ICO File Extension
Icon Format
- File Type ico
- Developer Microsoft
- Popularity
- Application Axialis IconWorkshop
- Category Graphics Files, Raster Image Files
- Format Binary
What is a ICO file?
Icon Format files, recognized by the ICO extension, fall into the Graphics Files and Raster Image Files categories, amounting to 1131 files.
The Icon Format (ICO) was created by Microsoft, a company that developed file format and produced 242 programs for their use.
ICO file support extends to various operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS and Linux. If you need to view a ICO file, you can use one of 27 programs, such as Axialis IconWorkshop, IconBox and Icon Extractor.
MIME types
- image/x-icon
Programs that support ICO files
Windows
Axialis IconWorkshop
Icon Extractor
IcoFX
Adobe Photoshop- IconForge
XnView- BeCyIconGrabber
FastStone Image Viewer
ACDSee Photo Manager
FastPictureViewer Pro
Windows Live Photo Gallery- IconViewer
GIMP
XnConvert
Paint 3D- Revelation Natural Art
- icomancer
FormatFactory- IconUtils
- RealWorld Icon Editor
Xara Page & Layout Designer
Online Services
How to open a ICO file?
If you’re having difficulty opening a ICO file, it is often due to not having the correct software. To solve the problem, choose a compatible program from the list. Then follow the link to the official developer site, download the software, and install it on your device.
When it comes to opening and working with ICO files, Axialis IconWorkshop, IconBox and Icon Extractor are the top choices for users. If you need the newest version of Axialis IconWorkshop, just access the Axialis website. From there you can download the installer compatible with all systems.
Following installation, ICO files should be automatically opened with Axialis IconWorkshop.
Set Axialis IconWorkshop as the default ICO program
Changing Default Programs in Windows
- Right-click your ICO file, then navigate to the "Open With" option and click "Choose Another Application" to continue;
- In the pop-up window, select the Axialis IconWorkshop application;
- Check the "Always use this application" checkbox, and then click "OK" to apply the selected application as the default for opening ICO files.
Change Default Program on Mac
- Right click or Control + left click on the desired ICO file;
- Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
- Look at the bottom of the window, where you will see the "Enable" menu. "Recommended Programs" will be selected as the default option;
- Within this menu select "All Programs" and navigate to Axialis IconWorkshop. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make sure it’s the default option.
Solve problems with ICO files
When issues arise with ICO files, they can generally be fixed with small software tweaks. Use the troubleshooting tips below to help resolve them.
What can lead to sudden Axialis IconWorkshop crashes?
Axialis IconWorkshop crashes can occur due to outdated software versions. To mitigate this, install the latest updates for Axialis products.
Restarting your computer will solve many common problems, which is why it’s the first thing you should do before changing any settings related to the software.
What is the recommended approach to repair a damaged ICO file?
Open the damaged ICO file with a recovery program, and then select the "Repair" menu item to start the repair process. Allow the recovery process to complete, which will automatically repair the damaged graphics files.
What are the telltale signs of a corrupt ICO file?
Common indications of damaged ICO graphics files are:
- Unexpected expansion of the total size of the ICO file;
- Opening the file in Axialis IconWorkshop or other programs causes them to hang or crash;
- Opening the file results in an error or a failed attempt;
- While working with the file, error messages appear;
- Editing the archive in Axialis IconWorkshop results in slow or unresponsive behavior;
How to edit a ICO file?
To edit ICO files, it is essential to install software that supports not only viewing but also editing the graphics files. Online ICO editors provide limited functionality compared to full-featured software for Icon Format.
List of Top ICO editors 2026
Taking into account the provided details, we have prepared a list of ICO editors that match your needs.
| ICO Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe Photoshop | Adobe | Windows, Mac OS | 4.9 out of 5 (47 reviews) |
| IconForge | CursorArts | Windows | 4.9 out of 5 (42 reviews) |
| icomancer | LAVA SoftWorks | Windows | 4.8 out of 5 (34 reviews) |
| Photopea | Photopea | Online Services | 4.7 out of 5 (37 reviews) |
| Icons Maker | QING ZHU | Mac OS | 4.6 out of 5 (40 reviews) |
| Axialis IconWorkshop | Axialis | Windows | 4.5 out of 5 (35 reviews) |
| IcoFX | IcoFX | Windows | 4.5 out of 5 (42 reviews) |
| Image2icon | Shiny Frog | Mac OS | 4.5 out of 5 (34 reviews) |
| Revelation Natural Art | Logotron | Windows | 4.5 out of 5 (41 review) |
| GIMP | The GIMP Team | Windows, Linux, Mac OS | 4.3 out of 5 (43 reviews) |
Convert to and from ICO
If handling a ICO file is problematic, consider converting it to alternative formats such as JPG, PNG, BMP, PSD, SVG or other supported types.
Keep in mind that converting a ICO file may introduce some limitations, but the original format can often be restored.
Using offline applications such as Axialis IconWorkshop, IconBox and XnView, you can convert ICO files to various formats without losing data quality.