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How to Convert BMP to ICO Favicon - Step by Step Guide

Step 1

Upload Your BMP Image

Start by uploading your BMP/Bitmap image. For best favicon results, use a square image (256×256px or 512×512px recommended):

Click to upload: Click the upload area or "Upload" button to select your BMP file
Drag and drop: Drag your BMP icon or image directly into the upload area
Try the sample: Click "Sample" to see demo favicon generation
Privacy guaranteed: Processing happens in your browser - files never uploaded
Step 2

Preview Your Image

Once uploaded, you'll see a preview of your favicon source image. The converter will display:

Image preview: Visual preview of your BMP image
File information: Original file name and size
Image dimensions: Width and height verification
Step 3

Automatic Multi-Size Generation

The conversion happens automatically and instantly after upload! Our custom ICO encoder creates a professional multi-resolution favicon using the HTML5 Canvas API:

6 standard sizes: 16×16, 32×32, 48×48, 64×64, 128×128, and 256×256 pixels
High-quality scaling: Uses advanced image smoothing for each size
Single file output: All sizes packed into one favicon.ico file
32-bit RGBA: Full transparency support if present in BMP

ICO Size Usage Guide

Each size serves a specific purpose as recommended by MDN Web Docs:

16×16: Browser tabs, bookmarks
32×32: Taskbar, address bar
48×48: Desktop shortcuts
64×64: High-DPI displays
128×128: Chrome Web Store
256×256: Retina displays
Step 4

Download & Use Your Favicon

Once conversion is complete (happens automatically!), you have these options:

Download as favicon.ico: Click "Download" to save your multi-size favicon
Copy to clipboard: Click "Copy" for quick usage
Place in root: Upload favicon.ico to your website's root directory
Convert more: Use "Clear" to create another favicon

How to Use Your Favicon

Add this to your HTML <head> section per W3C guidelines:

<link rel="icon" type="image/x-icon" href="/favicon.ico">

Frequently Asked Questions

What size should my BMP be for best results?

For optimal quality at all favicon sizes, start with a square BMP at least 256×256 pixels. A 512×512px source provides even better quality. While BMP files are large, the resulting ICO will be much smaller.

Why convert BMP to ICO instead of using BMP directly?

BMP files are uncompressed and very large, making them unsuitable for web use. ICO format creates a smaller file with multiple sizes optimized for different display contexts. BMP is also not supported as a favicon format by browsers.

Does BMP support transparency?

Standard BMP files don't support transparency. If you need a transparent favicon, consider using our PNG to ICO converter instead, as PNG supports alpha transparency.

Is this favicon generator free?

Yes, absolutely! This BMP to ICO converter is completely free with no watermarks, registration, or file limits. All processing happens in your browser using the Canvas API for maximum privacy and security.

Can I use BMP files from Windows Paint?

Yes! BMP files created in Windows Paint, Photoshop, or any image editor work perfectly. Just save or export your design as a BMP file, then use this tool to convert it to a multi-size ICO favicon. Check browser support for favicon formats.

How do I test my favicon?

Upload favicon.ico to your website's root directory and clear your browser cache. Check browser tabs, bookmarks, and history. You can also use online favicon testers or browser developer tools to verify it loads correctly. If you need to extract your favicon later, use our ICO to BMP converter.