ICON File Extension
Icon Image Format
- File Type icon
- Popularity
- Application Axialis IconWorkshop
- Category Graphics Files, Raster Image Files
- Format Binary
What is a ICON file?
Icon Image Format files, recognized by the ICON extension, fall into the Graphics Files and Raster Image Files categories, amounting to 1131 files.
ICON files are supported by Windows, Mac OS and Linux. If you need to view a ICON file, you can use one of 11 programs, such as Axialis IconWorkshop, FastPictureViewer Pro and Apple Icon Composer.
Programs that support ICON files
How to open a ICON file?
If you’re having difficulty opening a ICON 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.
The most popular programs for working with ICON files are Axialis IconWorkshop, FastPictureViewer Pro and Apple Icon Composer. To install the current version of Axialis IconWorkshop, go directly to the official Axialis website. The universal package for all operating systems is available there.
After installing, your OS should instantly open ICON files with Axialis IconWorkshop.
Set Axialis IconWorkshop to open ICON by default
Changing the default program in Windows
- Right-click your ICON file, then navigate to the "Open With" option and click "Choose Another Application" to continue;
- Find the Axialis IconWorkshop application in the pop-up window and select it as your preferred program;
- Select the "Always use this application" check box and click "OK" to save your selection as the default application for opening ICON files.
Change default apps on Mac
- Right-click or use Control + Left-click on the desired ICON file to access the file’s context menu;
- Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
- Look towards the bottom of the window, where you will find the "Enable" menu. "Recommended programs" will be the default selection;
- Choose "All Programs" in this menu and search for Axialis IconWorkshop. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to set it as the default option.
Convert to and from ICON
For difficult ICON files, try converting them to formats like JPG, JPEG, GIF, PNG, TIF or similar formats to improve usability.
Please note that after converting a ICON file, some functionality may differ from the original. However, in many cases, it can be converted back to its original format.
Convert ICON to other file formats
Converting Files to ICON Format
Easy ICON Troubleshooting
Problematic ICON files can usually be resolved by making small changes in your software. See the tips below to help fix common issues.
What are the telltale signs of a corrupt ICON file?
Corrupted ICON graphics files may have one or more of the following symptoms:
- Unexpected expansion of the total size of the ICON 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;
- Poor performance when editing a file in Axialis IconWorkshop;
Why does Axialis IconWorkshop crash or shut down frequently?
Axialis IconWorkshop crashes can occur due to outdated software versions. To mitigate this, install the latest updates for Axialis products.
Restarting your computer is often an effective solution to resolve various common problems. Therefore, it is recommended to do so before making any changes to the software configuration.
Is there any specific software or utility that can help repair a damaged ICON file?
Open the damaged ICON 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.
How to edit a ICON file?
To edit ICON files, you need to install specialized software that allows you not only to open but also to modify graphics files. Online ICON editors usually provide fewer features than software created specifically for Icon Image Format.
List of Top ICON editors 2026
Based on the specified criteria, here is a list of ICON editors that may fit your requirements.
| ICON Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Icon Composer | Apple | Mac OS | 4.8 out of 5 (38 reviews) |
| Axialis IconWorkshop | Axialis | Windows | 4.8 out of 5 (40 reviews) |
| GIMP | The GIMP Team | Windows, Linux, Mac OS | 4.6 out of 5 (48 reviews) |
| IconUtils | Aha-Soft | Windows | 4.6 out of 5 (45 reviews) |
| Icon Plus | Cezar Popescu | Mac OS | 4.4 out of 5 (45 reviews) |
| RealWorld Icon Editor | RealWorld Graphics | Windows | 4.3 out of 5 (41 review) |