Convert HDR to ICO
How to convert HDR images to ICO icons using Photoshop, GIMP, IcoFX, or online converters.
Convert HDR files online
We don’t have a dedicated online converter for HDR to ICO yet, but you can convert HDR files online to these formats:
How to convert hdr to ico file
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Understanding the hdr and ico file formats
HDR (High Dynamic Range) files are raster image files that store a wide range of luminance levels, often used in photography, 3D rendering, and visual effects to preserve details in both shadows and highlights. The most common HDR format is the Radiance .hdr file, which is used for environment maps and lighting in 3D graphics.
ICO files are icon files used primarily in Microsoft Windows to represent application and file icons. An ICO file can contain multiple images at different sizes and color depths, making it suitable for scalable icons in user interfaces.
Why convert hdr to ico?
Converting an HDR image to an ICO file is useful when you want to use a high-dynamic-range image as an application or website icon. Since ICO files are widely supported in Windows environments, this conversion allows you to leverage unique HDR visuals for branding or UI customization.
How to convert hdr to ico
Direct conversion from HDR to ICO is not natively supported by most software, as HDR files use a high bit depth and ICO files require standard 8-bit or 24-bit images. The process involves two main steps:
- Convert the HDR file to a standard image format (such as PNG or BMP) using an image editor that supports HDR files.
- Convert the resulting image to ICO format using an icon editor or converter.
Recommended software for hdr to ico conversion
- Adobe Photoshop: Open the HDR file, adjust exposure and tonemapping, then export as PNG or BMP (File → Export → Export As).
- GIMP: Open the HDR file (with the appropriate plugin), export as PNG (File → Export As).
- IcoFX: Import the PNG or BMP file and save as ICO (File → Save As → ICO).
- Online Convert (online-convert.com): Upload your PNG or BMP and convert to ICO directly in your browser.
Step-by-step conversion example
- Open your HDR file in Photoshop or GIMP.
- Adjust the image as needed (exposure, tonemapping).
- Export the image as PNG or BMP.
- Open the PNG or BMP in IcoFX or an online ICO converter.
- Save or export the file as ICO.
Tips for best results
- Resize your image to standard icon sizes (16x16, 32x32, 48x48, 256x256 pixels) before converting to ICO.
- Ensure the image has a square aspect ratio for best icon appearance.
- Use PNG as an intermediate format to preserve transparency if needed.
Note: This hdr to ico conversion record is incomplete, must be verified, and may contain inaccuracies. Please vote below whether you found this information helpful or not.
HDR vs ICO: format comparison
How the HDR and ICO formats compare on the properties that matter most for this conversion.
| Property | .HDR Radiance HDR image | .ICO Icon Image File |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossless | Both |
| Transparency | No | Yes |
| Animation | No | No |
| Layers | No | No |
| Color depth | HDR / high bit depth | Indexed (256 colors) |
| Metadata support | Basic | Basic |
| Opens in a web browser | No | Yes, natively |
| Typical file size | Small | Very small |
| Open standard | Yes | Partly open |
| Best used for | Graphics and illustrations | Icons |
| Introduced | 1989 | — |
| Developer | Program of Computer Graphics, University of Utah | Microsoft Corporation |
| MIME type | image/vnd.radiance | image/x-icon |