Open ICO files

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Have you encountered a problem with a ICO file? Don’t you know which program opens a file with this extension? You will find all the information you need about working with a ICO file here. In the further part of this page we have added a list of programs that should open your ICO file. It is enough you choose a proper application for your operating system, download and install it.

What is ICO file?

Files with the extension ICO contain icons, ie Small graphics that represent the representation of files or directories in a graphical user interface (GUI). They are used by different operating systems, eg Microsoft Windows.

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The graphics can be in different resolutions and color depths. The most common are 16x16, 32x32 and 64x64 pixels. Color depths from 16 colors (4 bits) to true colors (24 bits) are possible.
In addition to the normal graphics programs that can handle ICO, there are also special software that is designed to edit and create icons.

Programs which can open a ICO file

Windows

Linux

GIMP

Mac OS

How to open file with ICO extension?

In order to open a file with ICO extension one of the following programs must be installed on user’s system. If a problem with opening ICO file occurred, it is highly possible that none of the listed programs is present on user’s system. Even if one or more said programs are installed, there may be issues related with given programs. In order to solve a problem with ICO files, follow the instructions below.

Install Apple Preview or other program from the list

Most often resolving problems with opening ICO files is very simple. Just install an appropriate program that supports such files. All of the listed programs support ICO files, but may vary in offered function and purpose. Some programs may be capable only of viewing contents of ICO files or offer file conversion options, but may not be capable of editing such files.

Set Apple Preview as the default program for opening ICO files

It is possible that although a compatible program has been installed on user’s system, it is not used by the system to open it. This may happen because no default application was associated with this type of files. To associate ICO files with given application, select "Open with" from drop-down menu (accessed by right-clicking on the file). Then select from the list the program or application you want to be used to open this type of file. If the Apple Preview applications is not on the list, select "Browse" option in order to manually locate the directory where Apple Preview has been installed.

Check the section that lists most common problems with ICO files

Sometimes problems with opening ICO files may not lie with the application itself, but can arise due to other causes, such as:

File data is corrupted
ICO files has been not been completely download from the internet (only a part of the data has been downloaded)
Currently used user account hasn’t been granted necessary privileges to open ICO files (should that be the case, please contact your system administrator or IT specialist)
ICO file was being copied from a corrupted storage device and is incomplete or data is corrupted. (Copying files from unknown or untrusted sources should be conducted with great care as such files may contain malicious software, which can damage your system)