Convert ICNS to ICONTAINER

Understanding ICNS and Icontainer file formats

ICNS is the Apple Icon Image format used primarily on macOS to store icon images in various sizes and resolutions. These files are essential for application and system icons, supporting transparency and multiple image representations within a single file.

Icontainer is a proprietary container format developed by The Iconfactory for their IconBuilder and CandyBar applications. It can store collections of icons, including ICNS files, along with metadata and previews, making it ideal for icon set management and distribution.

How to convert ICNS to Icontainer

Converting an ICNS file to an Icontainer format is typically done to organize or distribute multiple icons as a set, especially for use with icon management tools like CandyBar. Since Icontainer is a proprietary format, conversion options are limited to specific software.

Best software for ICNS to Icontainer conversion

The most reliable way to convert ICNS files to Icontainer is by using CandyBar (for macOS), developed by The Iconfactory. Although CandyBar is no longer actively maintained, it remains the primary tool for this conversion.

• Download and install CandyBar from The Iconfactory's website or trusted archives.
• Open CandyBar and drag your ICNS files into the application window.
• Organize your icons as desired within the app.
• Go to File → Export → Export as iContainer to save your icon set in the Icontainer format.

Alternatively, IconBuilder (a Photoshop plugin) can also create Icontainer files, but it requires Adobe Photoshop and is less user-friendly for simple conversions.

Important notes

• Icontainer is a proprietary format, so conversion is only possible with specific tools.
• CandyBar and IconBuilder are macOS-only applications.
• There are no reliable online converters for ICNS to Icontainer due to format restrictions.