ICO is a file format for computer icons, primarily used in Microsoft Windows environments. It supports multiple image sizes and color depths within a single file, allowing scalable icon rendering across different display resolutions. ICO files typically contain bitmap images encoded in PNG or BMP formats, with transparency support and compact storage for system and application icons.
Compact multi-resolution storage, built-in Windows support, transparency capabilities, small file size, easy scalability across different screen sizes, and native integration with Microsoft platforms and applications.
Limited cross-platform compatibility, potential quality loss during resizing, restricted to specific color depths, and less flexible compared to modern vector-based icon formats like SVG.
ICO files are extensively used for creating desktop application icons, website favicon images, file type representations, taskbar and start menu icons, and system tray application indicators. They are crucial in user interface design for Windows operating systems and web browsers that display site-specific icons.