User Guide & Best Practices

Best Practices for High-Quality ICO Files

📱 Device Compatibility

• Mobile Support: Works on mobile devices (phones/tablets) with full functionality
• Computer Optimized: Best experience on desktop/laptop computers
• Responsive Design: Automatically adapts to your screen size
• Touch Friendly: All controls work with touch interfaces

📏 Image Size Recommendations

• Optimal: Use images at least 512×512 pixels for best quality
• Minimum: Images should be at least 256×256 pixels
• Maximum: Limited by browser memory (typically 10-50MB)
• Aspect Ratio: Any ratio supported - images are automatically centered and proportioned

🎨 Design Considerations

• Simplicity: ICO files are used at small sizes (16×16 to 256×256), keep designs simple
• Contrast: Use high contrast for visibility at small sizes
• Transparency: Transparent areas are preserved in the final ICO file
• Colors: Works with any color scheme, including gradients

📁 Supported File Formats

• PNG: Best for transparency and high quality
• JPG/JPEG: Good for photographic images
• Batch Processing: Convert multiple files simultaneously
• Drag & Drop: Simply drag multiple files onto the converter

🔧 Image Editing Tools

Need to edit your image before creating ICO files? Use our free tools:

• Jupiter Resize Tool: Visit Jupiter Resize Tool
• Aspect Ratio: Images are automatically centered with proportions maintained
• Quality: Original image quality is preserved in the conversion process

📦 Generated ICO Features

• Multiple Sizes: Each ICO contains 16×16, 32×32, 48×48, 64×64, 128×128, and 256×256 versions
• High Quality: Advanced image smoothing prevents distortion
• Transparency Support: Preserves transparent backgrounds
• Aspect Ratio Preservation: Maintains original image proportions

Understanding Multi-Size ICO Files

Why ICO Files Contain Multiple Sizes:

ICO files are designed to be "smart" - they contain multiple image sizes in a single file so operating systems can automatically choose the best size for each display context:

Automatic Size Selection

• 16×16: Taskbar icons, small toolbar buttons
• 24×24: Menu items, small UI elements
• 32×32: Desktop icons, standard file explorer
• 48×48: Control panel, larger UI elements
• 64×64: High-DPI small icons, list views
• 128×128: High-DPI desktop icons, large previews
• 256×256: Extra large icons, high-DPI displays

Benefits of Multi-Size ICO Files

• Perfect Scaling: Each size is optimized for its display context
• No Pixelation: No blurry upscaling or loss of quality
• Single File Management: One ICO file instead of multiple separate images
• OS Integration: Works seamlessly with Windows' icon system
• Future-Proof: Ready for high-DPI displays and larger monitors

How the Analyzer Works

The ICO Analyzer reads the binary structure of ICO files to extract the directory header that lists all embedded images. It parses the ICO format specification to show you:

• File Validation: Confirms it's a valid ICO file format
• Size Detection: Reads each embedded image's dimensions
• Count Information: Shows how many images are included
• Format Education: Explains why multi-size is the industry standard

• Content Security Policy: Strict CSP headers prevent external resource loading
• No External Dependencies: All functionality is self-contained
• Sandboxed Environment: Browser security model isolates the application
• No Network Access: Application cannot make network requests