Free BMP to ICO converter online
Need a ICO instead of a BMP? This free converter turns BMP files into ICO images right in your browser. Add as many files as you like, adjust the settings and download the results individually or together as a ZIP.
BMP is an uncompressed bitmap format from early Windows. Because it stores every pixel raw, BMP files are enormous (a 12 megapixel photo is about 36 MB) but they are trivially simple, so old software, microcontrollers, label printers and some games still require them.
ICO is the Windows icon format and the classic format for website favicons. A single .ico file can hold several sizes (16x16, 32x32, 48x48 up to 256x256) so the operating system or browser can pick the sharpest one.
About BMP and ICO files
New to these formats? These pages explain what each one is for and how to open it on Windows, Mac, iPhone and Android.
Why convert BMP to ICO?
- ICO files are needed for website favicons and Windows shortcuts. FileStripe packs several sizes (16 to 256 px) into one icon.
How to convert BMP to ICO
- Click the upload box or drag and drop your BMP files (you can select several at once).
- Conversion to ICO starts automatically. Change the icon sizes if you like.
- Download each ICO file or click 'Download all' for a ZIP.
Features
- Batch conversionConvert hundreds of BMP files at once.
- No uploadFiles never leave your device, so it is fast and private.
- Strips metadataThe ICO files contain no EXIF or GPS data.
- Any deviceWorks on iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac and Chromebook.
BMP vs ICO: what's the difference?
| Feature | BMP | ICO |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Bitmap Image File | Windows Icon |
| Released | 1990 | 1985 |
| Compression | None (uncompressed) | PNG or BMP inside |
| Transparency | Rarely supported | Yes |
| Animation | No | No |
| Typical file size | Huge | Small |
| Best for | legacy Windows software, embedded devices and some printers | website favicons and Windows application icons |
| Compatibility | Windows apps and most editors; inefficient for the web | All browsers (favicon) and Windows |
| File extensions | .bmp, .dib | .ico |
| MIME type | image/bmp | image/x-icon |
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert BMP to ICO?
Open this page, add your BMP files, and FileStripe converts them to ICO in your browser. Then download the files one by one or as a ZIP. It takes a few seconds and you don't need to install anything.
Will converting BMP to ICO reduce quality?
No further quality is lost. ICO is lossless, so the ICO file looks exactly like the decoded BMP.
Can I convert multiple BMP files to ICO at once?
Yes. Select or drop as many BMP files as you like; there is no limit on the number or size of files.
Is the BMP to ICO free?
Yes. The BMP to ICO is completely free with no sign-up, no watermarks, no daily limits and no premium tier.
Are my files uploaded to a server?
No. FileStripe processes your files locally in your web browser using JavaScript. Nothing is uploaded, so the BMP to ICO is safe for private photos and confidential documents and even works offline once the page has loaded.
Does it work on iPhone and Android?
Yes. The BMP to ICO works in Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Edge and Samsung Internet on phones, tablets and computers. On a phone you can pick files from your photo library or files app and share the result straight to another app.
Last updated · Processing happens locally in your browser.