How to make Windows Icon file using Simple Icon File Maker

by Arif, posted in Uncategorized

Every application that you use on your Windows PC has a specific icon file tied to it. The icon file is also saved within the Windows subsystem in the .ICO format. This means that if you use the right program, you can easily edit and make your own ICO file to change the icon for a specific application. Or, if you’re an app developer, use an existing image to create your own icon for a new application that you’re building from scratch. Many options exist, but one of the easiest ways to do this is by using Simple Icon File Maker, by JoeFinApps.

Using Simple Icon File Maker is pretty easy. Once you have an image file, either as a PNG, BMP, JPEG, JPG, or existing .ICO, the application will format and convert the file for you to the ICO format and make sure the icon is properly centered. All you need to do is install the app from the Microsoft Store on Windows 10 or Windows 11 using the link below, or by clicking here. You can then get started and dive into the steps we’ve highlighted below.

  1. Launch Simple Icon File Maker
  2. Select the option for Browse and select an image. In our example, we’re using an image of a cloud.
  3. Navigate to where the image you want to use as a Windows Icon file is saved.
  4. At the top of the application, next to Icon Sizes you can choose the globe to see icon sizes for the web. You can even choose the laptop to see icon sizes built specially for Windows.
  5. For additional options, select a specific icon size from the list.
  6. Once an image size is selected, preview what your icon will look like at the side of the screen.
  7. When ready, click the Save icon button to save the icon with the image size you selected.
  8. You also can choose Save all images to save icons at the various sizes in an image format.

After you generated your .ICO file, there’s not much to changing it. You’ll just need to create a desktop shortcut for the application that you want to change the icon for. You can do this by dragging the icon for the app from your Start Menu over to the desktop. Then, right-click on the application and choose Properties. Click on the Shortcut option and choose Change Icon. Choose Browse and then pick the location for the icon you made earlier and choose OK. You should now notice that your application has a new icon! Note that not all applications support changing the icon, however.

Leave a comment