Create a Windows ICO from a PNG or PSD

Create a Windows ICO from a PNG or PSD

When the artwork already exists, the fastest IconWorkshop workflow is to start from that image and let the application generate the full Windows icon family. This is still the right approach for logos, app marks, and UI assets delivered as PNG, PSD, or SVG.

Prepare the source

  • Use a transparent source image with the largest practical dimensions.
  • Keep PSD layers until the icon is approved; IconWorkshop can read PSD directly.
  • If the source is SVG, use it as the master and review the smallest raster sizes after import.
Automatic icon creation from a source image in IconWorkshop

Build and review

  1. Open the source image in IconWorkshop.
  2. Choose the Windows icon creation flow and keep alpha transparency enabled.
  3. Review the generated sizes, especially 16x16, 24x24, and 32x32.
  4. Save the final ICO once the small shell sizes read cleanly.

The goal is not just to make an ICO file. The goal is to package one approved artwork source into a shell-ready Windows icon that still reads well at every size.

Related tutorials

Build Cross-Platform Icons with IconWorkshop 6.97

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