How do I open a .ICO file on Windows or Mac?

You can open .ICO files using IcoFX, GIMP, Adobe Photoshop (with plugin), Web Browsers. If you do not have native software installed, you can use OpenAnyFile's free File Identifier or convert .ICO to a standard format in your browser.

Is a .ICO file safe to open?

This format carries a safety rating of Low Risk. Ensure ICO file contains valid directory header for embedded PNGs

Can I convert a .ICO file to other formats?

Yes! .ICO can be converted to formats such as .JPG, .PNG directly in your web browser.

What should I do if a .ICO file is corrupted or won't open?

If your .ICO file displays an invalid header or signature error, check its magic bytes hex header (Varies) using OpenAnyFile's Magic Byte Detector or follow our step-by-step file repair guide.

How do I open .ICO files?

You can open .ICO files using IcoFX, GIMP, Adobe Photoshop (with plugin), Web Browsers.

Images • MIME: image/x-icon

.ICO – ICO File Format

Q: What is a .ICO file?

A .ICO file is a ICO File Format associated with Images. Learn how .ICO files store multiple icon resolutions and color depths for desktop shortcuts and web browser favicons.

Learn how .ICO files store multiple icon resolutions and color depths for desktop shortcuts and web browser favicons.

Primary Category Images

MIME Type image/x-icon

Magic Bytes Signature Varies

Security Risk Rating Low Risk

Recommended Software to Open .ICO

IcoFX

windows, mac, linux • Free

GIMP

windows, mac, linux • Free

Adobe Photoshop (with plugin)

windows, mac, linux • Free

Web Browsers

windows, mac, linux • Free