching new icons.
List of software applications associated to the .ico file extension
Recommended software programs are sorted by OS platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android etc.)
and possible program actions that can be done with the file: like open ico file, edit ico file, convert ico file, view ico file, play ico file etc. (if exist software for corresponding action in File-Extensions.org's database).
Hint:
Click on the tab below to simply browse between the application actions, to quickly get a list of recommended software, which is able to perform the specified software action, such as opening, editing or converting ico files.
Software that open ico file - Icon image
Programs supporting the exension ico on the main platforms Windows, Mac, Linux or mobile. Click on the link to get more information about listed programs for open ico file action.
Microsoft Windows:
Main software associated with ico file by default:
Axialis IconWorkshop
IconUtils
IcoFX
Other suggested software:
icomancer
Icon Catcher
RealWorld Icon Editor
Microsoft Paint
Adobe Photoshop
GIMP
IconForge
Icon Extractor
Revelation Natural Art (obsolete/discontinued)
BeCyIconGrabber
