Convert BMP images to Windows icon ICO format for free. Perfect for creating desktop icons.
Upload BMP Files
Select BMP files to convert to ICO
Supported formats: BMP
Paste (Ctrl/⌘+V) or drop an image — or import from a URL
BMP to ICO Features
• High-quality icon creation with transparency
• Multiple icon sizes in one file
• Perfect for favicon creation
• Desktop icon creation support
Convert a BMP bitmap into a Windows ICO icon file right in your browser. ICO is the format Windows uses for application icons, desktop shortcuts, and website favicons, and it can hold the square sizes — 16×16, 32×32, 48×48, and 256×256 — that File Explorer and the taskbar expect. Image Machine rescales your bitmap and writes a valid .ico locally, with no upload, no sign-up, and no watermark.
How It Works
Choose a tool
Pick from 120+ tools to resize, convert, compress, or enhance your image.
Upload & edit
Drag and drop your image and adjust the settings. It stays on your device.
Download
Save your result instantly — no watermark, no sign-up required.
Why Image Machine?
Your files never leave your device
All processing runs locally in your browser. Your images are never uploaded to a server.
Completely free
Every tool is free, with no limits, no watermarks, and no hidden costs.
Lightning fast
No upload waiting — your images are processed instantly on your own device.
Professional quality
Pixel-perfect output with full control over format, size, and quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ICO file used for?
ICO is the native icon container on Windows. It is used for application and shortcut icons, and as a favicon for websites. Unlike a plain image, an .ico can store several square resolutions inside one file so the system always has a sharp version to display.
Which icon sizes should a BMP be converted to?
The most common sizes are 16×16 (taskbar and tabs), 32×32 and 48×48 (desktop), and 256×256 (large thumbnails). A square source converts most cleanly; if your BMP is rectangular, crop it to a square first so the icon is not stretched.
Will the converted ICO have a transparent background?
Most BMP files have no alpha channel, so the resulting icon is fully opaque. If you need a transparent icon, start from a PNG or SVG with an alpha channel instead — the ICO format itself fully supports 32-bit transparency.
Is BMP to ICO conversion free and private?
Yes. The conversion runs entirely in your browser using the canvas — your bitmap is never uploaded to a server — and there is no fee, account, or watermark.