An ICO file or image is a vector graphics file extension used to create small-size computer icon images. The file format comprises single or multi-colored small pictures with varying color depths and sizes. The .ICO file format is appropriate when computer apps need to select the best image from a group of image files based on color, width, or size since it can contain multiple images. It is scalable without distorting image quality and supports animation and transparency.
An ICNS (Icon Container Resource) file encodes a pool of images, usually various versions of an identical icon named the icon family at varying resolutions. It comprises a short header followed by a series of data blocks known as icon elements. Each ICNS icon element has a header, a four-byte identifier signifying the type of data in the component, and a blob of binary data. Images in the ICNS file are encoded either as a single icon element or multiple elements, typically one for the alpha mask and one for the color data.
To convert files from ICO to ICNS use an online tool that supports mass conversion, like Convertjack. Such a tool transforms single or bulk images at once to save time.
Go to Choose File, and select any ICO photos you want to convert. If you want to do a bulk conversion, click Choose File and select all the ICO pics you want to convert.
After uploading the ICO image, click the “Select Format” button at the center. A drop-down menu will pop up; select ICNS.
On the bottom right corner of the display, click the “Convert” button. Your converted ICNS file will be ready for download.
Click the “Download” button on the right side of the ICNS file, and the converted image will be downloaded. If you convert multiple files, each file will have a “Download all” button in front of it, and you can click each button to download all the converted files.
To save a ICO file as a ICNS file, you first convert it to ICNS and then download it.
Instead of converting a file manually from ICO to ICNS, use an online tool like Convertjack to convert the file without losing any details.
After converting the ICO file, Download the ICNS file and save it in the default folder for all your downloads on the desktop or mobile.
One of the advantages of ICNS is its ability to store multiple resolutions of an icon within a single file, making it suitable for macOS applications that require high-quality icons of various sizes. ICNS also supports transparency, which helps create icons that look good on different backgrounds. The main disadvantage of ICO files is their specific use case, primarily for Windows icons, with limited versatility beyond simple graphics. Therefore, converting ICO images to ICNS can be beneficial for creating high-quality icons compatible with macOS, ensuring that they maintain quality across different screen sizes and resolutions. Check this ICO vs. ICNS comparison to determine which image format best suits your intended use.